Luxury Vinyl Flooring Cost Guide: Prices, Installation, and Budget Tips

Luxury Vinyl Flooring Cost Breakdown: How Much Should You Expect to Pay?

Luxury Vinyl Flooring Cost Breakdown: How Much Should You Expect to Pay?

Material prices, labor, prep work, and room size all play a role in the final number. And depending on the choices you make, the total luxury vinyl flooring cost can vary more than you’d think.

This guide covers everything you need to know: how pricing works, what affects it, and how to plan your budget without guesswork.

Let’s get started.

What Is Luxury Vinyl and Why It’s Popular

Luxury vinyl flooring is designed to look like wood or stone but comes at a much lower price. It’s made of several layers that make it both durable and water-resistant, which is why so many homeowners choose it for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

There are two main types: luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT). Planks mimic hardwood, while tiles often look like stone or ceramic. Both are available in a wide range of styles, textures, and colors.

One of the biggest reasons for its popularity is how easy it is to clean and maintain. Many vinyl flooring types are scratch-resistant and can handle high-traffic areas without showing wear.

Another key advantage is how simple the installation process can be. Many homeowners choose floating floor systems that click into place without glue or nails. This makes it easier to install vinyl flooring yourself and skip some of the added labor costs.

If you're working with a professional, vinyl flooring installation is still quicker and more affordable compared to other flooring options like hardwood or stone. This helps keep your total flooring cost down while still getting a great look.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring Material Costs (Per Square Foot)

When budgeting for a vinyl floor, the first thing to look at is the material cost. Prices can vary depending on the quality, thickness, and brand you choose.

On average, luxury vinyl flooring costs between $2 and $10 per square foot. Here's what that range looks like in real terms:

• Budget vinyl plank flooring: $2 to $4 per square foot Good for light-traffic areas or short-term use. Thinner wear layers and basic visuals.
• Mid-range luxury vinyl plank: $4 to $6 per square foot A popular choice for most homes. Better durability and more realistic wood or tile looks.
• High-end vinyl flooring material: $6 to $10 per square foot Thicker, longer-lasting, and often includes waterproof cores or enhanced textures.

Some luxury vinyl tile or vinyl plank floor products may fall slightly outside this range, especially from premium brands or collections.

Keep in mind that this is just the cost of the flooring material itself. The total flooring price goes up once you include floor installation and any prep work.

Installation Costs: DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Installing luxury vinyl flooring can be a DIY-friendly job, especially if you go with a floating floor system. These planks lock together without glue or nails, which makes them easier to manage for first-timers.

But not every space is that simple.

If your subfloor is uneven or you’re working around lots of corners and fixtures, hiring a pro can save you time and headaches. It also ensures your vinyl floor lays flat, looks clean, and lasts longer.

Average Labor Costs

Expect to pay about $2 to $5 per square foot for professional installation. That rate goes up if your installer needs to:

• Remove old flooring
• Prep or repair the subfloor
• Add underlayment
• Move furniture or appliances

These services are usually not included in the base install price, so be sure to ask.

We’ve seen homeowners save hundreds by doing it themselves, especially in small, square rooms with floating floors. But we’ve also seen botched installs where seams didn’t line up or planks popped after a few weeks.

If you’re tackling it DIY, go slow and don’t skip subfloor prep. If you’re hiring it out, make sure the quote includes everything: removal, leveling, and haul-away. Some companies charge extra for the things they should’ve included from the start.

DIY vs. Pro

DIY can save you hundreds (or more), but it’s not for everyone. If you have the tools and follow the manufacturer’s steps closely, go for it. Just keep in mind that bad installs often lead to voided warranties or future repairs.

For larger jobs or rooms with odd layouts, hiring professional flooring installers usually pays off.

Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Cost Calculator

Before getting too deep into product options, it helps to figure out a rough estimate for your flooring budget.

