How Much Does Laminate Flooring Installation Cost in 2026?
By Michael JohnsonUpdated 9 sources comparedHow we estimate
Most homeowners pay $1,500 to $4,500 to have laminate flooring professionally installed, with an average of about $2,400 for a typical one- or two-room project. Installed prices run roughly $3 to $12 per square foot, and most mid-grade jobs land between $4 and $9. The biggest drivers are square footage, plank thickness and grade, labor rates in your area, and whether the old floor has to come out first.
- Typical cost
- $1,500–$4,500
- National average
- $2,400
- Full range
- $300–$28,000
The typical range covers professional installation of mid-grade floating laminate in about 200–500 sq ft, including labor and basic underlayment; the national low is a single small room and the national high is roughly 2,000 sq ft of premium laminate. Prices are per project, installed (typically one to two rooms).
Laminate flooring cost per square foot
The $2,400 average is the mean of the project averages published by Angi ($2,991), Fixr ($2,207) and Forbes Home ($2,100 per room). Per-square-foot figures vary more, mainly because each source bundles different things into "installed":
| Source | Materials per sq ft | Labor per sq ft | Installed per sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| This Old House (2026) | $1–$4 | $4–$8 | $5–$12 (from its room-size table) |
| ConsumerAffairs (2026) | $1.50–$9.50 | $0.60–$6 (avg. $3.30) | $3–$12 |
| Angi (2025 data) | $1–$5 | $2–$8 | $3–$13 |
| Fixr (2025) | $1.50–$3 (wood-look) | $4–$8 incl. underlayment | $6–$14 |
| Forbes Home (2025) | $1–$4 | $2–$7 | $3–$11 |
| The Home Depot | $0.79–$3 (avg. $1.50) | $2–$3 | $3.80–$4.80 (avg. $4.05) |
The Home Depot's figure is the lowest, likely because it reflects its own installation program with basic product and no prep work. Fixr's is the highest partly because its labor figure includes underlayment, and it notes thinner planks sit near the top of its labor range. ConsumerAffairs' $9.50 materials ceiling is its high-end product price. Our working range of $4–$9 per sq ft installed sits where most sources overlap for mid-grade laminate on a sound subfloor.
Estimate your cost
Enter the floor area you're covering, pick a laminate grade, and add any old flooring, baseboards or subfloor work your installer has mentioned.
Ranges come from the sources listed at the end of this guide. The labor portion is adjusted for your state with BEA price data. Your final price depends on site conditions and local codes.
Cost by room size
| Area | This Old House | Fixr | Forbes Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | $500–$1,200 | $600–$1,400 | $300–$1,100 |
| 200 sq ft | $1,000–$2,400 | $1,200–$2,800 | $600–$2,200 |
| 300 sq ft | $1,500–$3,600 | $1,800–$4,200 | $900–$3,300 |
| 500 sq ft | $2,500–$6,000 | $3,000–$7,000 | — |
| 1,000 sq ft | $5,000–$12,000 | $6,000–$14,000 | — |
| 2,000 sq ft | $10,000–$24,000 | $12,000–$28,000 | — |
For a 12×12 ft room (144 sq ft), ConsumerAffairs reports an average of $1,080, with most people paying $430 to $1,730. Small rooms cost more per square foot because installers often charge a minimum for the trip and setup.
Plank thickness and AC rating
Thickness and wear rating are the two specs that move material prices most. This Old House, Fixr and Angi publish nearly identical material-only prices by thickness:
| Thickness | Materials per sq ft |
|---|---|
| 6 mm | $0.70–$1.00 |
| 7 mm | $0.90–$1.00 |
| 8 mm | $1.00–$1.80 |
| 10 mm | $2.00–$4.00 |
| 12 mm | $2.30–$6.00 |
Thicker planks feel more solid underfoot and hide minor subfloor flaws better, but they don't make the surface more durable. That's the job of the AC (abrasion class) rating, which runs from AC1 to AC5. Angi puts AC1–AC5 products at about $1 to $3.50 per sq ft in materials. Fixr recommends at least AC3 for busy areas, and ConsumerAffairs calls AC3 the balance point for most homes; AC4 and AC5 are commercial grades that cost more.
