One of the very first steps in shopping for new flooring is deciding what TYPE of product you should be considering. Not the style or the color. Not the texture or finish. The very basic starting point----do you want soft carpet for your family room? Or pet friendly LVP? Or classic hardwood floors? What's best for your budget?
Sometimes knowing the price of different flooring options makes the choice easier. And there is certainly a wide range of prices based on the type of floor you select. These prices are based on a 400 square feet family room that is currently carpeted, on a wooden subfloor (i.e., over a basement or crawl space.)
Based on this scenario, if you were to choose a medium-priced product, the average professionally installed cost for each type of flooring is approximately:
Carpet $2200
Laminate $3400
Luxury Vinyl Plank $3600
Hardwoods $4400
Tile $8000
The type of flooring makes a difference on your budget, doesn't it?
Of course, there are other things to consider, for instance, how long you are going to be in the home. The average person replaces their carpet every nine years. So, if you are in your home for twenty years, you will replace your carpet at least once, maybe twice. But you will almost certainly have the same wood floor for twenty years. Over time, the higher priced options tend to pay for themselves because of the longevity of the product. However, this doesn't necessarily make you feel better when you write the initial check to pay for it!
Why Is Tile So Expensive?
you may be wondering. First is the cost of the tile. There is a wide range in pricing, and when we say wide, we aren’t exaggerating. There is ceramic tile as low as $2.00 per square foot. Porcelain tile typically ranges between $6 and $8 per square foot. Natural stone (the real thing) is significantly more expensive. Larger tiles (24” x 24”, 36” x 36”) cost more than traditional 12” x 12” tile. Then add in the backer board, thinset and grout.
Now for the labor. Labor is usually the most expensive part of tile installation. Why? Because tile setting is an extremely difficult task that takes years to master. Think about it – a tiled surface is covered with hundreds of individual tiles. Each one must be the perfect distance from the one next to it. The entire surface must be smooth, with virtually no difference in height from tile to tile.
That’s not to mention, setting is only part of the job. Labor for tile includes preparing the surface, mixing and laying the thinset, setting the tile, grouting the gaps, and cleaning everything at the end. As a result, the tile setter handles each square foot of space multiple times before the job is complete. A great tile installer is hard to find, and great tile installers stay busy.
That being said, while tile is your most costly flooring option, it is also the most durable and longest lasting.
Come in today and discuss your project with an Enhance Design Consultant. We're here to help you figure out the best product for your decor and budget.
Design Tip
What’s in – color drenching. That’s when you take a single color – or a combination of closely related tones – across all aspects of a space, from baseboards and walls, to ceilings and doors, even furniture.
This marks a change from the traditional way of decorating, where ceilings, doors and trim are often painted in white. Instead, color drenching embraces color on every surface, incorporating many different elements and textures into your scheme to deliver an impactful, cohesive finish.
What’s New At Enhance
National Karastan Month -- that wonderful time of year that’s filled with special sale prices and 24 month interest free financing*! Carpet, hardwoods, laminate and LVP/LVT -- come find your perfect new floor.
*With approved credit/see store for details
I Was Floored By Enhance
From Amber in Marietta:
“We had an excellent experience from start to end! The knowledgeable staff listened to our requirements and walked us through all our options so we could make an informed decision. They came out promptly to provide an estimate and talk through the installation process. The installers did a fantastic job as well. They were on-time, professional, provided quality installation and took care of our house. We highly recommend Enhance Floors and will use them again for future flooring needs.”
Thank you, Amber. We hope you are enjoying your new carpet. We appreciate your business!
