Due to its ability to snap together edge to edge, vinyl plank flooring can be installed over existing flooring without the need for glue or nails. Vinyl plank flooring is frequently used as a faux wood floor option.

Installing vinyl plank flooring ranges from $2 to $10 per square foot, and luxury vinyl plank flooring is priced between $1 and $6 per square.

What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?

There are different vinyl plank thicknesses available, with the thicker ones costing more but being simpler to install. Vinyl plank flooring is made to click together, so it doesn’t need to be nailed or glued down. Thinner planks are more challenging to install and click together, which can significantly raise labor costs. Since vinyl planks have a natural-looking wood grain and are waterproof and low maintenance, they make an excellent substitute for hardwood flooring and can be installed over concrete subfloors as a floating floor. A better-quality type of flooring is luxury vinyl planks. The top layer of the planks is tough and long-lasting, and the planks are thick. Luxury vinyl planks resemble real hardwood flooring because of their more realistic wood grain. Additionally, they click-lock together and function well over any subfloor.

Vinyl Plank Flooring Vs. Luxury Vinyl Tile

Luxury vinyl tiles are available in various thicknesses, similar to vinyl planks. In areas with a lot of moisture, vinyl tile is a fantastic option for flooring. Because it has embossed design patterns, the tile shape successfully imitates stone or wood tiles. It also has a thicker top layer and can be urethane-treated for greater scratch and stain resistance. Vinyl tiles are easier to replace than vinyl planks and sheet vinyl. The size and pattern of the flooring affect how much luxury vinyl tile costs.

Vinyl Plank Vs. Vinyl Sheet

Vinyl sheet flooring is one of the most budget-friendly flooring materials. In rolls or precut sheets that are 6 or 12 feet wide, vinyl sheet flooring is available. Some types of sheet flooring must be glued down completely, while others must only be glued down on the edges. The average price per square foot is between $0.50 and $1. Additionally waterproof, sheet vinyl is stain and scratch resistant. It has fewer seams than applying vinyl plank and is a great choice for areas with a lot of moisture. One downside of vinyl sheet flooring is that it’s difficult to replace since the entire sheet will need to be removed.

Factors in Calculating Cost to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring

It depends on a number of variables how much it will cost to install vinyl plank flooring. Prices may vary from the national average due to local labor costs, materials, quality, location, installation style, plank thickness, and core construction.

Labor

A vinyl flooring contractor charges approximately $36 an hour to install vinyl plank flooring. Without accounting for the price of the flooring materials, this works out to an average of $1 to $5 per square foot. Due to the cost of labor in the region where the home is located, labor costs may differ from the norm. Labor costs in large cities are typically higher than in more rural areas of the country.

Materials and Quality

The cost of installing new flooring will vary depending on the quality of the vinyl materials used. Printed vinyl flooring has the color and pattern printed on a layer of paper affixed to the top layer of vinyl but below the finished surface. The quality of this type of flooring varies, with a higher level of quality coming at a higher price point. A typical price per square foot for printed sheet vinyl, vinyl composition tile (VCT), and plank vinyl is between $1 and $7. Driven color granules are inserted into the top layer of vinyl to create inlaid flooring. Compared to printed vinyl flooring, this technique gives the flooring more depth, detail, and texture. This technique is used to create realistic stone and wood patterns in luxury plank vinyl and tile. The price per square foot for inlaid vinyl flooring ranges from $5 to $12.

Geographic Location

The geographic location of the home will affect the overall cost to install vinyl plank flooring. Labor fees and material prices will vary from the national average depending on the cost to move and deliver materials. Higher labor rates are typically required because of higher living expenses.

Installation Method

The cost of the flooring project as a whole can vary depending on how vinyl plank flooring is installed. There are three methods for installing plank flooring: floating, peel-and-stick, and glue-down. The glue-down method takes more time and is more labor intensive, so it’s the most expensive option. A floating floor is the most budget-friendly method of installation.

Plank Thickness

Because they are thicker, high-end vinyl planks cost more. The wear layer and plank will be more durable and long-lasting if they are both thicker. The ideal thickness is 8 millimeters, though 5 millimeters is a good starting point. Only use thin planks—anything less than 3 millimeters—in places with minimal foot traffic. It is advised that the wear layer be 12 mils thick or greater. A thickness of 20 millimeters or more is recommended for busy homes and high-traffic areas.

Core Construction

The core of vinyl plank flooring can be rigid or flexible. When exposed to direct sunlight, vinyl flooring with a flexible core is prone to warping and bending. It needs a level and smooth subfloor to ensure the best installation.

Vinyl flooring with a rigid core is a solid and long-lasting option. The additional rigid layer makes it more expensive, but it is easy to maintain. Rigid core planks have a solid center that creates a more realistic wood-like feel. It is available in a variety of textures, hues, and designs that can mimic the appearance of vinyl and hardwood. It is more resilient and cushioned than other vinyl flooring. One of the biggest advantages of rigid vinyl planks is that they’re 100 percent waterproof. The cost of rigid vinyl flooring ranges from $3.50 to $12, and there are two different types.

• Wood plastic composite core (WPC). WPC costs between $4 and $12 per square foot for materials. With a wood plastic composite core, it has a vinyl exterior. It won’t warp or ripple, and the solid core is waterproof. The vinyl layer is protected by a wear layer that protects it from scratches. With its many patterns and designs, it is ideal for use on uneven subfloors.
• Core made of stone-plastic composite (SPC). SPC, also known as stone polymer composite, has a material price per square foot of between $3.50 and $7. SPC is frequently used by homeowners to give their homes the appearance of natural stone or wood. Due to its durability, it is appropriate for areas with heavy traffic.

