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Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Cost Considerations

January, 2024



Neutral Luxury Vinyl flooring in a traditional home


Renovations can be an expensive affair for many homeowners looking to spruce up their homes, with repairs and upgrades often costing a pretty penny. Luxury vinyl plank flooring is a cost-effective solution to give your home a new look.

Vinyl plank flooring comes in many different forms, ranging from budget options like sheets and tiles to luxury planks for a wide range of prices to suit even the most cost-conscious homeowner. Understanding and learning more about the different types of vinyl flooring can help you as a homeowner to make an informed decision for your next renovation.

What Sets Vinyl Plank Flooring Apart?

Installing vinyl plank flooring offers plenty of advantages for homeowners compared to classic hardwood flooring. Vinyl plank flooring is a synthetic material made from a combination of cork or foam, waterproofing materials, and wear layers. Vinyl plank flooring offers easier and cheaper cleaning than hardwood flooring, which requires frequent upkeep in order to keep hardwood looking its best. Vinyl plank flooring can also replicate the look of hardwood for those who want the appearance of wood floors without the high price tag.

Vinyl plank flooring is more cost-effective than hardwood flooring as well, with hardwood often being expensive and prone to scratches and stains. Vinyl plank flooring is also more water-resistant than hardwood, including extra materials and wear layers to protect the flooring from moisture. High-end luxury vinyl plank flooring often comes with soundproofing elements, softening the noise of the busier areas of your home.

Common Types of Vinyl Plank Flooring

Vinyl plank flooring comes in many different forms with a variety of both low-cost and more high-end options. Vinyl sheets and vinyl composition tiles are usually the cheapest types of vinyl plank flooring. Home Depot lists vinyl sheet and tile flooring costing as little as $1 per square foot. While sheets and composition tiles are a cost-effective option, these often do not offer the same level of protection as luxury vinyl tile and luxury vinyl planks.

For homeowners looking at a higher-end option for their flooring, luxury vinyl plank flooring offers top-level protection at more affordable prices than hardwood. Luxury vinyl plank flooring is typically thicker and softer to the touch than its non-luxury counterparts. Luxury vinyl plank is also typically more durable to both stress and moisture, making luxury flooring a better choice for the high-traffic areas of the home. Vinyl flooring can also vary in the types of wear layers, with urethane wear layers offering greater protection and durability.

Simpler Upkeep with Vinyl Plank Flooring

Hardwood flooring can be costly to install throughout your home, and maintenance can be time-consuming as well. Hardwood floors often require daily sweeping or dust mopping, as well as mopping and using hardwood cleaning products monthly. Vinyl flooring offers much simpler upkeep and maintenance, while still capturing the stunning appearance of hardwood floors.

Vinyl flooring typically requires less extensive cleaning than hardwood flooring, with its synthetic materials easier to clean than natural hardwood. Scuffs and nicks that could permanently damage hardwood flooring can often be buffed out of vinyl flooring, offering greater resistance to marks than hardwood floors. Stains that can seep into hardwood flooring also cause less issues for luxury vinyl planks, not causing the warping or swelling that may affect hardwood floors.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring?

As a more budget-friendly option, vinyl plank flooring costs can vary widely with the type of flooring you’re looking to install. Low-cost options like vinyl sheets and composition tiles are typically the cheapest options. Publications like the Architectural Digest place vinyl flooring costs as low as $1-2 and $1-4 per square foot, respectively, for material costs. The next cost level comes with regular vinyl planks commonly ranging from $2 to $7. While luxury flooring comes with higher quality and greater protection, luxury vinyl planks can often cost as much as $10 per square foot, depending on the material.

Installing vinyl plank flooring may also come with additional costs, based on the installation method and whether you are having your flooring professionally installed. Vinyl plank flooring installation cost will typically be higher when going through a professional service due to labor costs. The installation cost can vary depending on the company hired for the job, but the average cost will often match or slightly exceed the price spent for the materials. Flooring removal could also drive the cost of vinyl plank flooring installation up, with the extra effort required to prepare the room for installation.

Why Should You Hire a Professional For Your Flooring?

For many homeowners, the cost of hiring a professional service may inspire them to do their own installation. While some homeowners may be able to install their own vinyl flooring just fine, professional services bring a higher level of expertise and knowledge. Paying for professional flooring installation means paying for their experience in the field and having the resources of a trained expert to help you through every step of the process of installing your new vinyl plank flooring.

Having a professional manage your installation can also make a big difference in the final product. When comparing a professional vs. DIY vinyl installation, a professional will provide you with a level of quality assurance that may be missed from attempting an installation on your own. Professional flooring experts can also help you to prepare for the job, advising you on moving furniture, cleaning, and otherwise preparing the room for the upcoming installation.

Upgrade Your Home with Bridgeport Carpet, Hardwood, and Tile

For a professional North Metro Atlanta installation service you can trust, Bridgeport Carpet is here to help! We offer a variety of installation services for any type of flooring ranging from hardwood, carpet, vinyl flooring, and more. We also provide design consultation services for your upcoming home renovation projects, whether cost is your concern or you’re looking for the perfect flooring to complement the room. Contact Bridgeport Carpet today to learn more about how our experts can help you find your dream flooring solution.