What laminate flooring costs, installed
Laminate is a photograph of wood on a fiberboard core with a hard wear layer on top, which is why it can look like a $12 floor and cost $4. The tiers matter: AC rating for wear, and whether the core is sealed against water, which is the difference between a kitchen floor and a mistake.
$5.50–$9 per square foot installed
Full range $3.50–$11. Typical installed cost is the middle half of the national range, materials and labor at average rates. Builder-grade product with the cheapest crew runs under it; premium product with a specialist runs over.
| Material | Installed | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| LaminatePhotographic layer over HDF — the scratch-resistance champion. | $5.50–$9 / sq ft | 15–25 yrs |
Three things that change the price
- AC rating: AC3 for bedrooms, AC4 for the whole house
- Sealed-core (water-resistant) versus standard
- Underlayment: attached pad or separate
Put your own square feet in
National averages: material plus installation per square foot from the same cost tables FlooringFAQ publishes, extras at typical contractor rates. Local labor moves the range; a quote far outside it deserves a question.
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Labor rates, removal and prep vary by town and by house. Local professionals can quote the scope above; compare them on the same square feet.
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