Cost to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring in 2024
Whether you’re in the market for a complete flooring upgrade or want to renovate a room, you’ve probably heard of vinyl plank flooring. Vinyl plank flooring is becoming increasingly popular, and it’s easy to see why: it’s remarkably durable and low-maintenance, simple to install, and a more cost-friendly alternative to natural tile, stone, or hardwood — without sacrificing the visual appeal. The cost of a professional, full-service vinyl plank flooring installation could land anywhere from $16 to $18 per square foot, but this number may vary depending on several factors. We’ll cover all of them and more in this blog, so if you’re looking for a deep dive into what to expect price-wise when installing vinyl plank in your home this year, you’re in the right place!
Cost Factors to Consider
When it comes to installation costs for vinyl plank flooring, quite a few factors will influence your final price. The size of the room, the quality of the vinyl plank material, and any extra steps that need to be taken before the installation, such as removing the old floor, are some of the most essential details to keep in mind.
Another cost consideration is selecting a flooring contractor. While big box retailers, such as Lowes or Home Depot, may offer a lower initial price for the floor itself, this number won’t account for the extra costs of removing old flooring or clearing furniture from the area (and typically won’t cover extra servicing costs you may face down the line either). When you choose a specialized company like Refloor, all of these additional costs will be included in the initial estimate, so there won’t be any surprises on installation day. Plus, with our 4-Part Lifetime Guarantee on our Smart Choice Luxury Vinyl Plank, we’ll take care of any future servicing at absolutely no cost to you!
Size and Layout
Unsurprisingly, the most significant cost factor will be the size of the room. The higher the square footage is, the higher your installation price tag will be. For example, at $20 per square foot, you can expect to pay around $3,600 to install vinyl plank flooring in a 200-square-foot room, while a 100-square-foot room will cost around $1,800. The layout of a room will also play a role in the price. Complex layouts that include tight corners, unique shapes, or small nooks and crannies may require extra planning and special trimming, driving your total cost up. As you might expect, the price to install vinyl plank flooring on stairs will also run a bit higher for this reason.
Material Quality and Types of Vinyl Plank
Vinyl plank flooring can be placed into two categories: standard vinyl plank (SVP) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP). SVP typically consists of around four different layers of material, while LVP contains as many as eight layers, making it thicker, firmer, and softer underfoot. SVP is a more budget-friendly option at $16 per square foot, but LVP offers more durability and longevity, excellent moisture resistance, and a more realistic appearance. As a result, LVP is slightly more expensive than SVP, averaging around $18 per square foot. Try out our Visualizer Tool to see what new flooring will look like in your home.
Preparation Costs
If you need your old flooring removed before installing your new luxury vinyl plank, this could add to your total installation cost. Old flooring removal typically costs around $32 per hour. At Refloor, we include this cost in our initial pricing, along with the labor cost for furniture removal. Remember that many big box retailers do not factor these costs into the listed prices for flooring, so when selecting a contractor, it’s important to note everything the estimated price will cover.
Servicing
Typically, a floor will require four to five services throughout its lifetime, which can cost up to a few hundred dollars. On top of that, servicing a floor installed by a big box retailer is often lengthy and complicated. Determining whether responsibility should fall on the store location, installation crew, or manufacturer will cost you unnecessary time and peace of mind. Our 4-Part Lifetime Guarantee eliminates this hassle: Refloor will cover the cost of any servicing your floors require – at any time! And you won’t need to wait around. When you call Refloor, we will inspect your floor the same day and repair it in less than a week.
Advantages and Disadvantages of DIY
While it’ll save you costs, installing your own floor will be highly time-consuming. Depending on the size of the project and how much time you can dedicate to it, you may be looking at weeks or even months of work. Professional installation, on the other hand, typically only takes a day or two to complete. Your personal skill level is another critical consideration. Even if you’re an experienced DIY-er, cutting and installing each plank requires incredible precision. Even the slightest mismeasurement can cost you extra money. With professional installers, you won’t need to stress over this — and when you choose Refloor, you’ll get our lifetime guarantee. So, if any issues arise, you can count on them being covered at no cost.
For a more in-depth comparison of DIY and professional flooring installation, check out our blog post on the topic: Professional Installed Flooring vs. DIY
While it’ll save you costs, installing your own floor will be highly time-consuming. Depending on the size of the project and how much time you can dedicate to it, you may be looking at weeks or even months of work. Professional installation, on the other hand, typically only takes a day or two to complete. Your personal skill level is another critical consideration. Even if you’re an experienced DIY-er, cutting and installing each plank requires incredible precision. Even the slightest mismeasurement can cost you extra money. With professional installers, you won’t need to stress over this — and when you choose Refloor, you’ll get our lifetime guarantee. So, if any issues arise, you can count on them being covered at no cost.
