New flooring is one of the most transformative and cost-effective renovations you can do. In 2026, flooring costs range from $3/sqft for basic laminate to $25+/sqft for wide-plank hardwood. The type of flooring, subfloor condition, and room complexity all affect the final price. Here's the complete Canadian flooring cost guide.
| Category | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate Flooring | $3–$7/sqft installed | Budget option. Not suitable for wet areas. |
| Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) | $4–$9/sqft installed | Most popular in Canada. Waterproof and durable. |
| Engineered Hardwood | $6–$14/sqft installed | The premium look of hardwood with better stability. |
| Solid Hardwood | $8–$18/sqft installed | Can be refinished multiple times. Adds most resale value. |
| Ceramic Tile | $5–$15/sqft installed | For kitchens, bathrooms, entryways. |
| Natural Stone Tile | $12–$30/sqft installed | Marble, travertine — premium and heavy. |
| Carpet | $3–$8/sqft installed | Bedrooms and basement rec rooms. Low cost, high comfort. |
| Subfloor Repair/Prep | $1–$4/sqft | Often needed before new flooring can be installed. |
Uneven, damaged, or rotting subfloor adds $1–$4/sqft and must be addressed before any new floor goes down.
Diagonal installations, transitions, stairs, and tight spaces all add to labour cost.
Most installers charge extra to move heavy furniture ($50–$200/room).
Removing existing tile, glued-down hardwood, or carpet adds $1–$3/sqft.
Not all flooring works with heated floors — LVP and tile are ideal; thick hardwood is not recommended.
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Find Contractors →Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) has become the most popular flooring in Canada over the last 5 years, surpassing hardwood. It's waterproof, durable, warm underfoot, and dramatically cheaper than hardwood.
Yes — solid or engineered hardwood consistently adds resale value and is a selling feature in most Canadian markets. LVP is less of a premium selling feature but acceptable to most buyers.
LVP and laminate with click-lock systems are very DIY-friendly and can save $2–$4/sqft in labour. Tile and hardwood are harder to DIY correctly and mistakes are costly to fix.
No — flooring is a cosmetic change and does not require a building permit in any Canadian municipality.
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