Flooring Installation Cost | Laminate, Hardwood, Vinyl, Cork …

Installing Hardwood Flooring

One of the most popular and most attractive flooring options in the home is certainly hardwood. Generally considered to be the most long-lasting and durable flooring option on the market, hardwood can also be quite expensive. However, many homeowners view this as a smart investment for long-term savings. The costs of materials and labor for the installation of hardwood floors will depend substantially on what types of wood are used. Solid planks are harder to install than engineered wood with tongues and grooves, so that could affect overall expenses as well. However, expect to pay roughly $4,840 for500 square feet of materials, labor and delivery.

In bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms, tile flooring is a common choice that works well because it is easy to clean and resistant to moisture. Installing tile may be a DIY task for some ambitious homeowners, but there is a lot of labor involved as well as materials, like a wet saw. To hire professionals, buy ceramic or porcelain tiles and have everything installed beautifully, expect to pay around $3,724 for 500 square feet.

In recent years, bamboo flooring has become an increasingly popular flooring option for the home. In many ways resembling a more traditional hardwood, bamboo grows quickly, is more affordable and is considered to be much better for the environment. Thanks to lower material costs overall, the average price for delivery, materials and installation of 500 square feet of bamboo flooring is typically $3,651.

Carpeting adds a warm and welcoming air to any space, and for that reason, it is incredibly popular in many homes. The price of carpet can fluctuate substantially depending on the quality of the material, so it can be hard to pin down the exact price. Installation is also tricky because many companies include installation in the cost of the carpet. On average, expect to pay $2,969 for 500 square feet of medium-quality carpet and installation labor.

Laminate is another affordable flooring choice that is easy to clean as well as incredibly versatile. It is available in many different colors, and it can be more comfortable to stand on than porcelain or ceramic tile. Installation is not a time-consuming process, but most homeowners will still be better off leaving it to the professionals. Expect to pay roughly $2,344 for 500 square feet of material as well as installation in a single room.

Those who love the look of tiled flooring but not the price may be interested in vinyl tile. While this material is softer and warmer to the touch than traditional clay tiles, it may be slightly less durable as well. However, vinyl tile can be a budget-flooring alternative that works well in a number of different decor styles within the home. Installing vinyl tile is a popular DIY job because the tools required are minimal. However, those who opt to hire professionals for the project should expect to pay roughly $2,355 for the cost of 500 square feet of materials, delivery, tools and labor.

With so many different flooring choices on the market, narrowing down the options often has a lot to do with overall budget. Having a clearer idea of flooring material and installation costs can help homeowners select the right choice for their own home, their needs and their family.

Removing tile from certain types of flooring can be a long and drawn-out process that can leave you wishing that you could just add on another layer of tile right on top of the old ones. Believe it or not, it is possible to tile over existing tiles on floors, walls and even backsplashes. Here are some tips to complete the project on your own as well as some estimated costs in case you decide to hire professionals for the job.

Not Over Loose Tiles

It is important to understand that tiling over existing tile is possible, but you never want to cover up a bigger problem. Loose tiles or cracked grout means that there is a fundamental problem with the flooring, and that problem will persist even if you install a new layer of tiles. If the floor is flat, in decent condition and the grout is stable, then it will be possible to install a new layer of tiles on top.

Layer of Thinset

In order to create a completely flat surface for installing new tiles, you need to mix up a batch of Thinset according to the package instructions. Then, simply apply a thin layer across the entire floor, adding in extra to fill up the spaces between the tiles.

Apply Tiles

Once the Thinset layer has dried completely, you will be ready to tile the floors. Just like if you were tiling a concrete slab, you will first use mortar to secure tiles to the floor, create straight grout lines and then add the grout later.

Adjust Baseboards, Cabinets or Doors

Adding a new layer of tile to the floors will change the height, which could impact the rest of the space. The baseboards, for example, might end up being covered by the new tiles. In that case, you will have to remove the baseboards and re-install them half an inch higher to adjust for the new flooring. Cabinets, toilets and even doors may have to be similarly adjusted depending on the height of the new tiles that you install.

Last updated on Jan 21, 2016

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Flooring Installation Cost | Laminate, Hardwood, Vinyl, Cork ...