Finish and texture also matter. Fixr lists smooth planks at $1.69–$2.59 per sq ft versus hand-scraped at $2.99–$5.99, and water-resistant products at $1.70–$5.80.
Labor vs. materials
Labor is roughly half the bill on a typical laminate job. Angi says labor is 20%–50% of total project cost and ConsumerAffairs says 30%–50%, while The Home Depot's breakdown ($2–$3 of labor in a $3.80–$4.80 total) and Fixr's ($1,000–$2,000 of labor in a $1,500–$3,500 job) put it closer to 55%–65%. We use a labor share of 50% for our state adjustments.
Installation method changes labor. Fixr prices floating (click-lock) installs at $4–$7 per sq ft, glue-down at $5–$8 and nail-down at $6–$8. Angi gives click-lock at $5–$9 and glued at $7–$11 installed. Most residential laminate is sold as a floating click-lock floor, which is the cheapest method to install.
What drives the price up or down
- Removing the old floor. Pro removal runs about $1.95 per sq ft (The Home Depot) or $1–$4 per sq ft, with carpet near $1 and heavy tile near $4 (ConsumerAffairs). Forbes Home puts tile removal at $2–$6 per sq ft. Angi estimates $400–$600 to clear a 200 sq ft room.
- Underlayment. If the planks lack a pre-attached pad, add $0.29–$0.79 per sq ft (The Home Depot) or $0.30–$1 (ConsumerAffairs). Basements and slabs also need a moisture barrier, about $35 per roll (This Old House, Fixr).
- Subfloor repair and leveling. Laminate needs a flat base. ConsumerAffairs prices leveling at $2–$8 per sq ft and hidden-damage repair at $2–$10. Forbes Home puts subfloor repair at $300–$400 per room and replacement at $600–$700.
- Baseboards and transitions. Removing and reinstalling baseboards costs $2–$6 per linear foot, and transition strips usually total under $100 (ConsumerAffairs). Fixr lists molding and trim at $0.99–$9.99 per linear foot.
- Stairs. None of our sources publishes a laminate-specific per-step price. Angi gives a general $11–$160 per step across flooring materials, with carpet at the low end. Laminate stairs need a stair-nose piece on every tread and many cuts, so ask for a separate per-step line on your quote.
- Layout. Herringbone patterns, lots of doorways, closets and angled walls add cutting time (ConsumerAffairs).
- Furniture moving. About $35 for up to six large pieces at The Home Depot, or $20–$50 per room (Angi).
Laminate vs. luxury vinyl plank vs. hardwood
| Flooring | Installed cost per sq ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $3–$13 (Angi) | Click-lock, scratch-resistant, standard cores dislike standing water |
| Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) | $5–$10 typical, avg. $6 (HomeAdvisor) | Waterproof core; This Old House puts 200 sq ft at $1,200–$4,000 |
| Hardwood | $6–$25 (Angi); $8–$20 (ConsumerAffairs) | Can be refinished; Fixr puts 200 sq ft at $2,800–$6,400 |
| Carpet | $3.50–$11 (Angi) | Fixr puts 200 sq ft at $980–$1,680 |
What's cheaper, vinyl plank or laminate? At the budget end they cost about the same, and Fixr's 200 sq ft comparison ($600–$2,000 for vinyl vs. $1,500–$3,500 for laminate) shows basic vinyl can be cheaper. Mid-range laminate is often a bit cheaper than mid-range LVP. The bigger difference is water: LVP is the safer pick for bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements, while laminate's wood-fiber core can swell if water sits on it.
