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Are you curious about the cost of installing vinyl flooring? If so, you’ve come to the right place. From the cost of the vinyl planks themselves to the labor cost to install vinyl plank flooring, we’re covering it all.
5 Questions to Answer Before Installing Vinyl Plank Flooring
Several things can impact the total costs, including your goals, the room size, timeline, and more. Before you get started on your project, there are five questions you need to ask. These questions will help you assess the project and get a better idea of the total cost to install your vinyl flooring.
1. What Shape is the Flooring Area?
First, take the time to assess the current shape of the area where you want to install the vinyl flooring. Does it need to be leveled, or is it already flat? If the flooring area needs some prep work, this could affect your overall cost.
2. What is Your Timeline?
Your timeline will also play a role in your vinyl plank project. If you’re a little more flexible, you might be able to DIY and save some money.
3. What Amount of Foot Traffic Will the Room Receive?
It’s essential to know how much foot traffic there will be in the room because rooms with higher foot traffic will require more durable vinyl than less busy rooms. High-traffic rooms will require higher thickness and higher-quality materials which can result in higher costs.
4. Can You DIY the Project, or Do You Need Professionals?
Obviously, DIYing is cheaper than hiring a professional. However, that’s not always the best choice for every project. Just ask yourself whether you plan to DIY or hire someone because it will impact the overall total.
5. Which Type of Vinyl Flooring will You be Installing?
There are several types of vinyl flooring, and they range in price. The type you choose will play a significant factor in the total cost.
The Cost to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring
Once you have the basic questions out of the way, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty details that really impact price.
Materials
The type of vinyl plank you use will be the biggest determiner of price. Like any flooring material, vinyl plank ranges in quality and price, so you can find a material that matches your budget and goals.
The three main material options are vinyl plank, WPC vinyl, and rigid core vinyl. We’ll talk about the three materials in a bit, but first, let’s talk about general costs.
As an example, you can get vinyl sheet for as low as $1-$2 per square foot. Whereas the average vinyl planks cost closer to $2-$3 per square foot.
However, you don’t have to use sheet vinyl to stay on budget. The cheapest variety of planks average around $1.19 per square foot (or lower).
Keep in mind that lower-cost planks will be vinyl planks made with a stone polymer core. They’re best for home projects or residential spaces and can last around five to ten years, if well maintained.
On the other side of the coin, high-quality vinyl planks will run as high as $5.29 per square foot on average. These higher-grade options are commonly selected in high-traffic homes or commercial spaces, thanks to their greater durability.
Other materials to consider include:
- The underlayment – averages 30 to 80 cents per square foot. (Many LVT planks already have an underlayment attached. If not, you’ll want to purchase it separately to reduce noise and have a softer floor).
- The vapor barrier – averages 15 to 40 cents per square foot. (Vapor barriers are primarily used when LVT is installed over concrete).
- Adhesives – Adhesives run around $35 -$55 per gallon. Many LVT varieties are ready to stick and don’t require any additional adhesive. However, if your LVT doesn’t, you’ll have to purchase an adhesive separately.
Vinyl Plank
Vinyl planks are synthetic and made from plastic. The top layer is called the wear layer. It serves as both the decorative design and as an added layer of protection to the floor. Beneath the wear layer is a foam layer, followed by the backing.
The basic vinyl plank is by far the cheapest option on the market. It generally has a thin, hard core that makes it great at resisting dents and overall durability.
WPC Vinyl
WPC stands for “wood-plastic core.” In this variety, the vinyl’s core is made from a mix of polymers and wood or bamboo dust. WPC vinyl is thicker than a regular vinyl plank, but it’s also softer, making it a bit more prone to gouges and dents.
WPC flooring generally has interlocking, clicking edges and doesn’t require any adhesives.
Rigid Core Vinyl
Rigid core vinyl is the latest and greatest in resilient flooring. It’s water-resistant and incredibly durable. It’s built to stand up in residential spaces and commercial spaces alike. Rigid core vinyl is the highest quality material for vinyl planks on the market, so they’re going to be the most expensive.
Installation
The labor costs to install vinyl plank flooring varies almost as much as the cost of materials does. If you DIY, then the installation is virtually free (minus the fee for tools, materials, and time).
However, if you hire a professional installer, it will cost a little more.
If you have to remove any old floor, expect to pay anywhere from 35 cents to $4 per square foot on labor, depending on the flooring type they have to remove.
The labor costs to install the floor vary depending on where you live and the size of the space.
As an example, if you wanted vinyl plank flooring laid down in a 300 square foot room in Hollywood, California, it would cost anywhere from $379-$615 in labor costs alone. With all the fees for the flooring, job supplies, and equipment, the total installation would run anywhere from $1,962 – $2,703 (or $6.54-$9.01 per square foot installed).
How to Shop for Durable Vinyl Flooring
Ultimately, the cost to install vinyl plank flooring depends on numerous factors. However, the good news is that you’re sure to find a style of LVT that fits your budget and goals.
If you want high-quality, durable, and stylish vinyl flooring, check out BuildDirect’s extensive collection of high-quality LVT. We have LVT to match every budget and project.
Plus, if you become a PRO Rewards member, you get free samples, money-back guarantees, exclusive discounts, and more. Become a PRO today and find the perfect vinyl plank for your project.
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