Installing New Flooring in Your Home
Your home is your castle. The flooring in that castle is one of the most visible design elements of your entire home, and is constantly on display. Years or even decades of daily foot traffic can make even the toughest carpet or hardwood floors look dingy and worn. There are several reasons to embark on a new flooring installation project, including:
- Update your floor’s appearance. Perhaps your tile flooring is outdated and you are looking to modernize a space in your home with a fresh new look.
- Repair damaged flooring. Your older floorboards may be damaged, cracked, loose, or even molding underneath. These emergencies require a quick flooring replacement.
- Increase home value. Aesthetics aside, new flooring can increase the value of your home, the National Association of Realtors reports.
- Add comfort. Whether you want to install carpet or unique bamboo wood flooring, flooring replacements are one of the preferred renovation projects for bringing homeowners additional comfort and enjoyment in their residences.
Whatever the reason, if you have decided it is time for a flooring upgrade, you have a wide range of options when it comes to a flooring installation.
Modernize created this comprehensive guide to help homeowners form a game plan for their flooring renovation projects. We include helpful information about flooring installation costs, types of flooring, full versus partial flooring replacements, and more. We can answer any questions you might have about your flooring installation. When you are finalizing your renovation plans, Modernize can help you find a reliable contractor in your area to install new flooring.
How Much Does a Flooring Installation Cost?
One of the most important parts of preparing for a flooring installation is budgeting for the project. In fact, according to a July 2021 survey by Modernize, 32% of homeowners reported that cost and budgeting were the most important factors in planning for a flooring installation project.
The cost of new flooring depends on the type of flooring installed, the room size, the flooring brand you choose, and local contractor prices in your area. Below you will find an overview of flooring prices, from lowest to highest, based on the type of flooring and cost per square foot. Keep in mind that installation and labor costs can range between $1 and $2 per square foot, in addition to the cost for materials.
| Type of flooring | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Carpet | $1 to $6 |
| Sheet vinyl and vinyl plank | $2 to $3 |
| Linoleum | $2 to $4.80 |
| Engineered wood | $2.40 to $6.40 |
| Laminate | $4 to $8 |
| Hardwood | $6 to $12 |
| Porcelain and ceramic tile | $3 to $10 |
| Natural stone | $7 to $20 |
Most flooring types have multiple options that come at varying qualities. Polyester and olefin fiber carpets are more budget-friendly, while wool, nylon, and triexta are higher quality carpets and pricier. Likewise, redwood flooring may cost you more than a traditional oak hardwood flooring.
It is also important to note that there may be additional costs for underflooring materials. For example, carpet padding is highly recommended to install underneath carpet flooring and starts at $0.61 per square foot. Thick, high-grade carpet padding is worth every penny, especially if it’s covering a concrete slab foundation. Similarly, underlayment for laminate floors averages $1.80 per square foot.
It’s worth nothing that national home improvement retailer centers typically offer many cost-conscious options. Also, flooring installation contractors typically charge for demolition or tear-out and disposal of your existing flooring. This averages $50 to $475 total to remove and dispose your old flooring.
Choosing Between Types of Flooring
There are lots of different types of flooring that homeowners can choose from during renovations and installations, from hardwood to carpet to versatile options like laminate. According to a July 2021 homeowner survey by Modernize, the most popular types of flooring for homes are carpet, hardwood, tile and laminate flooring.
Keep in mind that there are countless style options within the above flooring categories. When you begin your flooring project, your contractor can help you decide on which type and style is best for your home or particular room.
Let’s break down several main flooring types individually to help you gain a better understanding of their pros and cons, and how each may fit into your flooring renovation plans.
Carpet Floors
Most homes have carpet flooring installed in at least a few rooms. The Carpet and Rug Institute says carpet’s main benefits are its beauty, style, improved air quality, warmth, comfort and noise reduction. Carpet is also environmentally sustainable, and comes in a wide variety of types and styles that suit just about any needs and budget.
On the downside, carpet can show wear after a few years of hard use, and is known to trap and hold troublesome allergens such as dust and dander. Carpet also requires routine maintenance such as vacuuming and the occasional shampooing. It also can be stained by spills or pet mishaps.
Hardwood Floors
Hardwood flooring is one of the most desirable types of flooring for modern homes. A few main benefits of hardwood include its rich natural beauty and ambiance, wide variety of timeless styles and materials, durability, and little day-to-day maintenance.
Types of hardwood range from oak to maple to mahogany and dozens of other types of wood. Disadvantages of hardwood include a rather hefty price tag for materials and installation. It is also prone to dents, scratches, and other forms of wear and tear over time.
Keep in mind that if you love the look of hardwood but its price exceeds your budget, you can explore engineered wood flooring. Engineered wood looks and feels like natural wood flooring but comes with a lower cost.
Tile Floors
There are various types of tile flooring available to homeowners. Popular and cost-effective types of tile include porcelain and ceramic tile. Porcelain tile shares similar base materials as ceramic tile. However, porcelain is typically stronger, denser and more durable, since it is fired at higher temperatures.
Natural stone tiles can also add unmatched visual appeal and elegance to just about any interior space. Common stone tiles include marble, limestone, travertine and granite. On the one hand, natural stone is incredibly durable and boosts your home’s R-value during warm summer and cold winter months. On the other, natural stone is among the costliest flooring types.
