Floors

Worn carpet, scratched wood, or a whole new look? Start here.

• Floors: cost guidePrices by type and by state, with the math shown.See prices →
• Floors: calculatorAnswer a few easy questions. Get your range.Try it →
• Fix it or replace it?Warning signs, life spans and the break-even math.Decide →

The short version

A new floor averages $3,153^[1] in the U.S. Most jobs cost $1,528 to $4,850^[1][1]. Vinyl and laminate cost the least per square foot.

Floors last very different lengths of time. Carpet lasts about 8 to 10 years^[2], while wood can last 100+ years^[2][2].

Which page do you need?

• What does it cost? The cost guide covers each floor type, extras, and floor layer pay by state.
• What will mine cost? The calculator prices your square feet.
• Fix, refinish or new? The fix or replace guide shows the signs and a simple rule.

Every number on these pages links to its source. We show our math, so you can check it.

Floor types at a glance

Each floor feels and costs different. Here are HomeAdvisor's installed prices per square foot.

• Vinyl. Water-friendly and soft to walk on: $2.00/sq ft to $14.00/sq ft^[1].
• Laminate. Looks like wood, costs less: $3.00/sq ft to $13.00/sq ft^[1].
• Carpet. Warm and quiet: $3.50/sq ft to $11.00/sq ft^[1].
• Hardwood. Real wood you can sand again later: $6.00/sq ft to $25.00/sq ft^[1].
• Tile. Hard and long-lasting: $15.00/sq ft to $20.00/sq ft^[1].

Pick by room

• Kitchens and baths get wet. Think about tile or vinyl.
• Bedrooms are for quiet. Carpet is soft underfoot.
• Living rooms get a lot of feet. Pick something that holds up to wear.

Ask the installer which floors fit your room and your budget. Then price two or three of them.

Old floors: be careful

Some old vinyl tiles and glue have asbestos in them. The EPA says not to sand, scrape or break them if you are not sure^[3]. Pro removal costs $5.00/sq ft to $20.00/sq ft^[1].

How to measure for a new floor

Floors are priced by the square foot. You can find yours with a tape measure.

1. Measure the length of the room in feet.
2. Measure the width in feet.
3. Multiply the two numbers. That is the square feet.
4. Do this for each room, then add them up.

For odd shapes, split the room into boxes and add the boxes. As a check, HomeAdvisor's typical living room is 320 sq ft^[1]. A new floor in it costs about $4,000^[1].

Closets count too. So do hallways if the floor will run into them.

Care that helps a floor last

• Put mats at outside doors to catch grit.
• Use felt pads under chair and table legs.
• Wipe up spills fast, mostly on wood and laminate.
• Vacuum carpet often. Grit wears it down.

Good care can help a floor reach the long end of its life span. Laminate, for example, is listed at 15 to 25 years^[2][2].