New flooring costs between $2.99 and $7.99 per square foot for materials, plus $2–5 per square foot for professional installation depending on floor type and your region. For a 500 sq ft project, total budget including materials, shipping, and installation typically runs $2,500–$6,500. The floor you choose, whether you install it yourself, and the condition of your existing subfloor are the three biggest variables in that number.
This guide breaks down every cost component so you can build an accurate budget before you buy.
Material costs by floor type
Material cost is the starting point for any flooring budget. Here's what each floor type costs at Portofino and what drives price differences within each category.
SPC vinyl — $3.75/sq ft
SPC vinyl is priced in the mid-range and delivers exceptional value for that price point. Within the SPC category, price typically varies based on wear layer thickness, plank width, and overall plank thickness. Thicker planks with heavier wear layers cost more and perform better in high-traffic conditions. Portofino's SPC vinyl at $3.75/sq ft includes a 20 mil wear layer — the recommended minimum for family homes with pets and children.
Laminate — $2.99/sq ft
Laminate is the most affordable hard flooring option Portofino carries and one of the best values in flooring full stop. Price within the laminate category varies based on AC rating, plank thickness, and surface texture quality. Portofino's laminate at $2.99/sq ft delivers a waterproof surface rated to 300 hours, FloorScore and CARB2 certification, and a realistic wood-look finish at a price that's hard to beat.
WPC vinyl — $4.15/sq ft
WPC sits just above SPC in price due to its thicker, softer core that provides more underfoot comfort and better sound absorption. The slightly higher price buys a warmer, quieter feel underfoot — particularly noticeable in above-grade rooms where sound transmission to lower floors is a concern.
Engineered hardwood — $7.99/sq ft
Engineered hardwood is the premium option and priced accordingly. The higher cost reflects the genuine hardwood veneer, the multi-ply plywood core construction, and the Greenguard Gold, FloorScore, and CARB2 certification. Within the engineered hardwood category, veneer thickness and wood species drive price variation — thicker veneers allow more refinishing cycles and command a premium.
Installation costs by floor type
Professional installation is a significant part of the total project budget. Labor rates vary by region — costs in major metropolitan areas tend to run higher than national averages — but the ranges below reflect typical 2026 rates across the contiguous United States.
SPC vinyl installation — $1.50–$2.50/sq ft
SPC vinyl is the most installer-friendly floor type, which is reflected in its lower labor rates. The rigid click-lock system goes together quickly, the floor floats over the subfloor without adhesive, and the dimensional stability of the stone core means minor subfloor imperfections don't need to be addressed as precisely as with other floor types. Most installers can complete 400–600 sq ft of SPC vinyl in a single day.
Laminate installation — $1.50–$2.50/sq ft
Laminate installation is similarly straightforward and priced in the same range as SPC vinyl. Click-lock floating installation, no adhesive required, and fast installation speeds make laminate one of the most cost-effective floors to have professionally installed. The main variable is subfloor flatness — laminate's HDF core requires a flatter subfloor than SPC, and addressing low spots adds time and cost.
WPC vinyl installation — $1.50–$2.50/sq ft
WPC installs identically to SPC — click-lock floating with no adhesive — and carries the same labor rate range. The slightly thicker profile means minor adjustments to door clearances are occasionally needed, but this is a minor consideration.
Engineered hardwood installation — $3–$5/sq ft
Engineered hardwood commands higher installation rates for two reasons. First, it requires more careful subfloor preparation — the subfloor must be flat, dry, and structurally sound before installation begins. Second, there are multiple installation methods available, and the more complex ones cost more.
Floating installation sits at the lower end of the labor range — similar in process to laminate, though engineered hardwood's more exacting requirements add time. Glue-down installation sits at the higher end. Glue-down uses a flooring adhesive spread across the subfloor before planks are laid, which requires more skill, more time, and adds the cost of the adhesive itself. The adhesive is not a major expense — typically $50–$100 for a standard room — but it adds to the total. Nail-down installation, used over wood subfloors, falls in the mid-range of labor costs.
For most residential installations, floating engineered hardwood is the most practical and cost-effective method. Glue-down is typically specified for areas where a floating floor isn't ideal — over radiant heat systems or in rooms where floor movement needs to be fully eliminated.
