Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - What's a good price to install 310 sq. ft. of laminate?

Hello,

I want to have a company install laminate in two bedrooms, totalling 310 square feet. It's a basic job--no tricky corners, etc. I will go with a name brand (wilsonart, quickstep, etc.). But the numbers I've been hearing from different companies are all over the place, from $1800 to $5000. I'm stumped. Any advice? What's a fair price for this job?

Thank you.

The wide variation in price may reflect some confusion about who is supplying what materials. Or somebody didn't want the job and gave a high-ball.

Price is determined by sq ft. Sq ft price is dependant on regional labor prices and material costs.
Lets assume a $4 sq ft material cost + $4 sq ft for labor. $8 x 340(310 x 7% waste + 8 because its boxed in 20 ft increments) $2,720. This does not include the cost and installation of any moldings or trim. This does not include any subfloor preparation. Both can add significant costs to be done well.
I would get a multitude of bids from reputable contractors, toss the low one, toss the high one and go with the one you like best from the rest.

If it's a basic job, why not DoItYourself? pocket that 2 to 5 grand and buy something nice for yourself?

Buy your flooring on-line, and hire a professional installation contractor!!!!

Mark-up, mark-up, mark-up!!

You want to interview the actual installer, that is going to be cutting and placing boards!!!

Stores will hire any breathing sole, and call them subcontract installers, then play the excuse game when it starts to go downhill. As a failure inspector, I see stores lie and wiggle so they don't loose any profit, off a misinstalled, botched installation.

What questions do you suggest that I ask when trying to hire someone to install a wood floor?

Fwiw, when I did my own install, I got a couple of prices for an installer to do it and they were charging between $2.50-$4.00 per sq ft. Install only, no prep.

If you familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's instructions of the product you plan on buying, you will have the language to ask questions about how they plan on going about the installation? Depending on existing floor covering, will it have to be removed? If you are going with a floating laminate floor, carpet will have to be removed. If not, it can be floated in over smooth, flat existing flooring. If a floating floor you will have to have an cushion underlayment if you purchase a product that does not have one attaached to the back. If you are installing over concrete slab, you will need a vapor retarder. This is often skipped by installers. See if they mention a vapor retarder. Some floating floors also require adhesive between planks to seal with manufacturer's recommended adhesive. See if they mention an adhesive. If they happen to do so, ask what brand. Ask how they plan to install around door jambs. Don't tell them that you know that these will have to be undercut. If using a glue-down or staple down laminate, these will require some subfloor preparation. Learn what is involved in subfloor preparation.

As them about the time schedule. See if they mention the need for acclimation. Laminate will need to set in house for a period of time as suggested by manufacturer to adjust to temperature and humidity of home. Ask them about expansion and contraction of the product due to humidity level changes. See if they mention the recommended expansion gap.

Most major laminate manufacturers have installation instructions on their website online. Or get a copy of the specs and installation instructions from the flooring dealer so that you can study up before interviewing installers. You can become an expert on your particular floor covering product without having to do the actual installation yourself.

Go with a major manufacturer that offers good, better, best levels of quality, warranty, and price and installation requirements that meet the needs of your particular existing floor.