How Much Does Linoleum Flooring Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $650 - $4,800
Installing linoleum flooring costs $1,760 on average, depending on the square footage. Most spend between $650 and $4,800.
For most homeowners, linoleum flooring costs somewhere between $650 and $4,800, or $3 to $12 per square foot. This beloved but oft-misunderstood flooring material is commonly confused with vinyl, but make no mistake. It’s actually made from natural materials (think: linseed oil, saw dust, cork, and limestone). This makes it a popular and affordable alternative to wood flooring.
- Average
- $1,760
- Low end
- $120
- high end
- $6,000
Linoleum Flooring Cost Factors
Not all linoleum flooring is the same—there’s a range of different thicknesses and it comes in a ton of different designs. This versatility is part of what makes it so popular, but also why some homeowners struggle to budget. Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Here are some of the factors that will impact your linoleum flooring costs.
Size of Area
In general, the cost to install linoleum flooring usually falls somewhere between $3 and $12 per square foot, all in. The larger the area, the more you’re going to pay for both labor and materials. Installing linoleum in a large living room can cost thousands of dollars more than installing linoleum in a small kitchen.
That said, linoleum tends to perform best in areas with less moisture (as opposed to vinyl which is waterproof). If you do install linoleum in a kitchen or bathroom, make sure you seal it once a year. This should help reduce stains and water damage and make for easy cleanup with mopping.
| Type of Room | Typical Square Footage | Installation Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom | 40 – 150 | $120 – $1,800 |
| Home Office | 50 – 150 | $150 – $1,800 |
| Kitchen | 80 – 190 | $240 – $2,280 |
| Bedroom | 100 – 225 | $300 – $2,700 |
| Living Room | 200 – 400 | $600 – $4,800 |
Area of Installation
If you install your linoleum on stairs, expect to spend more on labor. This process is more difficult than installing over a flat surface, so it will take more time.
Type of Linoleum
Linoleum comes in either sheets, planks, or tile. Each of these have a different price point. Sheets tend to be the most affordable option at $2 to $5 per square foot, while plank and tile cost $3 to $6 per square foot and $4 to $7 per square foot, respectively.
Linoleum Design
Linoleum flooring comes in a wide variety of designs, from solid colors to options that mimic natural materials like wood or stone. Simple designs and solid colors are generally less expensive. You’ll have to pay more for non-standard styles and hyper-realistic patterns.
Quality of Linoleum
Like other types of flooring, linoleum has different levels of quality. Thicker linoleum (which typically comes as planks or tiles) is considered higher-quality than thin linoleum (the type that usually comes in sheets). The lower the quality, the lower the cost—but you will sacrifice durability.
It’s important to find the middle ground between the quality and price tag. Avoid putting thin, low-quality laminate in high-traffic areas. You won’t end up saving money long term if you need to replace or repair it after a few years.
Labor Costs
Labor is a significant part of new flooring installation costs. Most homeowners can expect to spend $1 to $5 per square foot on labor, in addition to the cost of materials. In general, flooring contractors charge $35 per hour, but that cost fluctuates depending on the area. Expect to spend more in areas with a higher cost of living.
You’ll also end up spending more on labor if your linoleum installation requires additional work—like fixing the subfloor, removing your current floor, or making repairs.
Linoleum Flooring Cost by Type
The price of linoleum flooring is typically between $2 and $7 per square foot, with thin sheet linoleum on the low end and thick tile or plank on the high end. Each type has different pros and cons, as well as different installation processes.
| Type of Linoleum | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) | Shape and Ease of Installation |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet | $2 – $5 | Comes in rolls and is more difficult to install |
| Plank | $3 – $6 | Comes in rectangular pieces and is easier to install |
| Tile | $4 – $7 | Comes in 12-by-12-inch square pieces and doesn’t require cutting, making it DIYable |
Sheet
Sheet linoleum costs $2 to $5 per square foot. It’s the most affordable type of linoleum, though sheet vinyl costs slightly less. That said, it does not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like vinyl, making it a popular choice for homeowners.
Sheet linoleum comes in rolls that are cut to order. In small rooms, you can use it to create a seamless floor, but the installation process is more laborious than planks or tile. Since sheets are thinner, they show imperfections from the floor beneath. Make sure you budget extra for labor costs and repairs.
Plank
Linoleum planks cost $3 to $6 per square foot. This type of flooring comes in thin, long pieces meant to mimic the look of hardwood floors. It’s not as common as linoleum tiles, since laminate planks tend to win out. They’re relatively easy to install and you can still find a number of different options that give you a hardwood look on a budget.
Tile
Linoleum tiles cost $4 to $7 per square foot. This material typically comes as 12-by-12-inch square tiles, which don’t require cutting. Compared to sheets, the installation is simple, which is why tiles are a popular choice for DIYers. Varieties like Marmoleum let you simply click the tiles into place.
Additional Costs to Consider
The cost to install linoleum often includes other projects. You may need to add a subfloor or underlayment, particularly if you’ve dealt with creaky floors in the past. It’s not uncommon to need repairs or have to rip out your old floor. Here are some extra costs to consider when making your budget.
