If you're looking to do some home renovations and are on a tight budget, vinyl flooring could give you the best bang for your buck. Not only are vinyl floors easy to install and durable, but they're also affordable. Depending on the materials you choose, you're looking at a cost of roughly $2 to $5 per square foot to install vinyl flooring.1 That's an inexpensive way to quickly update the look of your home.
What is vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring was once associated with peel-and-stick tiles, but that's a concept of the past. These days, vinyl floors are engineered with different materials and cut into sheets, tiles or planks. This gives you the look of high-quality flooring without the high cost of natural products like hardwood.
In addition, vinyl flooring is water-resistant and easy to maintain, and it fits well over most subfloors.
Types of vinyl flooring
Vinyl floors have different looks, so you can choose a material that suits your style and budget. Below, we've outlined some different types of vinyl flooring to consider.
Vinyl plank flooring
When it comes to vinyl flooring, planks are often popular. Although they can be more expensive than other vinyl flooring options, planks come in varying thicknesses. While thinner vinyl planks are less expensive than thicker planks, they're also more challenging to install.2 As a result, you could end up spending more on labor costs. Regardless of the thickness, vinyl plank flooring does not need to be glued or nailed down. Instead, it's installed by clicking the planks together.
Luxury vinyl tile
Some homeowners prefer luxury vinyl tile (LVT) over planks since it can mimic the look of stone or wood with embossed patterns. Similar to planks, vinyl tiles come in varying thicknesses. Generally, thicker tiles are better for high-traffic areas like your kitchen and hallways. The cost of vinyl tiles is similar to planks. However, if you need to replace your tiles, that's easier than replacing planks or sheets.2
Vinyl sheets
Vinyl sheet flooring is one of the most affordable flooring options available. You can have vinyl sheets cut to order, or you can purchase rolls that are 6 or 12 feet wide. This allows you to cover your floors with only a few seams or no seams at all. Even though vinyl sheets are cheaper than LVT or vinyl planks, they're still durable and waterproof, and they come in many different designs.2 That said, replacing damaged vinyl sheet flooring can be tricky because the entire sheet would need to be changed.
What is the average cost of vinyl flooring?
The cost of vinyl flooring depends on the materials you select and the labor costs associated with it. The national average cost to install vinyl flooring is $2,327, with a typical price range of $952 to $3,736.1
While vinyl flooring materials and labor will be the bulk of your costs, other factors can impact your overall budget. Not all of the following will come with a cost, but they're worth considering as you plan your renovations.
Quality of materials
The thickness, brand and quality of materials will affect your overall costs. If you're looking for high-end materials from top providers, you can expect to pay more than the average costs of vinyl flooring.
Furniture removal
To install vinyl flooring, you'll need a clean and clear space. While some people can move their furniture to another room, if you lack additional space or are redoing all your floors at the same time, you may need to pay for movers and temporary storage.
Old floor removal
Although vinyl flooring can often be installed over existing floors, it may be necessary to remove your old floors for a new start.3 This is a labor-intensive job that's best left to professionals. Some contractors may factor the costs into their quotes, while others may charge you an hourly rate. In addition, some contractors may charge you to dispose of the old materials at an appropriate site.
Underlayment
Your floors may need to be sanded and leveled before your new flooring is installed. If noise is a concern, you may want to consider adding an underlayment. Not only will this reduce sound, but it will also make your floors more durable. However, if you're purchasing thicker vinyl floors, you may not need an underlayment.
Trim
Many homeowners choose to add trim and molding to hide gaps near their walls. This can give your room and floors a consistent look. It's possible to use your existing trim, but it may not match your new floors. Prices of trim can vary because there are different types available, and you'll need to factor in additional labor costs.
Room size (square footage)
The larger the room, the higher your costs will be. Since you'll be covering more space, it will require more materials and hours to install.
Stairs
Adding vinyl plank flooring to stairs can add up quickly because it's a labor-intensive project. Planks must be cut to size, and the edges need to be covered for a clean look. In addition, your banisters may need to be temporarily removed to install the new floors. This will add additional hours of labor to your project.
Installation type
Most people opt for a single-style installation process when getting vinyl floors. However, if you decide to lay your planks in a custom design, it will increase your overall costs because more preparation and installation time will be required.
Vinyl plank flooring prices
Vinyl planks and tiles can give you a luxury look without breaking the bank. They're durable and ideal for homes with pets and children since they see more traffic. Also, since vinyl floors are water-resistant, they're a popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms.
Generally speaking, vinyl planks or tiles cost $2 to $3 per square foot for materials only, though higher-end planks or tiles could cost more.4 Labor may be an additional $1 to $2 per square foot.4 That means you can expect to pay about $3 to $5 per square foot if you're having a professional install the floors for you.
Vinyl sheet flooring cost
People on a tight budget may like vinyl sheet flooring because it's one of the more budget-friendly materials. Even though it's cheaper than vinyl planks and tiles, it's still waterproof, durable and suitable for high-traffic areas.
Vinyl sheets cost about $1 to $2 per square foot; labor will run you another $1 to $2 per square foot.4 That's a total of $2 to $4 to get vinyl sheet flooring installed.
| Types of vinyl flooring | Cost per square foot4 |
|---|---|
| Planks | $2-$3 |
| Tiles | $2-$3 |
| Sheets | $1-$2 |
How to calculate vinyl floor costs
It's easy to estimate vinyl floor costs if you know the approximate size of your rooms and what materials you'd like to use.
For example, let's say you want to replace approximately 1,000 square feet in your home with vinyl plank floors. Since it costs about $3 to $5 per square foot to have vinyl plank flooring installed, you can estimate that your renovation will cost between $3,000 and $5,000. Keep in mind that this estimate does not include any of the additional costs mentioned above.
Pros and cons of vinyl flooring
If you're looking to renovate, consider the advantages and disadvantages of vinyl floors before an installation. By researching all your options, you can make an informed decision.
Pros of vinyl flooring
- Affordable: If you're on a budget, you'll appreciate that vinyl flooring materials can be purchased for as little as $1 per square foot.4 Vinyl flooring can also be self-installed, if you're looking to save.5
- Durable: Since vinyl floors are water-resistant and stain-resistant, they require minimal maintenance. Plus, they're suitable for high-traffic areas.5
- Various designs: Vinyl floors can look like hardwood or natural stone, but they don't have the same price tag—and some people don't even notice the difference.5
Cons of vinyl flooring
- Can't be refinished: Vinyl flooring consists of a single wear layer that can't be refinished. Any repairs would require changing the affected area or the entire floor.5
- May not add resale value: If you're looking to increase your home's value, vinyl floors may not do much, as house hunters know that vinyl floors are a cheaper material.5
- Not great for the environment: Vinyl floors are known to emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can affect the health of those residing within the home.6 Avoid high-VOC flooring if this is a concern.
How to finance new vinyl floors
If you want to finance your new vinyl floors, consider the Synchrony HOMETM Credit Card. When making purchases of $299 or more, you get 6 months of promotional financing everywhere the card is accepted.* Plus, select Synchrony HOME participating locations may offer you longer-term promotional financing, ranging from 12 to 60 months on qualifying purchases.*
Learn more about the benefits of the Synchrony HOMETM Credit Card today, and prepare for your renovation project needs.
* Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. Promotional financing offers available at the time of purchase may vary by location. See store for details.