Hardwood typically costs two to three times as much as laminate installed. For a full breakdown, see our hardwood floor installation cost guide. If you're weighing soft flooring for bedrooms, compare our carpet installation cost guide.
Laminate flooring cost by state
Installer rates track local wages and living costs, so the same 400 sq ft job can differ by hundreds of dollars from one state to the next. The table below starts from our national range, compiled from the sources above, and adjusts only the labor portion (50%) using the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities for each state.
| State | Typical range | Average | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,400–$4,300 | $2,300 | -5.0% |
| Alaska | $1,500–$4,550 | $2,400 | +0.9% |
| Arizona | $1,500–$4,500 | $2,400 | +0.6% |
| Arkansas | $1,400–$4,200 | $2,250 | -6.8% |
| California | $1,600–$4,800 | $2,550 | +6.3% |
| Colorado | $1,500–$4,550 | $2,400 | +0.7% |
| Connecticut | $1,550–$4,600 | $2,450 | +1.8% |
| Delaware | $1,500–$4,500 | $2,400 | -0.4% |
| District of Columbia | $1,600–$4,750 | $2,550 | +5.4% |
| Florida | $1,550–$4,600 | $2,450 | +1.8% |
| Georgia | $1,500–$4,450 | $2,350 | -1.6% |
| Hawaii | $1,550–$4,700 | $2,500 | +4.3% |
| Idaho | $1,450–$4,300 | $2,300 | -4.3% |
| Illinois | $1,500–$4,500 | $2,400 | -0.5% |
| Indiana | $1,450–$4,300 | $2,300 | -3.9% |
| Iowa | $1,400–$4,250 | $2,250 | -5.6% |
| Kansas | $1,400–$4,300 | $2,300 | -5.0% |
| Kentucky | $1,450–$4,300 | $2,300 | -4.7% |
| Louisiana | $1,400–$4,250 | $2,250 | -5.8% |
| Maine | $1,500–$4,450 | $2,350 | -1.4% |
| Maryland | $1,550–$4,600 | $2,450 | +2.0% |
| Massachusetts | $1,550–$4,700 | $2,500 | +4.1% |
| Michigan | $1,450–$4,350 | $2,350 | -2.9% |
| Minnesota | $1,500–$4,450 | $2,400 | -0.8% |
| Mississippi | $1,400–$4,200 | $2,250 | -6.3% |
| Missouri | $1,450–$4,300 | $2,300 | -4.1% |
| Montana | $1,450–$4,300 | $2,300 | -4.9% |
| Nebraska | $1,450–$4,300 | $2,300 | -4.8% |
| Nevada | $1,500–$4,450 | $2,350 | -1.5% |
| New Hampshire | $1,550–$4,600 | $2,450 | +2.6% |
| New Jersey | $1,550–$4,700 | $2,500 | +4.4% |
| New Mexico | $1,450–$4,300 | $2,300 | -4.8% |
| New York | $1,550–$4,650 | $2,500 | +3.8% |
| North Carolina | $1,450–$4,350 | $2,350 | -3.0% |
| North Dakota | $1,400–$4,250 | $2,250 | -5.7% |
| Ohio | $1,450–$4,300 | $2,300 | -4.1% |
| Oklahoma | $1,400–$4,250 | $2,250 | -5.8% |
| Oregon | $1,550–$4,600 | $2,450 | +2.3% |
| Pennsylvania | $1,500–$4,450 | $2,350 | -1.2% |
| Rhode Island | $1,500–$4,550 | $2,400 | +0.7% |
| South Carolina | $1,450–$4,350 | $2,300 | -3.4% |
| South Dakota | $1,400–$4,250 | $2,250 | -6.0% |
| Tennessee | $1,450–$4,350 | $2,300 | -3.7% |
| Texas | $1,500–$4,450 | $2,350 | -1.4% |
| Utah | $1,450–$4,400 | $2,350 | -2.5% |
| Vermont | $1,450–$4,400 | $2,350 | -1.7% |
| Virginia | $1,500–$4,500 | $2,400 | +0.4% |
| Washington | $1,550–$4,700 | $2,500 | +4.3% |
| West Virginia | $1,400–$4,250 | $2,300 | -5.1% |
| Wisconsin | $1,450–$4,350 | $2,300 | -3.4% |
| Wyoming | $1,450–$4,300 | $2,300 | -4.6% |
Material prices vary much less than labor because laminate is sold through national retailers at similar prices everywhere.