Overall, tile is extremely wear-resistant and requires little maintenance. This makes it a great option for high-traffic areas such as hallways, entryways, kitchens and bathrooms. It comes in a wide range of visually appealing sizes and styles. Potential drawbacks include a significantly higher price for materials and installation than other flooring solutions. Tile also can feel quite chilly underfoot in colder climates. Some homeowners also choose to routinely seal their tile and grout lines to help protect it.
Laminate Floors
Laminate is a popular flooring solution because it provides durability, style and low maintenance. It also comes with more affordable price points compared to other flooring types. Laminate flooring typically consists of four-piece construction: base, core, design and wear layers. Laminate floors are moisture and stain resistant, easy to clean, and come in a variety of styles. Style options include those that look and feel like natural stone or hardwood.
Keep in mind that laminate cannot be sanded and refinished like regular hardwood. Scratches, dents and the like can be difficult to repair.
Vinyl Floors
One reason engineered vinyl plank flooring has grown in popularity is because it can visually mirror more expensive flooring options. You can choose planks that look like wood, marble, natural stone, tile or parquet flooring, but pay a much lower price.
Engineered vinyl flooring consists of a tough vinyl top layer covering an engineered wood core. These durable, waterproof planks are perfect for high-traffic areas since they do not easily scratch or stain and are easily cleaned.
Linoleum Floors
Linoleum flooring an inexpensive floor covering that has been used for decades in residential homes. Linoleum is sold in sheets or tiles that fit snugly together and are glued down with a spread adhesive. It is durable, easy to clean and requires no routine maintenance such as sealing. A few drawbacks include the fact that linoleum can be dented from drop impacts, it can fade in direct sunlight, and often does not offer the same visual appeal as other flooring options.
Bamboo Floors
Many people mistake bamboo for hardwood flooring, but bamboo is actually a type of grass. Nevertheless, bamboo flooring is a unique, cost-effective option for homeowners who like the look of hardwood. Bamboo is also eco-friendly, waterproof, comfortable to walk on, and can be installed in various styles.
Cork
Another popular modern choice for flooring installations is cork flooring. Cork is an eco-friendly, sustainable material that allows for added comfort and cushioning underfoot. This flooring type is also resistant to mold, mildew, termites and fire. Not to mention, it is aesthetically pleasing and absorbs sound, making it a great option for home workshops, offices, and studios.
Concrete
Polished concrete flooring is a simple and affordable flooring option for homeowners, as many homes are already equipped with concrete floors. Concrete is extremely durable and easy to clean, making it a low maintenance flooring option that is compatible with kitchens, bathrooms, foyers, and basements.
6 Factors to Consider When Choosing New Floors
Now that we have covered common types of flooring, let’s dive into some of the most common considerations when choosing new flooring. Primary concerns include cost, style and durability. However, other factors you should consider when choosing new flooring include its location and daily usage, maintenance and potential return on your investment.
Here’s a closer look at each factor:
1. Cost
Perhaps the most important factor for the majority of homeowners. We’ll take a deep dive into new flooring costs in the next section.
2. Style
Certain types of flooring will match your home’s décor and personal taste better than others. Also, when styling new floors, it is important to consider the room’s use and activity level – is it a high-traffic area, or a part of the home that’s a bit quieter? Is it a common gathering place? Will it need frequent cleaning, with kids playing or due to spills while cooking dinner?
For instance, according to Living Spaces interior designer Shelby Greene:
“Rugs, and rug-pile height, or the length of a rug’s fibers, can make a dramatic difference in the look and feel of a home, especially with brand new floors. High-pile rugs, like shag, bring coziness, while low-pile rugs that sit close to the floor are best for high-traffic areas and bring in color while being easy to clean.”
Consider consulting with a design professional to help you make flooring choices that you’ll be happy with today as well as years later.
3. Maintenance
Some types of flooring are more difficult to keep clean and appealing in appearance than others. Hardwoods and laminates, for example, typically show dirt and dust more than carpet. Consider how often you prefer to vacuum and mop before choosing your new flooring.
4. Durability
Have kids or pets? Both can be exceptionally hard on flooring. Tile and stone flooring are more expensive than other options but offer exceptional durability and scratch resistance. Laminates, meanwhile, typically straddle the middle ground between expensive and durable. Carpet is easily cleaned, but it can show stains and wear over time. Think hard about potential uses — and mishaps — before choosing new flooring.
5. Location
Certain rooms lend themselves to certain types of flooring. Tile and hardwood floors are visually pleasing, but they aren’t much fun to sit or lay on. Carpet with a nice, thick underpad may be a better, more comfortable option for high-use areas such as living rooms and bedrooms.
6. ROI
If your floors need a makeover, consider whether you’re living in your forever home or you might move in the next 5 or 10 years. Hardwood and engineered flooring offer visual appeal, durability and could be an attractive amenity for future homebuyers. It also could provide a modest bump to your asking price at sale time. Carpet, on the other hand, could be a less expensive option upfront but might need replacing down the road. If you don’t plan on moving, a longer-lasting option might be the wiser choice since you won’t have to re-address the problem.
Final Thoughts on Flooring Installations
Installing new flooring is a great way to increase the daily enjoyment of your home. It also can attract potential buyers by boosting the “wow” factor if you are considering putting your house on the market. If you’re staying put, updating your flooring can provide improved ambiance, livability and functionality to your home.
We hope you’ve found the information in this guide helpful in figuring out what type of flooring works best for your renovation project. Modernize can also help you find contractors in your area to ensure the job gets done correctly. Your home is your castle, and you’re in it nearly every day of the year. Installing new flooring is a great way to enjoy your castle all the more.
