Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is a popular flooring choice for good reason. It looks like hardwood but is more durable, waterproof, and often costs less.
Most Wilmington-area homeowners can expect to pay between $5 and $14 per square foot installed. But the final price depends on more than the flooring itself.
This guide explains what affects the cost of LVP, where extra costs can come up, and how to compare estimates so you can plan your budget with confidence.
One of the first questions homeowners ask when they visit our showroom is, “How much does luxury vinyl plank flooring cost?”
It’s a good question, but it’s hard to answer with one number.
At Floor Concepts, we’ve helped Wilmington homeowners choose new flooring for over 40 years. We know every project is different. Even two homes with the same square footage can get very different estimates. The final cost depends on the flooring you choose, the condition of your subfloor, and the amount of prep work needed.
We don’t just want to give you a price range. We want you to understand what goes into an estimate. That way, you can compare quotes fairly and avoid surprises later.
Most homeowners pay between $4 and $12 per square foot installed for luxury vinyl plank flooring.
This price covers the flooring and professional installation. The exact cost depends on the product you choose and how much prep work your home needs.
| Cost Category | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| LVP Flooring | $2–$12 per sq. ft. |
| Professional Installation | $2.50–$4 per sq. ft. |
| Demo Existing Floors | $1–$5 per sq. ft. |
| Install Trim | $3.50–$5 per linear ft. |
| Floor Preparation | $1–$3 per sq. ft. |
| Moving Furniture | $75–$200 per room |
| Total Installed Cost | $5–$14 per sq. ft. |
Let's say you're replacing the flooring in a 300-square-foot family room in the Wilmington area. If the existing carpet is easy to remove and the subfloor needs very little preparation, you might expect your project to cost somewhere between $1,500 and $3,000 using a mid-grade LVP product.
On the other hand, if the room needs extensive subfloor leveling, new transitions, and premium flooring with a thicker wear layer, that same project could cost $2,400 to $4,200 or more.
That’s why the price per square foot doesn’t always tell the whole story.
Many things can affect the final cost of your flooring project. Some depend on the flooring you choose. Others depend on the condition of your home. Knowing what affects the price can help you understand why two estimates may look very different.
Not all luxury vinyl plank is made the same way.
Here's what you can generally expect as you move from an entry-level product to a premium one:
| Feature | Entry-Level LVP | Premium LVP |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2 - $4 per sq. ft. | $8 - $12 per sq. ft. |
| Wear Layer | Often 6–12 mil | Often 20 mil or greater |
| Thickness | 2mm - 4mm | 6 mm or thicker |
| Wood Look | Simpler patterns and fewer plank variations | More realistic textures, embossing, and color variation |
| Locking System | May use a generic or basic locking system | Often uses established systems like Unilin®, Välinge®, or i4F® |
| Attached Pad | May not include one | Often includes an attached acoustic pad (varies by product) |
| Warranty | Shorter or more limited | Longer residential warranties with broader coverage |
We’ve found that homeowners who plan to stay in their homes for many years are often happier with better-quality flooring instead of the cheapest option. For more information about LVP basics, check out our guide, “What is LVP?”
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, not hard-and-fast rules. We've seen entry-level products that perform very well for the right application, and we've also seen premium products go on sale for entry-level prices during promotions or closeout events. That's why it's important to compare the product's features, not just the price tag.
Square footage is only part of the cost. Large, open rooms are often faster to install than homes with many bedrooms, closets, hallways, and tight corners.
Every doorway, transition, and odd angle requires more cutting and labor. It can also create more material waste.
That’s why two homes with the same square footage can get very different estimates.
Subfloor prep is one of the most overlooked costs in a flooring project.
Luxury vinyl plank needs a clean, dry, and flat surface. If the subfloor has high spots, low spots, moisture problems, or damage, those issues may need to be fixed before installation.
This is one reason estimates can vary between flooring companies. We've inspected homes where homeowners expected to install new flooring the next day, only to discover significant subfloor repairs were needed before installation could begin. Depending on how much leveling or repair is required, subfloor preparation can increase the cost of a project by $300 to $3,000. That's why one company's estimate may be significantly higher than another's—even when they're installing the same flooring.
Subfloor prep may add to the cost of your project. But it helps your new floor perform the way it should.
Before your new floor goes down, the old flooring often needs to come up.
Removing carpet is usually faster than removing glued-down flooring or tile. Old hardwood, sheet vinyl, or several layers of flooring may take more time and labor to remove.
There may also be added costs for disposal and cleanup.
When comparing estimates, check to see if old flooring removal and disposal are included in the price. Depending on the type of flooring being removed and the amount of labor involved, this can add anywhere from $150 to $1,500 to the cost of your project if it's not already included.