Subfloor and Underlayment
Before you can install your linoleum, you may need to replace your subfloor or add an underlayment. This is typically the case if your subfloor is damaged or you want to lay linoleum over a textured surface. Here are some common expenses:
Subfloor replacement costs $3–$10 per square foot
Underlayment installation costs $4–$6 per square foot
Subfloor repairs cost $25–$35 per hour
Structural Floor Repairs
Your contractors may need to make repairs before installing your linoleum flooring. Thinner linoleum sheets take on the texture of your floor, so your contractor may need to fill in chips and cracks. If your floor is sagging or uneven, they’ll need to level it. This typically points to an issue with the joists or subfloor. You’ll also need to repair all water damage before you can lay your floors.
Here are some common floor repair costs you may want to add to your budget:
| Structural Floor Repairs | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Floor covering repairs | $2 – $30 per square foot |
| Repairing leveling or sagging | $200 – $800 |
| Repairing floor joists | $1,000 – $10,000 |
| Water damage restoration | $1,350 – $5,800 |
Removal and Disposal
You can sometimes lay your linoleum over your existing floor—as long as it’s in good condition. If not, you may need to remove it. Your contractor will generally charge $1 to $6 per square foot to remove old flooring. Hardwood flooring and tile are the most challenging to remove, so expect to pay a little more.
Furniture Removal
Some floor contractors will remove furniture as part of the regular setup costs. If not, expect to spend $25 to $35 per hour, or your contractor’s daily rate, to remove your furniture from the room before installation.
Radiant Floor Heating
Expect to spend $1,700 to $6,000 on the cost of a heated floor system. Some homeowners choose to install underfloor heating (or radiant floor heating) when they change their floor covering because it doesn’t just heat your home—you get the added bonus of flooring that’s cozy and warm on the feet.
Cost to Install Linoleum Flooring Yourself
It is possible to install linoleum flooring on your own. It’s actually one of the more DIY-friendly types of flooring, though you should avoid linoleum sheets as they require precise cuts and are more difficult to install. Keep in mind, you’ll need to level your subfloor and potentially add an underlayment, which drives up material costs.
The linoleum itself costs $2 to $7 per square foot. Most tools and supplies—like hammers, tape measures, utility knives, safety goggles, and pencils—are probably already in your tool box, but you may need to buy the following:
Underlayment: $27 per roll for 500 square feet
Embossing leveler (for leveling out your subfloor): $600 for 500 square feet
Notched trowel (for applying the embossing leveler): $20
Linoleum roller: $200
Solvent (for removing old adhesive): $15
Carpenter’s square: $10
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
You can save $1 to $5 per square foot by installing your linoleum floor on your own, but it’s only a good idea if you have some experience. Some jobs can get complicated. For example, you might be able to tackle laying linoleum over your existing floor—but if you need to replace the subflooring and repair joists, it starts to get tricky. For the best results, consult a vinyl floor company near you.
How to Save Money on Linoleum Flooring
If you need to trim down your laminate flooring budget, there are a few different ways you can save money. Just be prepared to hunt for a deal and roll up your sleeves.
DIY the easy stuff: Cut down on labor costs by tackling some of your installation DIY. You can perform smaller tasks—like moving furniture or removing your old floor covering—before your contractor arrives. If you’re skilled with DIYs and plan to install linoleum click flooring, hire a contractor to level your subfloor and make repairs, then install the linoleum flooring yourself. If you have pristine epoxy floors, you may not even need to level your floor at all.
Buy your linoleum in bulk: If you buy your laminate in bulk, it will typically cost less than if you buy a smaller amount. If you’ve been planning to replace multiple floors in your home, you might want to see if you can get a deal by ordering all the materials upfront.
Avoid the busy season: Contractors are more willing to cut a deal if you schedule a project during a lull. Fall is generally the most expensive time to take on an interior home project, so try aiming for the end of winter.
Get at least three quotes: Before landing on a contractor, get a few quotes to understand prices in your local market. Remember, don’t just go for the lowest bid. If one contractor offers a significantly lower price, there’s usually a reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
On average, you can expect to spend $2 to $7 per square foot on linoleum and an additional $1 to $5 per square on labor (or around $35 per hour if your contractor charges hourly). Prices rise with higher-end products. Generally, thinner sheet linoleum is the least expensive. Planks and tiles tend to cost more because they’re thicker and more durable. You’ll also pay more for designer brands and high-end styles versus basic designs.
Vinyl flooring is generally less expensive than linoleum flooring. Expect to spend $1 to $2 per square foot on the most basic vinyl and $2 to $5 per square foot on the most basic linoleum. With either product, you can purchase sheets, tiles, or planks (though sheets are the least costly). High-end or highly-specialized varieties will raise the price.
Vinyl and linoleum both have pros and cons. The main difference is the construction. Vinyl primarily consists of man-made materials like PVC, with a design printed on the top layer. Linoleum primarily consists of natural materials like linseed oil and sawdust, with a design throughout the sheet.
Overall, linoleum is more durable and does not emit VOCs, while vinyl tends to be slightly more affordable and 100% waterproof. This makes vinyl a great choice for bathrooms and kitchens, but you can also seal linoleum to help with water resistance.
Linoleum is typically more cost-effective than laminate flooring—but the costs aren’t always dramatically different per square foot. You can expect to spend an average of $3,000 on the cost of laminate flooring installation, while the average linoleum floor costs around $1,700. In general, laminate is easier to DIY than inexpensive sheet linoleum, so you can end up saving on labor if you do it yourself.