Cost to Install Laminate Flooring
Homeowners spend about $2,998 on average installing laminate flooring, with most projects falling between $1,471 and $4,657 depending on room size and laminate quality. Every figure on this page is sourced — see below.
What's included in the cost
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Materials (budget to premium) | $1–$6.50 per sq. ft. |
| Installation labor | $2–$8 per sq. ft. |
| Underlayment | $0.30–$0.60 per sq. ft. |
| Old flooring removal | $2–$3 per sq. ft. |
| Subfloor repair (if needed) | ~$2 per sq. ft. |
Source: HomeAdvisor (updated June 17, 2026).
What affects the cost
- Quality tier. Budget smooth-finish planks run $1.70–$2.60 per square foot for materials, while premium handscraped-texture laminate runs $3–$6, per HomeAdvisor — before labor, which applies either way.
- Moving furniture. HomeAdvisor prices this at $20–$50 per room if you'd rather not do it yourself.
- Removing old flooring. Budget $70 per hour or $400–$600 per 200 square feet, according to HomeAdvisor.
- Subfloor and joist condition. A simple subfloor repair runs about $2 per square foot, but if there's structural floor joist damage, HomeAdvisor prices that repair at $10–$60 per square foot, or $1,500–$12,000 per room — a real reason to have a pro check the subfloor before you buy materials.
Common mistakes to avoid
The mistake HomeAdvisor calls out most directly: don't install laminate over existing carpet. The soft, uneven base doesn't support the planks properly, and doing it anyway can void the manufacturer's warranty. The correct sequence is to remove the carpet, confirm the subfloor is flat, and then lay underlayment before the laminate itself.
It's also worth budgeting 5% to 10% extra material beyond your exact square footage, per HomeAdvisor, to cover custom cuts around doorways and corners and to have matching planks on hand for future repairs. As with any flooring job, get estimates from multiple contractors and compare what's actually included — removal, underlayment, and furniture moving aren't always bundled into the headline price.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to install laminate flooring on average?
Homeowners spend about $2,998 on average installing laminate flooring, with most projects falling between $1,471 and $4,657, or roughly $3 to $13 per square foot, according to HomeAdvisor (updated June 17, 2026).
How is the cost split between materials and labor?
Per HomeAdvisor, laminate materials run $1 to $6.50 per square foot depending on style and finish, while professional installation labor runs $2 to $8 per square foot — labor makes up 20-50% of the total cost.
What's the cost difference between budget and premium laminate?
HomeAdvisor lists budget-friendly smooth planks at $1.70-$2.60 per square foot for materials, while premium handscraped-texture options run $3-$6 per square foot — before labor, which applies to both tiers.
How much does it cost to remove old flooring first?
HomeAdvisor estimates old flooring removal at $400 to $600 per 200 square feet (about $2-$3 per square foot), plus roughly $2 per square foot for any subfloor repair that's needed.
How long does laminate flooring last?
According to Angi, laminate flooring generally lasts 15 to 25 years with proper care. High-quality laminate in a low-traffic room can reach 30 years, while entry-level products in high-traffic areas may show significant wear in as little as 10 years.
Do I need underlayment, and does it cost extra?
Yes, laminate flooring is installed over underlayment, which HomeAdvisor prices at $30 to $60 per 100 square feet (about $0.30-$0.60 per square foot) on top of the flooring material and labor.
Can laminate flooring be installed over carpet?
No. HomeAdvisor explicitly warns against installing laminate over carpet, since the soft, uneven surface doesn't support the planks properly and can void the manufacturer's warranty. Remove the carpet, confirm the subfloor is flat, and install underlayment before laying laminate.
Related projects
Have a specific laminate flooring question, or think one of these numbers is out of date? Contact us and we'll look into it.