For a more in-depth comparison of DIY and professional flooring installation, check out our blog post on the topic: Professional Installed Flooring vs. DIY
Why Invest in Refloor?
When you’re looking to save money on a new flooring project, it’s easy to focus on the lowest price you find and ignore long-term costs. However, paying a higher price upfront for a full-service installation like Refloor will ensure a worry-free installation performed by our professionally certified installers and a genuine lifetime guarantee on your new floors.
Unlike many “lifetime” guarantees offered by big box retailers, which will often trick you with exceptions hidden in the fine print, our promise is straightforward and loophole-free. While DIY might seem like the most cost-effective option, even the most minor mistakes can lead to additional expenses – and will surely cost you your leisure. When you choose Refloor, you’re not just investing in quality flooring; you’re choosing a hassle-free, professional installation that will stand the test of time.
Budgeting Tips
Before you make your final decision, here are a few last-minute tips to help you save the most on your vinyl plank installation:
DIY Removal
If you’re not 100% confident in your ability to install your floor yourself, removing your old floor before the professionals come in could save you significantly on labor costs. However, DIY flooring removal leaves much less room for error. You could uncover unexpected issues such as mold, water damage or uneven subfloors. Laminate floor removal can be particularly challenging and time consuming. Lastly, you’ll be responsible for disposal which can also be a hassle.
Obtain Multiple Quotes
It’s always a good idea to compare installation estimates from multiple companies.
Watch Out For Deals
Watch for sales, coupons, deals, or offers to save on your total cost.
The Time of Year Matters
Avoid renovating your floors during peak seasons. Spring and fall are the most popular times of year to replace flooring, so if you can, wait until summer or winter to get the best bang for your buck.
If you’ve been convinced to install new vinyl plank flooring in your home this year, there’s no better selection than what we offer at Refloor! In addition to our top-of-the-line flooring materials, you’ll get:
- 110% Money Back Guarantee
- Shop-at-home Convenience
- All-inclusive Pricing
- 4-part Lifetime Guarantee
- Flexible Financing
At Refloor, our flooring crews are professionally trained to exact standards. They are licensed and insured and undergo rigorous training at The Refloor Way.
Forget the stress of lifting furniture, hauling away debris, and meticulously installing every plank – your installation day is all about relaxation and anticipation. Our expert crews handle everything, from carefully moving your belongings to seamlessly integrating your new floor with existing spaces. We handle the heavy lifting, repairs, and cleaning, leaving you with a flawless, polished finish and a brand-new floor. To top it off, we walk you through the project, ensuring you’re thrilled with your beautiful new floors. So, kick back, unwind, and prepare to be 5-Star Happy™!
Invest in peace of mind and quality assurance. Contact us today and discover the comfort and beauty of professionally installed, high-quality flooring.
FAQs
Q: Can vinyl plank flooring be repaired if damaged or scratched?
A: For the most part, vinyl plank flooring is durable enough to withstand everyday wear and tear. Minor scuffs or scratches can often be removed using a repair kit, which you can find online, directly from the manufacturer, or at most home improvement stores. If a repair kit isn’t cutting it, you can always replace individual planks without redoing the entire floor.
Q: How does vinyl plank flooring cost compare to other flooring options?
A: Vinyl plank flooring typically costs more than laminate, but it costs less than the hardwood, stone, and tile it’s designed to resemble. As we’ve learned, the final price can be influenced by multiple factors. However, vinyl plank flooring is highly cost-effective, especially compared to hardwood options.
Q: Are there any maintenance or care costs associated with vinyl plank flooring after installation?
A: Vinyl plank flooring is exceptionally low-maintenance to care for– all you need is a mild cleaning solution to mop with. Even dish soap works! And, unlike hardwood or laminate, vinyl plank flooring requires no refinishing or sealing, so you won’t need to worry about running into additional costs down the line.
Q: How durable is vinyl plank flooring, and what is its expected lifespan?
A: Vinyl plank flooring’s durability makes it perfect for high-traffic and moisture-prone areas. It’s difficult to scratch or stain and waterproof, which is why it’s a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms. With proper care, vinyl plank flooring should last 10 to 20 years, depending on the material’s quality and exposure to foot traffic and other wear and tear. But at Refloor, we guarantee that our floors will last a lifetime!