Laminate Flooring Prices: What to Expect

When you make the decision to go with quality laminate flooring, one of the first things you’re going to be concerned with is the cost.  So what can you expect it terms of price when it comes to flooring?

First you need to be aware of the fact that no flooring really comes “cheap”, at least not if you want to get something good.  While it is possible to find discount quality flooring and save some money, you need to be aware that cheapest isn’t best.  Look for sales from name brands that you know and trust or a quality company offering a holiday special.  If you’re on a budget for your flooring, shop smart and you can save without sacrificing quality.

When it comes to laminate flooring pricing, there are two different factors to consider: the flooring itself and the installation.  The price of good quality flooring is anywhere from about $1.50 to $3 per square foot of laminate.  The costs of installing laminate in an area of about 10 by 10 feet can range from $650 to $1500 on average.

Prices for installation will also vary depending on if it is floating flooring, glued laminate or glue-less laminate since they all take a different process and different amounts of work. Sometimes the room that the flooring is going in and the type of sub-floor existing can also make a difference in the price.

Prices of the actual flooring itself can vary according to things like design choices, AC ratings, brand names and the amount of laminate you need.  Usually higher AC rating will cost a bit more, but it’s necessary when you need it.  If you’re adding flooring to a low traffic, dry area, you can save some money by getting a lower AC rating laminate.  

You also need to purchase a roll of underlay sized to cover the entire area that will be laminated. This usually costs about 30 cents per square foot but can vary according to where you make your purchase.

Your individual style and where you make your purchase can also affect the pricing. If you want a special or unique pattern or limited edition style, you can expect that you’re going to have to pay a little more. Sometimes you can save when you buy in bulk, shop online or shop outlets and discount stores.

Now that you know more about what to expect from laminate flooring prices, you can make an informed decision about your own flooring and whether or not the price is right for you.  Smart shopping goes a long way for an investment on something like home or office flooring.