Vinyl plank flooring is an increasingly popular choice for homeowners. Offering all the benefits of traditional vinyl flooring, vinyl plank flooring provides an aesthetically pleasing option that mimics a solid wood effect. Suppose you’re considering your options and thinking about installing vinyl plank flooring. In that case, this guide will provide you with some helpful information about the cost of vinyl plank flooring and tips to help you achieve the best results in your home.
How much does it cost to install vinyl plank flooring?
Vinyl plank flooring is a modern alternative to traditional vinyl. Vinyl has been popular for decades, but today, luxe finishes and wood effects take the world by storm. Vinyl plank flooring differs from conventional vinyl flooring because it is laid in pieces rather than in sheets that cover the entire floor space. You can create a wood floor without splashing out hardwood with vinyl plank flooring. For many people, cost plays a part in choosing a type of flooring. The cost of installing new floors can vary hugely, according to the materials you use.
The cost of vinyl plank flooring will vary according to the size of the house and the labor costs charged by the contractor. There is no universal price for the average home, but typically, you can expect to pay between $7,013 and $17,813 for a house covering 2,500 square feet. The lower price is representative of mid-range vinyl plank flooring and DIY installation, while the higher fee reflects high-grade and labor costs to remove and replace old flooring. It is possible to fit new vinyl plank flooring or to upgrade existing materials.
If you’re totting up the cost of vinyl plank flooring, you should work on a price of approximately $2-$5 per square foot. However, if you pay a contractor to install the floor, the cost will rise by around $2.50/sq.ft, bringing the total up to $4.50-$7.50 per square foot.
Factors that affect the cost of vinyl plank flooring
Various factors can affect the price of a new vinyl plank floor, which is why the cost can range from less than $10,000 to almost $20,000. The most significant factors include the following:
The type of vinyl: the cost of vinyl planks varies according to the type. As with most materials, a range of options is available, from entry-level to luxury products. Generally speaking, the closer the vinyl plank is to natural wood, the higher the price. You can pay as little as $2 per square foot for no-frills vinyl planks, but the cost can rise to approximately $6/sq.ft for more luxurious options. It’s up to you whether you want to pay less for a more basic finish or more for an authentic-looking aesthetic. The more expensive versions make it virtually impossible to tell the difference between vinyl planks and natural wood.
Removing old flooring: it is possible to lay vinyl flooring on top of existing materials, but this is not always the best option. If you’ve been advised to remove the existing flooring before the vinyl planks are laid, this will carry an extra charge. If you need the floor dismantling, get some quotes that cover the entire project, and then you can compare prices before you make a decision.
Working around furniture: if you’re laying a new floor in a room full of stuff, you may need to factor in the cost of paying contractors to remove furniture unless you’re willing to do this. If this is a cost you’re ready to cover, ask contractors to include this fee in the final written quote.
Labor costs: when you pay for a new floor to be installed, you must combine the cost of materials with labor fees. Labor charges will vary according to how long the job takes and the rates of individual contractors. Some firms may charge more than others. Before choosing a contractor, you are comparing prices, and getting quotes from different companies is a good idea. You can use our simple online form to obtain free quotes from local experts in no time at all. Every job is other, but typically, you can expect contractors to charge between $25 and $40 per hour for new floor installation. Removing existing flooring is likely to be around 25 percent cheaper. If you have a contractor coming to remove your old floor, it’s worth noting that you may have to pay fees for materials disposal. Your written quote should include a breakdown of all charges. Some contractors charge an hourly rate, while others will provide you with a total cost in advance.
Room size: the size of the room will impact the price. If you’re having new flooring laid down in the entire house, this will cost more than a single living room floor. Although larger rooms will cost more in total, they often represent better value for money than smaller spaces, as you may get a lower unit rate when buying in bulk, and labor fees may be lower. In addition, open spaces are more accessible to tackle than compact spaces, such as entrance halls and landings.
Time of year: demand for contractors rises and falls throughout the year, and most firms experience a lot busier periods than others. Many people choose to redecorate in the fall so that their homes look great for the holidays. If you’re looking for a contractor at a peak time, you may find that prices are higher. If you’re not in a rush, it’s worth biding your time and taking advantage of lower prices during quieter periods. January and February tend to be good months to contact local contractors.
Vinyl plank flooring is cheaper than hardwood flooring and some laminate flooring, but it is also a durable option. This means that opting for vinyl plank flooring could save you money both in the short and long term.
