Linoleum flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners because of its durability, versatility, and eco-friendliness. Linoleum flooring installation costs, on average, $3 to $10 per square foot, including materials and labor.
The prices can vary depending on the type of linoleum you choose and the size of the area you want it installed — whether it’s a bathroom, kitchen, living room, or bedroom — but homeowners can expect to pay between $600 and $2,000 for a 200-square-foot room.
Linoleum is fabricated with natural materials such as linseed oil, wood flour, and cork dust. It is available in a wide range of colors and patterns. Let’s take a closer look at the factors that can impact the overall costs, taking into account data gathered from cities across the U.S.
Cost by Location
The price of hiring professionals to install linoleum flooring can vary depending on the location. In general, people in urban areas will pay more due to higher expenses such as wages for skilled workers and the cost of operating a business in a more crowded area, contrary to rural areas.
Though more common in Europe, where it’s manufactured, linoleum flooring is making a comeback in U.S. homes.
Take a look at the table below for a snapshot of the costs of installing linoleum flooring in some major U.S. cities and in smaller towns:
| City | Cost per Square Foot (Including Labor and Materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Pawtucket, RI | $3.10 – $9.80 |
| New York, NY | $3.30 – $10.20 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Dothan, AL | $3 – $9.60 |
| Orlando, FL | $3.10 – $9.60 |
| Atlanta, GA | $3.10 – $9.70 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| Chicago, IL | $3.20 – $9.90 |
| South Bend, IN | $3.20 – $9.90 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Corvallis, OR | $3.10 – $9.80 |
| Seattle, WA | $3.20 – $9.90 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Houston, TX | $3.10 – $9.60 |
| Roswell, NM | $3.10 – $9.70 |
| San Diego, CA | $3.20 – $9.90 |
Tip: Keep in mind that people in rural areas may have to pay for transportation of the flooring material if they live far away from the supplier, which can increase the overall cost of the installation.
Cost by Type of Linoleum
The material costs for linoleum flooring can vary depending on the type of linoleum you choose. Linoleum sheets are the least expensive and most popular option but also the most challenging to install. In contrast, tiles are the most expensive but provide the easiest installation process, whereas planks are the least common type.
Let’s take a closer look at their prices:
| Type of Linoleum | Average Cost per Square Foot (Materials Only) | Definition |
| Linoleum Sheet | $2 – $5 | Comes in large rolls and can be cut to fit any size or shape. Might be difficult to install. |
| Linoleum Plank | $3 – $6 | Long pieces of linoleum flooring designed to mimic the look of hardwood planks. They are not common. |
| Linoleum Tile | $4 – $7 | Usually 12” x 12” square pieces used to create a tiled appearance. Doesn’t require cutting and can be clicked together. |
Cost Estimator by Area Size
The square footage is one of the most important factors in estimating a linoleum flooring project. The larger the flooring area, the more linoleum and labor will be required, increasing costs.
Linoleum flooring typically costs between $3 and $10 per square foot installed. You can use the table below to get an idea of the total cost to get linoleum flooring professionally installed:
| Project Size | Average Overall Cost |
| 100 sq. ft. | $300 – $1,000 |
| 200 sq. ft. | $600 – $2,000 |
| 300 sq. ft. | $900 – $3,000 |
| 400 sq. ft. | $1,200 – $4,000 |
| 500 sq. ft. | $1,500 – $5,000 |
Cost of Labor
Professional installation for linoleum ranges between $1 and $5 per square foot, depending on the type of linoleum, the complexity of the installation, and the region where you live.
In general, click-together linoleum tiles are less expensive to install than linoleum sheets because they don’t have to be glued down and require less labor. Similarly, complex home layouts with walls at different angles and stairs will take more time to install, increasing costs.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
Installing linoleum sheet flooring may seem like an easy task, but it actually requires a bit of preparation and attention to detail. Before you even begin the installation process, you must allow the linoleum sheets to acclimate to the room for at least 24 hours.
Additionally, you’ll want to use a plywood underlayment to protect your old flooring from getting adhesive on it if you change your mind and decide to return to it.
Moreover, you’ll need flooring adhesive and linoleum sealant, not to mention the tools. The cost of materials and tools (not including the linoleum flooring) can range between $207 and $432, depending if you use a hand floor roller or a standing roller.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
A few factors and additional costs can impact the overall price of linoleum flooring installation:
Old Flooring Removal
Although linoleum flooring can be installed over almost any type of flooring, there are a few instances where removing the existing flooring may be more appropriate. For example, suppose you have brick, natural stone, or carpet flooring. In that case, you’ll have to completely remove it before installing linoleum flooring.
Removing old flooring costs between $1 and $4 per square foot, depending on the type of flooring material. Removing old carpet, for instance, costs $2 to $3 per square foot.
Subfloor and Underlayment Replacement
Subfloors are the structural layer of your floors. They provide stability and strength to your final flooring. As such, if they’re uneven, squeaky, or smelling musty, it may be time to replace them. Usually, when the subfloor has suffered water damage, linoleum flooring will start bubbling up.
Subfloor replacement costs $2 to $7 per square foot, adding to your total installation costs.
On the other hand, underlayment is a thin layer of material installed over the subfloors to provide cushion and insulation to your flooring. Although underlayment isn’t strictly necessary for linoleum flooring, it’s a good idea if you’re looking to soundproof the room.
New underlayment costs between $2 and $5 per square foot.
FAQ
How Can I Save Money on Linoleum Flooring Installation?
To save money on your linoleum flooring installation, check out these tips:
- Install the linoleum flooring yourself
- Choose a simple design
- Choose a cheaper type of linoleum, like sheet or plank
- Shop around for the best prices and contractors
- Keep the installation to a small room
What are the Disadvantages of Using Linoleum Flooring?
Linoleum is durable, easy to clean, and overall an excellent option for flooring your home, but it has some cons to consider:
- It is susceptible to dents and scratches.
- Linoleum is not waterproof, so it can be damaged by moisture if it is exposed to standing water.
- It can become discolored or yellow if it is exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time.
Are Linoleum Floors Coming Back?
Linoleum has been used as a flooring material for decades, but it has largely been replaced by vinyl in recent years. However, linoleum is making a comeback due to it being a sustainable option for flooring.
Unlike vinyl, made from synthetic materials, linoleum is made from natural materials, making it environmentally friendly. All of that while still being long-lasting, attractive, and affordable.
Renovate Your Home’s Flooring
The costs for linoleum flooring installation can vary greatly depending on many factors, such as the type of linoleum, labor costs, and the preparation work necessary. However, they can give your home a new, elegant look while being eco-friendly.
Costs in this article are derived from national and local sources and are accurate at the time of reporting and writing.
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Main Image Credit: stokkete / Adobe Stock Free / License
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