DIY vs. hiring a pro
Floating click-lock laminate is one of the most DIY-friendly floors you can buy. There's no glue, nails or curing time, and the planks lock together over underlayment. Fixr puts DIY at $1.50–$6 per sq ft versus $6–$14 per sq ft for a pro. Angi estimates a full DIY install costs $800–$3,500, a 20%–50% saving.
In practical terms, skipping $2–$8 per sq ft of labor saves about $800 to $3,200 on a 400 sq ft project. Even if you hire a pro, Angi notes that moving furniture, pulling baseboards and prepping the floor yourself can cut about two hours of labor, roughly $140.
Hire a pro when:
- The subfloor needs leveling or repair, or you're installing over a concrete slab with moisture concerns.
- The job includes stairs, which Angi recommends leaving to a professional, or a complex layout like herringbone.
- You're tearing out tile, which is heavy, slow work.
- Your home was built before 1978 and the job disturbs painted baseboards or trim. Paid contractors must follow the EPA's lead-safe Renovation, Repair and Painting rules.
How to save money
- Buy mid-grade AC3 laminate for bedrooms and living areas. You rarely need AC4 or AC5 at home.
- Choose planks with pre-attached underlayment to skip a separate pad and its labor. Don't double up on padding unless the manufacturer allows it.
- Do the prep yourself: move furniture, pull carpet and baseboards, and haul debris.
- Buy the right overage. Fixr suggests 5%–15% extra for cuts and future repairs, depending on the layout. Over-buying wastes money, and under-buying can leave you with mismatched dye lots.
- Ask for labor and materials as separate lines so you can compare installer rates directly, or get installer-only bids if you buy the flooring yourself.
- Get three quotes for the same square footage, product and scope.
There are no federal tax credits for flooring. When comparing products, check that the planks state they meet the EPA's TSCA Title VI formaldehyde standard for composite wood.
How to compare laminate installation quotes
A fair quote should list:
- Square footage measured, plus the overage percentage.
- The exact product (brand, thickness, AC rating) or a stated materials allowance.
- Underlayment and moisture barrier, priced separately or marked as included.
- Removal and disposal of the old floor.
- Subfloor prep: who decides if leveling is needed, and the per-square-foot rate if it is.
- Baseboards, quarter round, transitions, and stair nosing.
- Furniture moving and appliance disconnects.
- A labor warranty, separate from the manufacturer's product warranty.
Red flags: a price that doesn't mention subfloor condition; no acclimation step when the manufacturer requires one; or a bid far below the others that leaves out removal and trim.
Hidden costs people forget
- Subfloor surprises found after the old floor comes up: $2–$10 per sq ft for repairs (ConsumerAffairs).
- Moisture testing and a vapor barrier on concrete: $0.15–$0.50 per sq ft in materials (ConsumerAffairs).
- New baseboards or quarter round if the old trim cracks on removal: trim materials average about $2 per linear foot (ConsumerAffairs).
- Door trimming so doors clear the new, higher floor.
- Appliance moves in kitchens and laundry rooms.
- Junk removal, about $225 if not included (Forbes Home).
- Water damage under old flooring. If you find rot or mold, deal with the source first; our water damage restoration cost guide covers what that involves.
Bottom line
Professional laminate installation usually costs $1,500 to $4,500, about $2,400 on average, or roughly $4 to $9 per square foot for mid-grade planks. Labor is about half the bill, which is why floating click-lock laminate is such a good DIY candidate: doing it yourself can save $800 to $3,200 on a 400 sq ft room. Budget extra for removal, underlayment and any subfloor repairs. Get three itemized quotes that spell out prep and trim work before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does someone charge to lay laminate flooring?
