Orange Cat Flooring

February 5, 2025

A Step-by-Step Guide to Calculating Laminate Flooring Costs

Budgeting for New Floors? Here’s How to Calculate Your Costs


Before beginning a laminate flooring installation, it’s essential to accurately estimate costs to ensure your project stays within budget. Many factors influence the total price, including materials, labor, subfloor preparation, and additional components like underlayment and trim. By calculating these expenses upfront, homeowners can avoid unexpected costs and make informed decisions when selecting flooring options and installation services. Below is a step-by-step guide to estimating the cost of laminate flooring installation, helping you plan effectively and compare pricing options.


Step 1: Measure Your Space

The first step in calculating your laminate flooring cost is determining the total square footage of the area where the flooring will be installed.

How to measure your space:

  • Measure the length and width of each room.
  • Multiply the length x width of each room to get the total square footage.
  • If your space has multiple rooms or unusual layouts, break them into sections and calculate each one separately.
  • Add 5-10% extra for waste and cutting errors, ensuring you purchase enough material.
    • 📌 Example Calculation:
  • Living Room: 12ft x 15ft room = 180 sq ft
  • Bedroom: 10 ft x 12 ft = 120 sq ft
  • Hallway: 5 ft x 10 ft = 50 sq ft
  • Total Area: 350 sq ft
  • Adding 10% extra for waste: 350 x 1.10 = 385 sq ft

    • For larger projects, such as installing laminate in an entire home, the square footage could be 1,000 sq ft or more, making accurate measurements even more important.


    Step 2: Estimate Material Costs

    The cost of laminate flooring depends on the quality, thickness, and design of the material. Prices typically range from $1 to $4 per square foot, with higher-end laminate featuring waterproof properties, realistic textures, and enhanced durability.

    Cost Breakdown:

  • Budget Laminate (6-8mm thickness, standard finish): $1–$2 per sq ft
  • Mid-Range Laminate (8-10mm, textured surface, water-resistant): $2–$3 per sq ft
  • High-End Laminate (10-12mm, waterproof, hand-scraped or embossed finish): $3–$4 per sq ft

    • ✔ Example Cost for 1,000 Sq Ft:

  • Budget Option: $1,000 – $2,000
  • Mid-Range Option: $2,000 – $3,000
  • Premium Option: $3,000 – $4,000

    • If you're installing laminate flooring in multiple rooms, it's a good idea to choose a consistent material throughout the home to keep costs manageable.


    Step 3: Factor in Labor Costs

    Unless you plan to install the flooring yourself, labor costs will make up a significant portion of your budget. Professional installation typically ranges from $3 to $8 per square foot, depending on factors such as:

  • Project Complexity: Larger, open spaces are easier to install, while rooms with alcoves, staircases, or irregular layouts may take more time and increase labor costs.
  • Type of Laminate Flooring: Some laminate flooring options feature click-lock systems, which are quicker to install, while glued-down options require more time and effort.
  • Subfloor Condition: If the subfloor needs leveling or repairs, this will add to the labor cost.

    • Estimated Labor Cost for 1,000 Sq Ft:

  • Basic Installation: $3,000 – $4,500
  • Moderate Installation (includes minor floor prep, furniture moving): $4,500 – $6,500
  • Complex Installation (custom trims, staircases, intricate patterns): $6,500 – $8,000

    • Example Calculation at $5 per sq ft:

    1,000 sq ft x $5 = $5,000

    While labor costs can increase the total investment, hiring a professional installer ensures that your floors are properly laid out, minimizing potential issues like uneven planks, gaps, or misaligned boards.


    Step 4: Include Additional Expenses

    Aside from materials and labor, other factors contribute to the overall cost of laminate flooring installation.

    Underlayment: $0.20–$0.50 per sq ft

    Underlayment is a thin foam or rubber layer placed between the laminate and the subfloor to provide moisture protection, soundproofing, and extra comfort underfoot. Some laminate planks come with pre-attached underlayment, while others require a separate purchase.

    Underlayment Costs:
  • Standard Foam Underlayment: $0.20 – $0.50 per sq ft
  • Moisture-Resistant Underlayment: $0.50 – $1.00 per sq ft
  • Premium Soundproofing Underlayment: $1.00 – $2.00 per sq ft
    • ✔ Example Cost for 1,000 Sq Ft:

    1,000 sq ft x $0.30 = $300


    Old Flooring Removal: $1–$2 per sq ft

    Before installing new laminate, you may need to remove and dispose of old flooring. The cost depends on the type of flooring being removed and whether any additional subfloor repairs are needed.

    Flooring Removal Costs:
  • Carpet Removal: $1.00 – $2.00 per sq ft
  • Tile/Hardwood Removal: $2.00 – $4.00 per sq ft
  • Disposal Fees: $100 – $200
    • Example Cost for 1,000 Sq Ft (Carpet Removal at $1.50 per sq ft):

    1,000 sq ft x $1.50 = $1,500

    If you're removing the old flooring yourself, this could save $1,000 or more in labor costs.

    http://www.orangecatflooring.com/ flooring installer


    Trim & Moldings: $1–$3 per linear foot

    Trim and moldings are finishing touches that provide a seamless transition between laminate flooring and walls, doorways, or adjacent rooms. These may include:

  • Baseboards – Installed along the walls to cover gaps.
  • Quarter Rounds – Placed at the base of baseboards for extra coverage.
  • T-Moldings – Used between rooms or different flooring types.
  • Reducer Moldings – Helps bridge the height difference between laminate and other floors.
    • Trim & Molding Costs:

    $1 – $3 per linear foot

    Example Cost for 200 Linear Feet of Trim at $2 per ft:

    200 ft x $2 = $400


    🎯 Total Estimated Cost for 1,000 Sq Ft

  • Laminate Material $1,000 – $4,000
  • Labor Costs $3,000 – $8,000
  • Underlayment $200 – $1,000
  • Old Flooring Removal $1,000 – $4,000
  • Trim & Moldings $300 – $800

    • TOTAL ESTIMATED COST $4,000 – $12,000


    Accurately calculating the cost of laminate flooring installation allows you to plan your budget effectively and avoid surprises. The total cost will depend on your material choices, labor requirements, and additional expenses such as underlayment and subfloor preparation.

    Need an expert estimate? Call Orange Cat Flooring for a free consultation!