Flooring Installation Costs 2025: Hardwood vs Laminate vs Tile

Introduction

Choosing the right flooring is one of the most impactful decisions in any renovation project. Not only does it affect the look and feel of your space, but flooring costs can quickly add up, making it crucial to understand your options before committing.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the costs of the most popular flooring types in Canada for 2025, helping you make an informed decision that balances budget, durability, and style.

Average Flooring Costs Overview

Here's a quick snapshot of what you can expect to pay per square foot, including materials and professional installation:

Hardwood Flooring: The Classic Choice

Cost Breakdown

Material Cost: $8-$15 per square foot Installation Cost: $3-$8 per square foot Total Average: $11-$23 per square foot

For a typical 200 sq ft room: $2,200 - $4,600

Pros

• Timeless aesthetic that adds significant home value
• Can be refinished multiple times (lasts 25-100+ years)
• Improves with age and develops character
• Wide variety of wood species and finishes

Cons

• Higher upfront cost
• Susceptible to water damage
• Requires regular maintenance
• Can scratch and dent over time

Best For

• Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms
• Homes where long-term value is priority
• Traditional or classic interior styles

Engineered Hardwood: The Modern Alternative

Cost Breakdown

Material Cost: $5-$12 per square foot Installation Cost: $3-$7 per square foot Total Average: $8-$19 per square foot

For a typical 200 sq ft room: $1,600 - $3,800

Pros

• More stable than solid hardwood (better for basements)
• Can be installed over concrete or radiant heating
• Looks nearly identical to solid hardwood
• More affordable than solid hardwood

Cons

• Can only be refinished 1-2 times
• Quality varies significantly by manufacturer
• Still susceptible to water damage

Best For

• Basements and rooms with moisture concerns
• Over concrete subfloors
• Budget-conscious homeowners wanting the hardwood look

Laminate Flooring: The Budget-Friendly Option

Cost Breakdown

Material Cost: $2-$6 per square foot Installation Cost: $2-$5 per square foot Total Average: $4-$11 per square foot

For a typical 200 sq ft room: $800 - $2,200

Pros

• Most affordable wood-look option
• Highly resistant to scratches and stains
• Easy DIY installation (click-lock systems)
• Low maintenance
• Good for high-traffic areas

Cons

• Cannot be refinished
• Can sound hollow underfoot
• Not waterproof (though water-resistant options exist)
• Lower resale value compared to real wood

Best For

• Rental properties
• High-traffic areas
• Families with kids and pets
• DIY installations

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): The Rising Star

Cost Breakdown

Material Cost: $3-$8 per square foot Installation Cost: $2-$6 per square foot Total Average: $5-$14 per square foot

For a typical 200 sq ft room: $1,000 - $2,800

Pros

• 100% waterproof (perfect for bathrooms and basements)
• Extremely durable and low maintenance
• Realistic wood or stone looks
• Comfortable underfoot
• DIY-friendly installation

Cons

• Can dent under heavy furniture
• Not as prestigious as real wood
• Quality varies widely
• Some products may off-gas VOCs

Best For

• Kitchens, bathrooms, basements
• Homes with pets
• High-moisture areas
• Modern renovations

Ceramic & Porcelain Tile: The Durable Choice

Cost Breakdown

Ceramic Tile:

• Material Cost: $3-$10 per square foot
• Installation Cost: $5-$12 per square foot
• Total Average: $8-$22 per square foot

Porcelain Tile:

• Material Cost: $4-$15 per square foot
• Installation Cost: $5-$12 per square foot
• Total Average: $9-$27 per square foot

For a typical 200 sq ft room: $1,600 - $5,400

Pros

• Extremely durable and long-lasting
• 100% waterproof
• Endless design options
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Excellent for radiant heating

Cons

• Higher installation cost (requires skilled labor)
• Cold and hard underfoot
• Grout requires periodic maintenance
• Can crack if heavy objects are dropped

Best For

• Bathrooms, kitchens, entryways
• High-moisture areas
• Homes in warm climates or with radiant heating

Additional Costs to Consider

Subfloor Preparation

• Leveling: $2-$5 per square foot
• Moisture barrier: $0.50-$1.50 per square foot
• Underlayment: $0.50-$2 per square foot

Removal of Old Flooring

• Carpet removal: $1-$2 per square foot
• Tile removal: $2-$5 per square foot
• Hardwood removal: $1-$3 per square foot

Finishing Touches

• Baseboards/trim: $2-$8 per linear foot
• Transitions/thresholds: $10-$50 per piece
• Stair installation: $40-$100 per step

Money-Saving Tips

1. Buy materials yourself - Save 10-20% on contractor markups
2. Time your purchase - Look for end-of-season sales
3. Order extra but not too much - 10% overage is usually sufficient
4. Consider DIY for laminate/LVP - Save 50% on installation
5. Do your own demolition - Remove old flooring yourself
6. Install in multiple rooms at once - Contractors often offer bulk discounts

Which Flooring Should You Choose?

Best Overall Value

Engineered Hardwood - Balances cost, durability, and resale value

Best for Budget

Laminate - Maximum savings without sacrificing too much quality

Best for Durability

Porcelain Tile - Virtually indestructible when properly installed

Best for Moisture Areas

Luxury Vinyl Plank - Waterproof and affordable

Best for Resale Value

Solid Hardwood - Timeless appeal that buyers love

Conclusion

The right flooring choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and long-term plans for your home. While hardwood offers the best resale value, modern alternatives like LVP and engineered hardwood provide excellent performance at lower costs.

Remember to factor in not just the material costs, but also installation, subfloor prep, and finishing touches when budgeting your project. Getting multiple quotes and doing some of the work yourself can result in significant savings.

Ready to get a detailed estimate for your flooring project? Use our free calculator to get an accurate cost breakdown tailored to your specific needs.