How Much Does it Cost?
Price is going to be a huge factor in choosing flooring options in your home. But looks can be deceiving in price, what may look like a great deal, may have plenty of hidden costs either for installation or in materials for a do it yourself project.
Vinyl Tiles
One of the lowest cost flooring options, installation is an easy do it yourself with a pair of scissors for tiles, a little more complex, but still an easy do it yourself for rolled vinyl flooring. Installation materials are not a large cost factor.
DIY Installed Cost: $1 - $15 per square foot
Installed Cost: $2 - $30 per square foot
Ceramic Tiles
Although a DIY project is doable, materials can be costly and it’s not a one day project. Factor in the cost of grout and mortar, which can add up, and don't forget the rental or purchase price of a wet saw for cutting tiles.
DIY Installed Cost: $3.50 - $9 per square foot
Installed Cost: $6 - $10 per square foot
Marble and Stone Tiles
Marble, slate and granite are more difficult do it yourself tiling projects, as special installation materials and procedures need to be used.
DIY Installed Cost: $4.50 - $30 per square foot
Installed Cost: $10 - $45 per square foot
Hardwood Floors
Where the choices in wood tended to be somewhat limited, new wood flooring options and even “engineered wood” floors are now becoming more popular. Materials for installation are costly, but the tools can add up.
DIY Installed Cost: $4 - $10 per square foot
Installed Cost: $7 - $12 per square foot
Laminate Flooring
Pergo is the best known laminate flooring, but several other manufacturers exist, but Pergo has become a catchall phrase for laminates that look like wood. These floors have come a long way, and can easily pass for their wood counterparts.
DIY Installed Cost: $4-$10 per square foot
Installed cost: $6 - $12 per square foot
Wall to Wall Carpet
Although installing wall to wall carpet is not very difficult, there are tools that are needed for proper installation, such as a carpet stretchers that make professional installation a recommended option.
DIY Installed Cost: $2 - $15 per square foot
Installed Cost: $4 - $18 per square foot
Cork Flooring
The new kid on the block, cork is an eco-friendly, comfortable flooring option that comes in tiles or rolls.
DIY Installed Cost: $3 - $6 per square foot
Installed Cost: $5 - $10 per square foot