The costs nobody tells you about
Material and installation are the two numbers most buyers focus on. These additional costs are what push budgets over estimate when they're not planned for.
Demo and old floor removal — $1–$2/sq ft
If you have existing flooring that needs to come out before the new floor goes in, demo is a separate cost. Carpet removal is the quickest and cheapest — typically $0.50–$1/sq ft including disposal. Tile removal is the most labor-intensive and expensive — $1.50–$2/sq ft or more because tile must be broken up and the adhesive residue addressed. Old laminate and vinyl removal falls in the middle — $1–$1.50/sq ft.
Disposal fees may be charged separately, particularly for tile and carpet with padding. Ask your installer for an all-in demo quote that includes both labor and disposal before agreeing to a price.
Baseboard and trim work — $1–$3/linear ft
Every floating floor needs an expansion gap around the perimeter of the room — typically 1/4 to 3/8 inch — to allow the floor to move with temperature and humidity changes. That gap needs to be covered. There are two ways to handle it:
The first option is removing existing baseboards before installation and reinstalling them after, tight to the new floor surface. This eliminates the gap visually but requires careful removal to avoid damaging the baseboards, and reinstallation adds labor time.
The second option is leaving baseboards in place and adding quarter round or shoe molding along the bottom edge after installation. This is faster and cheaper but adds a small additional trim piece that not everyone loves aesthetically.
Either way, baseboard work adds to the total cost and is sometimes not included in base installation quotes. Clarify with your installer whether baseboard handling is included before signing a contract.
Subfloor preparation — varies widely
If your subfloor has low spots, high spots, damaged sections, or moisture issues, they need to be addressed before installation. Self-leveling compound to flatten a low spot costs $50–$200 depending on the area. Replacing damaged subfloor sections costs more. This is one of the most unpredictable line items in a flooring project — it's impossible to know exactly what's under your existing floor until it's removed.
Underlayment — $0.25–$0.75/sq ft
Some flooring products include underlayment pre-attached to the plank. Others require a separate underlayment purchase. Underlayment improves sound absorption, adds slight cushioning, and provides a moisture barrier over concrete subfloors. If your product doesn't include it, budget $0.25–$0.75/sq ft for a quality underlayment.
Transitions and moldings — $15–$40 per piece
Anywhere two different floor surfaces meet — a doorway between rooms, a transition to tile, a threshold at an exterior door — you need a transition strip or molding. These are small costs individually but add up in a home with many doorways. Budget $15–$40 per transition piece depending on the profile and material.
Shipping — $250 flat rate at Portofino
Portofino charges $250 flat rate shipping to any address in the contiguous United States regardless of order size. On a large order this is excellent value — $250 to deliver 1,000 sq ft of flooring is a fraction of what freight shipping typically costs. Factor it into your total budget from the start.
Total project cost by room size and floor type
These estimates include Portofino material costs, flat-rate shipping, and typical professional installation. They do not include demo, baseboard work, or subfloor preparation — add those line items based on your specific situation.
| Floor type | 300 sq ft room | 500 sq ft room | 800 sq ft room | 1,200 sq ft home |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate ($2.99 + $2/install) | $1,747 | $2,495 | $3,742 | $5,488 |
| SPC vinyl ($3.75 + $2/install) | $1,975 | $2,875 | $4,250 | $6,250 |
| WPC vinyl ($4.15 + $2/install) | $2,095 | $3,075 | $4,570 | $6,930 |
| Engineered hardwood ($7.99 + $3.50/install) | $3,597 | $5,495 | $8,992 | $13,738 |
All figures include $250 shipping and 10% material overage. Installation rates used are midpoints of typical ranges.
How buying online saves you money
Traditional flooring showrooms carry overhead costs that get built into product pricing — retail floor space, sales staff commissions, showroom displays, and local delivery logistics. Online flooring retailers operate without those costs, and the savings pass directly to the buyer.
At Portofino, you're buying direct with no showroom markup. The $3.75/sq ft SPC vinyl you order online would typically retail for $5–6/sq ft at a big-box store for comparable quality and certification. On a 500 sq ft project that difference is $625–$1,125 in material savings alone.
Combined with flat-rate $250 shipping that's often cheaper than local delivery from a flooring store, buying online typically saves 20–40% on the material portion of a flooring project compared to traditional retail.