Installers typically charge about $2 to $8 per square foot for labor alone (Angi $2–$8, Forbes Home $2–$7, Fixr $4–$8 including underlayment), or roughly $2 to $3 per square foot through The Home Depot's program. With mid-grade materials, most installed prices fall between $4 and $9 per square foot. Removal of the old floor, stairs and subfloor repairs are extra.
How much does it cost to laminate a 12x12 room?
A 12×12 room is 144 sq ft. ConsumerAffairs puts the average at about $1,080 installed, with most people paying $430 to $1,730. Using Fixr's $6–$14 per sq ft installed range, the same room would cost about $860 to $2,020. Expect the higher end if old flooring has to be removed or the subfloor needs leveling.
How much does it cost to install 1,000 square feet of laminate flooring?
Professional installation of 1,000 sq ft typically costs about $5,000 to $12,000 according to This Old House, and $6,000 to $14,000 according to Fixr. ConsumerAffairs gives a lower $3,000 to $12,000. Large open areas usually cost less per square foot than several small rooms with many doorways and cuts.
What's cheaper, vinyl plank or laminate?
They overlap. Fixr's 200 sq ft comparison puts vinyl at $600–$2,000 installed and laminate at $1,500–$3,500, so basic vinyl can be cheaper. HomeAdvisor puts typical luxury vinyl at $5–$10 per sq ft installed, similar to mid-range laminate. Luxury vinyl plank is waterproof, so it's usually the better choice for bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements.
How much can I save by installing laminate myself?
Floating click-lock laminate is very DIY-friendly. Fixr puts DIY at $1.50–$6 per sq ft versus $6–$14 for professional installation, and Angi estimates a full DIY job saves 20% to 50%. On a 400 sq ft project, skipping $2–$8 per sq ft of labor saves about $800 to $3,200, before tool costs.
Is laminate cheaper than hardwood flooring?
Yes, usually by a wide margin. Angi puts laminate at $3–$13 per sq ft installed versus $6–$25 for hardwood, and Fixr's 200 sq ft example shows $1,500–$3,500 for laminate versus $2,800–$6,400 for hardwood. Hardwood can be sanded and refinished, while worn laminate has to be replaced.
Do I need underlayment for laminate flooring?
Yes, unless the planks come with a pre-attached pad. Separate underlayment adds about $0.29–$0.79 per sq ft (The Home Depot) or $0.30–$1 (ConsumerAffairs). Over concrete, in basements or in other damp areas, you also need a moisture barrier, about $35 per roll (This Old House, Fixr).
Sources
We compared these sources to build the QuoteRuler range. State figures adjust the labor portion (50% of the total) using the BEA Regional Price Parities.
- Laminate Flooring Installation Cost — This Old House. Used for: Updated April 1, 2026. Materials $1–$4 per sq ft (avg. $2.50); labor $4–$8 per sq ft; room-size table 100 sq ft $500–$1,200, 200 sq ft $1,000–$2,400, 300 sq ft $1,500–$3,600, 500 sq ft $2,500–$6,000, 1,000 sq ft $5,000–$12,000, 2,000 sq ft $10,000–$24,000; thickness 6 mm $0.70–$1.00, 8 mm $1.00–$1.80, 10 mm $2.00–$4.00, 12 mm $2.30–$6.00; underlayment $30–$50 per 100 sq ft roll; moisture barrier about $35 per roll; removal $50–$70 per hour; subfloor $1.50–$7.00 per sq ft. Its FAQ gives a conflicting $5–$12 installed figure, which matches the room table..
