Flooring Cost Per Square Foot
Per-square-foot pricing is how flooring is quoted — but the number only means something when material and labor are separated and your real rates go in.
Material vs labor
Published per-foot prices blur two very different numbers. Material might be $2–$6/sq ft; labor adds $2–$8 depending on the material, the subfloor and the layout. Tile and herringbone hardwood are labor-heavy; floating LVP is fast. Always quote them separately.
Price your own, not the average
National averages are a starting point, not a bid. Your material supplier and your crew’s rate decide the real number. Enter both into the flooring cost calculator to get a total you can stand behind and hand to a client.
FAQ
What is the average cost per square foot to install flooring?
Installed, roughly $3–$7 for laminate/LVP, $6–$12 for hardwood and $7–$15 for tile — with labor often making up half the number.
Is labor or material more expensive for flooring?
It depends on the material. For tile and pattern hardwood, labor often exceeds material; for floating LVP, material can be the larger share.