Shabby carpets, outdated vinyl, and worn-down wood floors can ruin the look of a room. If you want a room that looks and feels fresh, you need to start with what’s below your feet. That’s why many homeowners have repairing or replacing the floors on their list of essential home projects. A new floor adds style, functionality, and market value to any home. However, the expense causes many homeowners to pause. There are many factors to consider, so calculating how much it costs to refloor a house isn’t always easy. Homeowners might pay anywhere between $1 for a square foot of cheap carpet to over $20 for a square foot of high-quality hardwood.
The exact price will also depend on where you live, the sellers and contractors you work with, and other considerations. However, knowing average prices and the various factors to consider will help you estimate a cost. Make an informed decision for your home by checking out this guide to reflooring costs.
Installing New Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring can vary dramatically in price. One of the biggest variables is whether you choose engineered hardwood or solid hardwood for your home. Solid hardwood, the traditional option, is more expensive than engineered wood floors. However, the price of both options will change depending on what you choose. The grade, finish, and plank width can also influence price. Generally, you can expect to pay between $3 and $18 for a square foot of engineered hardwood flooring and $8 to $20 for solid hardwood.
Repairing and Refinishing Wood Floors
In some cases, you can repair and refinish your wood floors instead of completely replacing them. If your floors have surface damage but are still structurally sound, sanding and refinishing them will make them look like new. The ability to refinish wood flooring means it’s incredibly durable and long-lasting. You can do this for both engineered and solid hardwood, but take care with engineered floors. If the veneer is too thin, sanding will expose the plywood core and ruin the plank.
Factors To Consider
One of the best parts of wood flooring is its durability. Both engineered and solid hardwood floors can last for decades in a home if you take good care of them. When calculating the cost of new wood flooring, you must consider the lifespan of your floors. Spending more for a durable option that you can continue to refinish over time can save you money in the long run. And as with many flooring options on this list, the installation method you choose will also affect your price.
Installing New Carpet
Carpet generally runs cheaper than most other flooring options. Homeowners can expect to pay around $1 to $7 per square foot of carpet. However, you can also find luxury carpets and other high-end options that will cost up to $20 per square foot. Many homeowners choose more expensive carpeting for its higher quality and special features, such as greater durability, water resistance, and hypoallergenic designs.
Cleaning and Repairing Carpet
If your carpet isn’t looking good these days, you might just need to give it a little TLC. Most homeowners don’t clean their carpets as often as they should. Shampoos or other deep cleaning solutions can get rid of dirt and stains. You can even hire a professional cleaning service to make your carpet look and smell like new again. In the event of burns, snags, or other damage, see if you can replace that patch of carpet instead of the entire floor. Professional services can remove and replace small areas, creating a seamless end result that looks as good as new.
Factors To Consider
In addition to installation and labor costs, you must factor in the cost of a carpet pad, tack strips, and other materials. The type of space you want to refloor also influences the price. A typical square or rectangular room is simple enough and will have lower installation costs. Complicated corners, squares, or tight areas will make installation more difficult and more expensive. Many homeowners also remove and replace their baseboards when installing new carpet, so that might be another factor to think about when estimating costs.
Installing New Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring can cost between $3 and $10 per square foot depending on the quality of the material you choose. The cheaper price makes laminate a good option for homeowners who want to mimic the appearance of wood or stone floors without paying for authentic natural materials. Laminate floors are durable and low maintenance, making them a relatively long-lasting option for the home. They’re also easy to install, allowing homeowners to save money on labor costs as well.
Repairing Laminate Flooring
In addition to general wear and aging, laminate floors can suffer cracks, buckling, or stains over time. Like carpet, you might be able to replace a section of your laminate floor rather than completely reflooring the room. Manufacturers design laminate for quick and easy replacements. A professional might be able to remove and replace a damaged section in a matter of hours.
Factors To Consider
Despite its durability, the fact that you can’t sand or refinish laminate means it doesn’t have as long a lifespan as hardwood or other flooring materials. Additionally, laminate doesn’t add the same value to your home that authentic materials would. Finally, the price of laminate heavily reflects its quality. Cheaper options will look less authentic and wear down quickly over time.
Installing New Vinyl and Linoleum Flooring
When calculating how much it costs to refloor a house with vinyl or linoleum, homeowners can expect to pay between $3 and $10 per square foot. Better quality products like luxury vinyl will be at the top of this price range. Vinyl and linoleum are both lightweight materials that are easy to use. You can also install these types of flooring directly over the old floor, which makes for affordable installation costs even in more complicated rooms.
Repairing Vinyl or Linoleum Flooring
Scratches, scuffs, and burns can wear down vinyl or linoleum flooring. Like laminate, vinyl and linoleum floors are fast and easy to repair. However, you should always work with a professional to complete the job. Improper installation can lead to buckling or bubbling, which ruins the appearance of the floor and causes problems down the road.
Factors To Consider
Vinyl and linoleum floors come in sheets, planks, and tiles. The type of flooring you choose affects installation costs. The price will also vary according to sealing and applicant costs. As with all flooring options on this list, you have to factor in the cost of cleaning, repairing, or replacing your subfloor when you install new flooring. Finally, if you choose to get rid of your old flooring instead of installing directly over it, you will have to pay to properly remove and dispose of the existing floor.
Which options are best for your home? If you want to delve deeper into wood flooring options, you can explore species, grades, stains, and other endless designs at From the Forest. Check out our warm natural red oak hardwood flooring and many other collections today.