Additional Costs and Considerations

Budgeting for the price of installing vinyl plank flooring will involve additional price factors and considerations. These include the removal of old flooring, underlayment, trimming, design, stairs, and warranty.

Read More: White Stair Risers vs Wood

Removing Old Flooring

Old flooring removal costs $1 to $2 per square foot. It can take several days to install a new floor and costs about $36 per hour. It will take longer to complete the project and cost thousands of dollars in labor if the homeowner opts for a non-floating floor. There is a good chance that the adhesive used to install the existing flooring, which was glued down by an adhesive, contains asbestos if the flooring was installed in the 1980s or earlier. Homeowners are advised to call a professional to get it tested so it can be removed properly.

Underlayment

Some experts in vinyl flooring advise installing an underlayment underneath vinyl flooring. If you want to lessen noise and improve the surface’s comfort, using an underlayment is advantageous. Usually, this works out to $0.50 per square foot. Thicker vinyl floors that are floated do not need an underlayment.

Trimming

After installing vinyl flooring, trim and molding cover gaps near the walls. By tying the flooring and the remainder of the room together, it creates a unified appearance. Many homeowners will simply pay the labor costs to install the new trim while reusing the old trim. Purchase of new trim is another choice. The type of trim and the size of the area to be covered can affect the cost.

Design

Vinyl plank flooring comes in a variety of designs, patterns, and colors. The patterns and colors may deteriorate over time because the design is printed on the top layer. Down the line, the homeowner may need to replace some of the planks, especially in high-traffic areas.

Costs will go up if vinyl planks are laid out in custom patterns. More planning, various materials, and labor will be needed for custom designs.

Stairs

Vinyl plank flooring installation on stairs requires a lot of time and labor. The planks must be cut to size, and trimming will be needed to cover the edges. More trim results in more money spent on materials.

Warranty

Considering that vinyl planks cannot be refinished, investing in a warranty for vinyl flooring might be worthwhile. A few manufacturers of vinyl plank flooring provide material warranties, and reliable contractors back their work with warranties.

Benefits of Choosing Vinyl Plank Flooring

Choosing a new type of flooring for your home can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, including other composite options like laminate flooring, weighing the benefits and drawbacks of various flooring options can be difficult. Due to its many benefits, including how well it replicates the natural appearance of stone and wood, vinyl plank flooring has become a favorite among homeowners. (Read More: 10 Best Mop For Laminate Floors – Best Ways to Clean)

Hardwood Flooring Alternative

You can get the appearance of hardwood without paying the price with vinyl plank flooring. The imitation of numerous types of wood flooring by vinyl plank is excellent. Due to its lower installation costs than hardwood and lack of special maintenance, vinyl plank flooring is preferred by many homeowners.

Waterproof

Being waterproof is one of vinyl plank flooring’s most important advantages. However, you’ll still want to avoid pooling water on the vinyl plank floor since it can seep through and damage the subfloor, underlayment, and insulation.

Customizable Aesthetic

You can create any style for your home using vinyl plank flooring. You can achieve the look you want without going overboard, whether you favor lighter or darker woods. Furthermore, it will be less expensive to create a custom design for vinyl plank flooring than it is for hardwood.

Durability

Depending on the quality, vinyl plank flooring can offer a similar level of durability to hardwood flooring for a much lower cost. It is capable of withstanding busy residential and commercial settings.

How to Prepare for Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation

Here’s how to put your flooring together before installing the new vinyl planks because preparation is the key to a successful installation.

Fix Moisture Issues

Keep an eye out for any moisture that has accumulated on your floor as this can encourage the growth of mold and mildew. You should install a moisture barrier before applying the vinyl because moisture problems are frequent with concrete flooring.

Using a moisture meter is another reliable method of determining whether your floor is damp. Before installing the vinyl flooring, you can determine whether a polyethylene sheet is necessary by using these tools to monitor the moisture content.

Additionally, you can check for moisture by firmly sealing the edges of the vinyl flooring and taping it to the subfloor. For a few days, leave the vinyl alone. When you take out the flooring, see if the duct tape comes off more easily; if it does, the subfloor likely has some moisture on it.

You can use a dehumidifier in addition to a moisture barrier to get rid of any water vapor inside your house and off the floor.

Fix Holes and Cracks

Look for holes, cracks, and dents in the subfloor before installing vinyl sheet flooring. When the vinyl flooring is installed, you won’t be able to feel any sharp or uneven edges beneath your feet. To make the surface even enough to walk on, repair any low spots and replace any missing tiles.

The vinyl sheets should be applied after the glue has had time to dry. Even though some materials dry in as little as 20 minutes, it’s best to let them sit overnight to ensure the surface is completely ready.

Clean the Floor

Before installing the vinyl plank flooring, vacuum the subfloor and clean it with soapy water. The fact that you’ll be adding another layer on top makes it unnecessary to completely remove all stains. However, even a tiny stone will leave a mark on the vinyl flooring.

Final Thoughts

Vinyl flooring is a popular and practical choice for many homeowners because it is durable, versatile, and affordable, at an average cost of $1 – $6 per square foot.
While it is possible to install vinyl flooring on your own, a flooring installation professional has the knowledge, experience, and tools necessary to ensure a smooth and successful installation. Find a professional in your area right now.

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