DIY installation: how much you actually save
Every floor type Portofino sells can be installed as a DIY floating floor. Eliminating professional installation labor saves $1.50–$5/sq ft depending on floor type — real money on a mid-size project.
| Floor type | DIY savings on 500 sq ft | DIY difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $750–$1,250 | Beginner friendly |
| SPC vinyl | $750–$1,250 | Beginner friendly |
| WPC vinyl | $750–$1,250 | Beginner friendly |
| Engineered hardwood (floating) | $1,500–$2,500 | Moderate |
SPC vinyl and laminate are the most beginner-friendly DIY floors. The click-lock system is forgiving, mistakes are easy to fix before the floor is fully locked in, and the rigid core of SPC means minor subfloor imperfections don't telegraph through. Most first-time DIY installers can complete a standard room in a weekend.
Engineered hardwood requires more precise subfloor preparation and more careful installation technique, but floating installation is still well within reach for a motivated DIYer with a full weekend and the right tools.
See our installation guides for step-by-step instructions:
- How to install SPC vinyl flooring →
- How to install laminate flooring →
- How to install engineered hardwood flooring →
- How to install WPC flooring →
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to floor a 1,000 sq ft house? For a 1,000 sq ft home using Portofino flooring, budget approximately $4,500–$6,000 for laminate or SPC vinyl including materials, shipping, and professional installation. Engineered hardwood in the same space runs $11,000–$14,000 installed. DIY installation reduces these totals by $1,500–$5,000 depending on floor type.
How much does laminate flooring cost installed? Portofino laminate at $2.99/sq ft plus typical professional installation of $1.50–$2.50/sq ft equals $4.49–$5.49/sq ft installed, plus $250 shipping. For a 500 sq ft room that's approximately $2,495–$3,000 total including shipping and 10% overage.
Is it cheaper to install flooring yourself? Yes — significantly. DIY installation eliminates $1.50–$5/sq ft in labor costs. On a 500 sq ft project that's $750–$2,500 in savings depending on floor type. SPC vinyl and laminate are the most DIY-accessible options and require no special tools beyond a tape measure, utility knife, and pull bar.
What is the cheapest flooring to install? Laminate is the most affordable hard flooring option at $2.99/sq ft in materials, with installation rates in the same range as SPC vinyl at $1.50–$2.50/sq ft. Total installed cost for laminate is typically the lowest of any hard flooring option.
Does flooring installation include removing old floors? Not always. Demo and disposal of existing flooring is frequently a separate line item. Always ask your installer for an explicit quote that specifies whether demo and disposal are included. If they're not, budget an additional $1–$2/sq ft for carpet or laminate removal, more for tile.
Do I need to remove baseboards to install new flooring? Not necessarily. You can leave baseboards in place and add quarter round shoe molding to cover the expansion gap after installation. Alternatively, baseboards can be removed before installation and reinstalled after. Both approaches work — the choice is aesthetic and budget-driven. Removing and reinstalling baseboards adds labor cost but produces a cleaner finished look.
How much does engineered hardwood cost to install? Engineered hardwood installation runs $3–$5/sq ft for professional labor depending on installation method and region. Floating installation sits at the lower end. Glue-down installation sits at the higher end and adds a modest adhesive cost of $50–$100 per room. Combined with Portofino's $7.99/sq ft material cost and $250 shipping, total installed cost for engineered hardwood on a 500 sq ft room runs approximately $5,500–$6,750.
What adds the most to flooring installation cost? Subfloor preparation and demo are the two biggest budget surprises in flooring projects. Removing tile flooring, addressing damaged subfloor sections, or flattening a significantly uneven subfloor can add $500–$2,000 or more to a project depending on scope. Get a subfloor assessment from your installer before finalizing your budget.
Get an accurate material quote
Use Portofino's product pages to calculate your exact material cost — enter your square footage, add 10% overage, divide by the box coverage listed on the product page, and multiply by the price per box. Add $250 for flat-rate shipping.
Shop SPC vinyl — from $3.75/sq ft → Shop laminate — from $2.99/sq ft → Shop engineered hardwood — from $7.99/sq ft → Shop WPC — from $4.15/sq ft → Order free samples — ships free →