Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation Cost Guide

Posted on September 15, 2025

Alright, let’s talk about vinyl plank flooring. So, story time: a few years back, I went to a friend’s new apartment, and she was all like, “Check out my new hardwood floors.” And I’m walking around thinking… wow, these are fancy. Later she whispers, “lol it’s actually vinyl plank.” My brain exploded. Like?? It looked so real. And she said she did it herself over a weekend. WHAT.

That’s when I fell down the rabbit hole of vinyl plank flooring. It’s cheap-ish, looks bougie, and you don’t need to be Bob the Builder to install it. But also… the cost stuff is kinda confusing. Some sites say $1.50 per square foot, others say $10. And if you hire someone, they’ll charge your soul + your wallet. 😭 So let’s break it down in plain English. No fancy contractor talk. Just… what does vinyl plank cost, how much to install, and is it worth it? Let’s use our Flooring Installation Estimator to make it easier.

What Even Is Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Quick version: it’s basically fake wood made out of plastic-y stuff. But not in a gross way. It’s waterproof, super durable, and comes in long planks that look like wood boards. People also call it LVP (luxury vinyl plank) or sometimes SPC/WPC depending on what’s inside (stone core, wood core, blah blah). Basically: it’s the “I want hardwood but I don’t want to sell my kidney” option. It’s perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, or anywhere you want that wood look without the drama.

Cost of Vinyl Plank Flooring (Materials)

Okay, so the planks themselves aren’t too bad. Prices usually look like this:

• Cheap end (basic stuff): $1.50–$2.50 per sq ft
• Mid-range (nicer looks): $2.50–$5 per sq ft
• Fancy luxury stuff: $5–$7+ per sq ft

So let’s say your living room is 300 sq ft. If you pick a $3/sq ft plank, that’s $900 in materials. Not terrible. But don’t forget extras: underlayment ($0.50–$1 per sq ft), transition strips, maybe baseboards. Those lil things add up, like $150–$400 for a room. Use our Home Renovation Calculator to budget for all the bits and pieces.

DIY Installation vs. Hiring Someone

Here’s where it gets spicy. You can save a ton by doing it yourself, but it’s not free. Here’s the deal:

DIY install:

• Mostly free except for tools you might need.
• Tools: spacers, a tapping block, box cutter or saw (maybe $50–$100 total if you don’t own anything).
• Time: probably a weekend for one room.
• Money saved: usually $2–$4 per sq ft (since that’s what pros charge for labor).

Pro install:

• Labor is usually $2–$5 per sq ft.
• So if you’ve got a 500 sq ft area, you’re looking at $1,000–$2,500 just for someone to lay it down.
• And sometimes they also charge for removing your old floor ($1–$2 per sq ft). RIP.

I did my bedroom myself (200 sq ft, $600 total), and yeah, I cried cutting around a doorway, but it was worth it. Check our DIY Project Planner for tips to avoid my mistakes.

Quick Example Costs

Here’s a quick table for like, a normal-sized living room (let’s say 300 sq ft):

Totals: DIY cheap = $650–$1,100. DIY nicer = $1,000–$1,700. Pro = $1,800–$3,400. So yeah, doing it yourself can literally cut the price in half. Use our Flooring Installation Estimator for exact numbers.

Is It Hard to Install Vinyl Plank?

Eh… depends. If you can measure, cut (with a saw or strong box cutter), and crouch on the floor for hours, you’re fine. Most vinyl planks are click-lock, so they snap together like giant Legos. The hardest part is cutting around weird shapes (like door frames, toilets, vents). I may or may not have cried cutting around a doorway once. But after the first few planks, you kinda get into a rhythm.

Pro tip: buy extra. You will mess up cuts. I wasted like 5 planks learning that lesson. Our Timeline Project Scheduler can help you plan the time it’ll take.

Pros vs. Cons (My Honest Thoughts)

Pros:

• Looks like wood without the $$$
• Waterproof (perfect for pets, kids, or clumsy people like me)
• Easier to clean than carpet
• Way cheaper than real hardwood

Cons:

• Still fake (if you’re a purist, you’ll know)
• Can scratch if you drag heavy furniture
• Some cheaper brands feel a little plasticky underfoot
• Requires a pretty flat subfloor (bumps will show)

If you need to level your subfloor, that’s another cost (maybe $1–$3 per sq ft). Check our Home Renovation Calculator for those extras.

Random Thoughts While Typing This

Every time I see “luxury vinyl plank” I laugh. Like bro, it’s plastic. Calm down. Honestly, pets love it. My dog used to ruin carpets in a week. With vinyl plank? Easy wipe-up. Zero stress. Cutting planks at 11pm on a work night was… questionable life choices. But hey, my living room looks good now.

My Verdict

If you’re on a budget but want your place to look modern, vinyl plank is absolutely worth it. If you’re handy, do it yourself and save thousands. If you hate DIY, hiring someone still won’t bankrupt you like hardwood would. I’d say it’s the best bang-for-buck flooring option right now. Wanna see if it fits your budget? Try our ROI Calculator to check if it’ll boost your home’s value.

FAQ: Vinyl Plank Flooring Questions (Kid-Style)