Tips for buying vinyl plank flooring
The cost of installing vinyl plank flooring can vary hugely, so it’s essential to get some quotes, look at what different contractors are offering and compare prices before making any decisions. Our simple form makes it as easy as pie to get quotes from local experts, so you don’t have to waste time or effort making calls and negotiating prices. Once you’ve got quotes in front of you, you’ll have the information you need to make a well-rounded decision. You can adjust the quote to suit your needs, for example, adding the removal of old flooring, and you can weigh up your options when it comes to choosing whether to do the work yourself or hire the experts. Getting written quotes and checking the breakdown of fees is always advisable before agreeing on a price.
Consider the aesthetic you want to create when looking at different types of vinyl plank flooring. If you’re desperate for a natural-looking finish, it’s best to pay a little more for a luxurious product that looks like solid wood. If you need inspiration, visit some stores and read some interior magazines. If you have a vision of how you want the room looks, help you find the perfect flooring. Then, get some prices for different types of vinyl plank flooring, set a budget, and see which options suit you best.
Many people save money on labor costs by fitting a new floor themselves. If you’re considering going down this path, it’s wise to follow guides. Although it may look like a simple job on paper, it’s pretty challenging to fit vinyl plank flooring if you’re not experienced in this area. The mechanisms used to connect the planks are complex, and if you’re a novice, you may be better off paying an expert to do the job for you. Experienced contractors will be able to lay vinyl plank flooring quickly and efficiently.
What are the pros and cons of vinyl plank flooring?
If you’ve decided that it’s time to replace old flooring or renovate a new home, you may be open to ideas when choosing new flooring materials. Hardwood floors are trendy but expensive, and they may not be accessible to everyone. Laminate floors are hugely popular because they offer a low-cost alternative to wooden floorboards, but they often don’t have the same aesthetic impact, and they’re not suitable for all areas of the home. Vinyl is an excellent alternative to both of these best-selling flooring options. Vinyl planks look the part, but they’re also designed to stand the test of time. Here are some pros and cons of vinyl plank flooring to bear in mind before you make a decision:
The pros
Durability: vinyl flooring has been used for decades, and one reason it’s so popular is its longevity. Vinyl is virtually indestructible and guaranteed to stand the test of time. Vinyl plank flooring can be used in every room in the home, and it’s an excellent option for families and homeowners who have pets, as it is resistant to staining, scratches, and water damage. If you’re looking for a robust flooring option, you can’t go wrong with vinyl plank flooring. In addition, most vinyl floors have a minimum warranty of 15 years.
Cheap to install: vinyl plank flooring is easy to install, mainly if the flooring is laid over existing materials. In many cases, an old floor must be removed before the new flooring is applied. Still, it’s often possible to lay vinyl over other materials without concerns about an uneven finish. The process of laying vinyl planks is also straightforward for experienced contractors. The planks lock together and don’t usually need glue to stay in place. As the installation process is quick and easy, you’ll save on labor costs.
Easy maintenance: once you’ve got a beautiful floor, you want to keep it that way for as long as possible. With vinyl plank flooring, it’s straightforward to keep on top of cleaning and maintenance. You can clean the floor, and you don’t have to worry about staining or polishing.
A range of options: vinyl flooring comes in a dazzling array of designs, and you can choose a style that suits your home and your tastes. Modern vinyl plank flooring looks similar to natural wood and contains a small amount of polyurethane, giving it a similar texture to wood. In addition, vinyl planks come in a range of sizes. Most people opt for planks measuring either 6 or 4.5 inches.
The cons
Resale value: buyers often look out for wood floors, and although vinyl offers a range of benefits, it may not be appealing to everyone. Laying down vinyl plank flooring is unlikely to boost the value of your home significantly, and in some cases, it could even put buyers off.
DIY: it may seem simple to piece vinyl planks together, but this is not straightforward. If you’re not experienced, it’s best to call in the experts. However, we can provide you with fast, accurate quotes if you’re looking for local contractors.
VOC content: VOC (volatile organic compounds) are found in a broad spectrum of interior products. They are emitted by PVC, one of the main components of vinyl flooring. VOCs can contribute to an elevated risk of health problems, but most people will not be affected. This is because the VOC content in the more expensive vinyl flooring types is shallow.
Are you thinking about replacing your floor? Are you searching for an affordable, durable, aesthetically-pleasing flooring material? If so, vinyl plank flooring could be an excellent option for you. While it’s impossible to put an exact price on installing vinyl plank flooring, you can expect to pay anywhere between $6,000 and $17,000 depending on the contractor you choose, the quality of the vinyl, and the labor involved. So, if you are toying with installing a vinyl plank floor, why not use our simple form to get quotes from local experts?
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