Here’s a simple three-step way to calculate your expected flooring cost:

Step 1: Measure Your Room

Multiply length by width.
Example: 12 ft x 15 ft = 180 sq. ft.

Step 2: Pick Your LVP Tier

• Budget LVP: $2–$4 per sq. ft.
• Mid-range LVP: $4–$6 per sq. ft.
• High-end LVP: $6–$10 per sq. ft.

Step 3: Add Installation (if hiring a pro)

• Add another $2–$5 per sq. ft. for labor.

Estimate Example:

Mid-range flooring + pro install

• 180 sq. ft. x $6 = $1,080
• 180 sq. ft. x $10 = $1,800

So your total cost per square foot will likely fall between $6 and $10, depending on material grade and added services.

Total Project Cost Estimates Based on Room Size

Once you factor in both the material and the labor, the total cost of your vinyl flooring installation starts to take shape.

Let’s break it down using average prices.

If you go with a mid-range luxury vinyl plank, you’ll likely spend about $6 to $10 per square foot installed. That includes both the planks and the cost to hire someone to put them in.

Here’s how that plays out by room size:

• Small bedroom (120 sq. ft.): $720 to $1,200
• Living room (300 sq. ft.): $1,800 to $3,000
• Whole house (1,000 sq. ft.): $6,000 to $10,000

Prices will be lower if you go with a basic vinyl floor, and higher if you’re installing top-tier luxury vinyl plank flooring or running into extra prep work.

If you’re paying for tear-out, subfloor repairs, or underlayment, that will also raise the final number. Some contractors bundle these services into their flooring cost, while others charge separately.

To get an accurate estimate, measure your space, choose your flooring material, and multiply that by the full cost per square foot including installation.

How Do Vinyl Plank Flooring Costs Differ by Type?

Not all vinyl plank flooring is priced the same. The type you choose has a big impact on both the cost of vinyl and how much you’ll spend on the overall flooring project.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common types of vinyl and what you can expect to pay:

Standard LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank)

• Cost: $2 to $5 per square foot
• Best for: Light traffic areas, rentals, or short-term use
• Entry-level flooring material with basic wear protection and simple visuals.

Waterproof or Rigid Core Vinyl

• Cost: $4 to $7 per square foot
• Best for: Homes with pets, kids, or areas prone to moisture
• Thicker planks, better durability, and a more realistic look.

High-End LVP with Enhanced Wear Layers

• Cost: $6 to $10 per square foot
• Best for: Long-term homeowners, resale value, premium designs
• Includes embossed textures, realistic wood patterns, and long warranties.

Each flooring type not only changes how your space looks but also impacts the vinyl plank flooring cost when you add in installation and prep work.

Choosing the right option depends on your budget, lifestyle, and how long you want the floor to last.

Factors That Influence Vinyl Flooring Costs

Not all vinyl floors cost the same. A few key details can raise or lower the price of your flooring project, even if you're covering the same square footage.

Type of Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl plank and luxury vinyl tile are the most common, but other options like sheet vinyl or rigid core vinyl may cost more or less depending on the brand and features. Thicker products with waterproof cores usually come at a higher price point.

Some types of vinyl are easier to install than others. Floating floors are quicker to lay down, while glue-down options take more labor.

Quality of the Material

The flooring material itself affects the price. Higher-end vinyl comes with stronger wear layers, better texture, and more realistic patterns. These details help your floors last longer, especially in busy areas.

Installation Method

Click-lock planks are easier and faster to install, which can reduce installation cost. Glue-down or loose lay flooring may add time and labor charges. The more complex the installation method, the more you’ll pay in the end.

Subfloor and Prep Work

If your existing flooring is damaged or uneven, expect to pay extra to prep the surface. This includes the removal of old flooring, smoothing out subfloors, and sometimes adding underlayment.

Layout and Room Shape

Room shape matters. A clean rectangle? Easy. Lots of hallways, closets, or corners? That’s more time, more cuts, and more cost

Additional Cost Considerations

The price tag on your vinyl flooring installation isn’t just about materials and labor. There are often extra costs that show up once the project starts.