Installing LVP involves more than clicking planks together. Depending on your project, your estimate may also include moisture testing, transition strips, stair noses, baseboard work, furniture moving, appliance moving, or trim work.
These finishing touches give your floor the clean, professional look most homeowners want.
When comparing estimates, make sure you know what is included in the price.
For many homeowners, the answer is yes.
Luxury vinyl plank offers a good mix of durability, style, and value. It’s waterproof, easy to clean, comfortable underfoot, and comes in styles that look like real hardwood.
Of course, no flooring is perfect.
Unlike hardwood, LVP usually can’t be refinished if it gets damaged. Lower-quality products may wear out faster. And if you love the natural look and feel of real wood, you may still prefer hardwood.
The best flooring isn’t always the cheapest. It’s the one that fits your home, lifestyle, and long-term plans.
Everyone wants to save money on a flooring project. We get it.
But after decades of helping homeowners, we’ve seen how cutting corners in a few key areas can lead to bigger costs later.
We’ve said this already, but it's so important that it deserves to be repeated. Subfloor prep is often one of the first places homeowners look when trying to cut costs.
The problem is that LVP is only as good as the surface under it. If the subfloor isn’t flat, clean, and solid, the planks may separate, flex when you walk, or wear unevenly.
Skipping required preparation may even affect your warranty. Manufacturers typically require the subfloor to meet their installation specifications before they'll honor a warranty claim. If they determine the floor wasn't installed over a properly prepared subfloor, they can deny coverage, leaving you to pay for the repairs or even a full replacement. Depending on the size of the project, that could cost anywhere from $300 to $3,000 or more out of pocket.
Saving a few hundred dollars now could mean paying much more for repairs later.
There’s nothing wrong with choosing a lower-priced floor if it fits your needs.
But if you plan to stay in your home for many years, the cheapest floor may not be the best value. Budget flooring often has thinner wear layers, less realistic looks, and shorter warranties.
Spending a little more upfront may give you a floor that looks better and lasts much longer. But if you're working within a tight budget, tell your flooring consultant that upfront. A good retailer should be able to help you prioritize the features that matter most and show you where you can safely save money without creating problems later.
When you get several estimates, it’s natural to compare the final numbers.
But you should also compare what’s included. Does one estimate include subfloor prep while another doesn’t? Are transitions, trim, and furniture moving included? What about moisture testing?
The lowest estimate isn’t always the least expensive in the end. Sometimes it just leaves out work that will cost extra later. For more guidance on choosing a flooring installer, check out our article 8 Must-Ask Questions Before Hiring a Flooring Company.
Online flooring calculators can give you a rough idea of cost. In fact, we have a pricing calculator right here on our website!
But they can’t see what’s under your current flooring or spot problems in your home.
The best way to get an accurate estimate is with an in-home visit.
A flooring professional can measure your space, check the subfloor, talk about your goals, and explain your options. They should also clearly show what is included in the estimate.
At Floor Concepts, we believe you deserve to know what you’re paying for. We explain each part of your estimate before any work begins.
Luxury vinyl plank can be a great value. But knowing the costs upfront will help you make a better choice.
Whether you’re updating one room or your whole home, compare more than prices. Look at the products, the work included, and the full estimate.
That will help you choose a floor you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Most homeowners pay between $5 and $14 per square foot installed. The final price depends on the flooring you choose and the amount of prep work needed.
In most cases, yes. Luxury vinyl plank usually costs less than solid hardwood. However, some premium LVP products may cost as much as lower-priced hardwood options.
Advertised prices often cover only the flooring material. Installation, subfloor prep, trim, transitions, furniture moving, and removal of old flooring may cost extra.
Quality LVP can add value to your home, especially in starter and mid-range homes. It is durable, waterproof, and easy to care for, which appeals to many buyers.
While LVP may not add the same value as natural hardwood, new flooring can make your home more appealing without the higher cost of hardwood.
LVP usually lasts 10 to 25 years, depending on the quality of the product and the amount of foot traffic. Budget LVP may last 5 to 10 years. Higher-quality products with thicker wear layers can last 20 years or more.
For answers to more common questions about LVP, read our article, What Is LVP?
Some floating LVP products are made for DIY installation. However, mistakes can affect how the floor looks and performs. They may even affect the manufacturer’s warranty.
See our article 5 Ways You Can Accidentally Void Your Flooring Warranty for more information.
Every home is different. Subfloor repairs, flooring removal, room layout, transitions, trim work, and the product you choose can all affect the final price.
Many homeowners focus only on the price of the flooring. They forget to budget for installation, subfloor prep, and finishing materials.
Ask for a complete, itemized estimate so you know what you’re paying for before the project begins.
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