- Laminate Flooring Installation Cost Guide — ConsumerAffairs. Used for: Updated August 27, 2026. Installed $3–$12 per sq ft; materials 50%–70% ($1.50–$9.50), labor 30%–50% ($0.60–$6, avg. $3.30); 12×12 room avg. $1,080, most pay $430–$1,730; 1,000 sq ft $3,000–$12,000; full home up to $24,000; underlayment $0.30–$1; removal $1–$4 per sq ft; leveling $2–$8; subfloor repair $2–$10; baseboard remove/reinstall $2–$6 per linear ft; trim about $2 per linear ft; transitions usually under $100; vapor barrier $0.15–$0.50; AC3 as residential balance point; hardwood $8–$20 installed..
- How Much Does Laminate Flooring Installation Cost? [2025 Data] — Angi. Used for: 2025 data (no exact update date shown). Average $2,991, range $1,472–$4,645; installed $3–$13 per sq ft; materials $1–$5; labor $2–$8; labor 20%–50% of total; AC1–AC5 $1–$3.50 per sq ft; thickness prices matching This Old House; click-lock $5–$9, glued $7–$11 installed; removal about $70 per hour, $400–$600 per 200 sq ft; subfloor about $400 per 200 sq ft; underlayment $30–$60 per 100 sq ft roll; furniture $20–$50 per room; full DIY $800–$3,500 (20%–50% savings); prep work saves about two hours (~$140); stairs best left to pros; hardwood $6–$25 installed..
- How Much Does It Cost to Install Laminate Flooring? — Fixr. Used for: Updated January 31, 2025. National average $2,207, range $1,500–$3,500 (labor $1,000–$2,000 of that); installed $6–$14 per sq ft; DIY $1.50–$6; labor $4–$8 including underlayment (floating $4–$7, glue-down $5–$8, nail-down $6–$8); room-size table 100–2,000 sq ft ($600–$1,400 up to $12,000–$28,000); thickness, texture (smooth $1.69–$2.59, hand-scraped $2.99–$5.99), water-resistant $1.70–$5.80; AC3+ for high traffic; click-lock removal from $2 per sq ft; molding $0.99–$9.99 per linear ft; buy 5%–15% extra; 200 sq ft comparison: laminate $1,500–$3,500, vinyl $600–$2,000, hardwood $2,800–$6,400, carpet $980–$1,680..
- Laminate Flooring Cost Guide — Forbes Home. Used for: Last modified February 7, 2025. Average about $2,100 per room, range $300–$3,900; installed $3–$11 per sq ft; materials $1–$4; labor $2–$7; room sizes 100 sq ft $300–$1,100 to 300 sq ft $900–$3,300; underlayment $40–$80 per 100 sq ft; removal $0.50–$3.50 per sq ft (tile $2–$6); junk removal about $225; subfloor repair $300–$400 per room, replacement $600–$700..
- Cost to Install Laminate Floors — The Home Depot. Used for: Retailer installation program (no update date shown). Total $3.80–$4.80 per sq ft (avg. $4.05); installation $2.00–$3.00, materials $1.50, underlayment $0.30 per sq ft; laminate $0.79–$3.00 and underlayment $0.29–$0.79 per sq ft nationally; flooring removal about $1.95 per sq ft; furniture moving about $35 for up to six large pieces..
- How Much Does LVT Flooring Cost? — HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.). Used for: Luxury vinyl comparison only (page shows no date; same parent company as Angi, so not counted as an independent laminate source): typically $5–$10 per sq ft installed, overall $3–$18, average $6; labor $2.50–$6 per sq ft..
- Cost to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring — This Old House. Used for: Updated June 5, 2026. Luxury vinyl plank 200 sq ft $1,200–$4,000 installed; labor $3–$10 per sq ft (comparison table only)..
- How Much Does Flooring Installation Cost? [2025 Data] — Angi. Used for: Stairs $11–$160 per step depending on material (general, not laminate-specific); carpet $3.50–$11 per sq ft..
- Regional Price Parities by State, 2023 — U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Used for: state cost adjustments.