Here’s what else can affect your installation cost:

1. Removal of Old Flooring

If you’re replacing carpet, tile, or hardwood, expect to pay $1 to $4 per square foot for removal. Someflooring installers include this in their quote. Others charge it as a separate line item.

2. Subfloor Repairs or Leveling

An uneven or damaged subfloor needs to be fixed before you can install vinyl. This might cost $2 to $5 per square foot, depending on the condition of the floor underneath.

3. Underlayment

Some vinyl plank flooring products come with padding attached. If yours doesn’t, you may need to add underlayment for better comfort and noise control. That’s another $0.50 to $2 per square foot.

4. Moving Furniture and Appliances

Most installers charge extra to move large items out of the way before they start. Clear the room yourself to avoid these charges if you can.

5. Trim, Baseboards, and Door Adjustments

Installing a new floor sometimes means adjusting baseboards or trimming doors to fit. Small details, but they can add time and cost to the job.

Keeping these in mind while budgeting your flooring project helps avoid surprise expenses later on.

Is Luxury Vinyl Flooring Worth the Investment?

For most homeowners, yes.

Luxury vinyl flooring gives you the look of hardwood or tile without the high price. It stands up to water, scratches, and daily wear, especially in high-traffic spots like kitchens and entryways.

It’s cheaper to install than hardwood and easier to live with. No sealing, no sanding, just sweep and mop.

If you want a durable, low-maintenance floor that looks good and won’t blow your budget, luxury vinyl is a smart choice.

If you're still weighing the pros and cons, we covered this more in-depth in our post on whether a luxury vinyl plank is worth it. It breaks down cost vs. value and how it stacks up long-term.

Money-Saving Tips and Red Flags to Watch For

Saving on your vinyl flooring installation doesn’t always mean going cheap. It’s about knowing where to spend and where you can trim back without hurting the results.

How to Save on Your Flooring Project

• Shop off-season: Flooring sales usually happen in late fall or early winter. Contractors may also offer lower rates when demand is down.
• Buy in bulk: Some stores cut the price when you order a higher quantity of the same vinyl flooring type.
• Skip unnecessary add-ons: Underlayment might not be needed if your planks already have it built-in. Check the product specs before adding costs.
• Do the prep yourself: If you can remove the old flooring or move furniture ahead of time, it can lower your installation cost.

Red Flags to Avoid

• Very low quotes: If a contractor gives you a price that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Cheap jobs often skip proper prep or cut corners during install.
• No warranty or contract: A pro installer should always back their work with clear terms.
• Generic materials: Off-brand or bargain-bin planks might look good now but wear out fast. Always check the wear layer and water resistance before buying.

Choosing the right vinyl flooring type and installer can make a big difference in the outcome of your flooring project, and in how much you’ll spend later to fix it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to install 1,000 square feet of luxury vinyl floors?

Expect $6,000 to $10,000 total, including materials and labor. High-end options or extra prep work can push it toward the upper end.

How much should I budget for LVP flooring?

Plan for $6 to $8 per square foot installed. DIY installs can drop that closer to $3 to $5, depending on the product.

What is a good price for luxury vinyl plank flooring?

A solid range is $4 to $6 per square foot for quality materials with good durability and realistic wood looks.

Is LVP cheaper than hardwood?

Yes. LVP usually costs less to buy and install. It’s also easier to maintain, especially in homes with kids or pets.

Ready to Start Your Flooring Project?

Now that you have a clear idea of what goes into luxury vinyl flooring installation costs, you're in a better position to plan your next step.

Looking for affordable, high-quality luxury vinyl flooring options? At Carpet Exchange, we offer a wide range of LVP styles and provide expert help to guide your next flooring project.

Get a Quote → Browse our LVP selection or get a personalized quote from Carpet Exchange today.