How Much Does Flooring Cost?
Flooring material costs vary widely by type: laminate and vinyl plank typically run $1.50–$4 per square foot, hardwood $5–$12, and tile $3–$7. Boxes cover 15–25 sq ft each; the table and calculator below help you estimate by room.
Average prices by region
National-average material prices adjusted by region. Updated 2026-06-20. Estimates only — not quotes.
| Material | National | Northeast | South | Midwest | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flooring (per box) / box | $45.00 | $51.75 | $41.40 | $43.65 | $50.40 |
| Tile / ft² | $3.50 | $4.02 | $3.22 | $3.40 | $3.92 |
What affects the price
- Material type — laminate and LVP are cheapest; hardwood and natural stone cost significantly more.
- Box coverage — flooring is sold in boxes (15–25 sq ft each); add 10% waste for cuts and breakage.
- Underlayment, adhesive, and transition strips add to total material cost.
- Installation labor runs $1–$4/sq ft for floating floors; more for glue-down and tile.
Estimate your project
Enter your dimensions to get a quantity and cost estimate. For the full tool, open the Flooring Calculator .
Project inputs
How this is calculated
- Area = 12 ft × 12 ft = 144 ft²
- Add 10% waste → 158.4 ft²
- Boxes = ceil(144 ft² ÷ 20 ft²/box × 1.1) = 8
Buy all boxes from the same dye lot so colors match, and keep a spare box for future repairs.
The math
National-average prices, adjusted by region. Edit any unit price to match a local quote. Estimate only.
How we estimate these prices
National-average flooring prices from home-center and flooring-supplier listings, adjusted by region. Material-only prices; excludes underlayment and installation. Verify locally.
Frequently asked questions
How much does flooring cost per square foot? ⌄
Laminate and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) typically cost $1.50–$4 per square foot for material in 2026. Hardwood runs $5–$12, tile $3–$7, and carpet $1–$3. Installed costs roughly double once labor is included.
How many boxes of flooring do I need for 200 square feet? ⌄
Divide the room area by the box coverage (usually printed on the box — typically 15–25 sq ft), then add 10% for cuts and waste. For 200 sq ft with 20 sq ft/box coverage, you'd need about 11 boxes.
Is it cheaper to install flooring yourself? ⌄
DIY saves $1–$4/sq ft in labor. Floating floors (laminate, LVP) are beginner-friendly. Tile requires more skill and extra tools. DIY is cost-effective for most floating-floor projects over 100 sq ft.
Does flooring cost include installation? ⌄
The prices shown are material-only. Installation typically adds $1–$4 per square foot for floating floors and $4–$8 for tile or hardwood. Always get at least 2–3 local quotes before budgeting.