Vinyl Plank Flooring Cost Per Square Foot (2026 Pricing Guide)
Vinyl plank flooring (LVP) has become one of the most popular flooring choices for homeowners thanks to its durability, waterproof construction, and realistic wood looks. But how much does vinyl plank flooring actually cost per square foot in 2026? This guide breaks down material prices, installation costs, brand comparisons, and the factors that influence your total project budget.
Average Cost of Vinyl Plank Flooring Per Square Foot
In 2026, most homeowners can expect to pay:
Material Cost Only
- Budget LVP: $1.20 – $2.50 per sq ft
- Mid‑range LVP: $2.50 – $4.00 per sq ft
- Premium LVP (SPC/WPC): $4.00 – $7.00 per sq ft
Installed Cost (Material + Labor)
- Budget installed: $3.00 – $5.00 per sq ft
- Mid‑range installed: $5.00 – $7.50 per sq ft
- Premium installed: $7.50 – $12.00 per sq ft
Vinyl plank flooring remains one of the most cost‑effective options compared to hardwood, tile, or engineered wood.
What Affects the Cost of Vinyl Plank Flooring?
1. Thickness of the Plank
Thicker planks cost more but offer better durability and comfort.
- 4–5 mm: Budget
- 6–8 mm: Mid‑range
- 8–12 mm: Premium
2. Wear Layer Thickness
The wear layer protects against scratches and dents.
- 6–8 mil: Budget
- 12–20 mil: Mid‑range
- 20+ mil: Premium / commercial
3. Core Type (SPC vs WPC)
- SPC (Stone Polymer Core): Rigid, durable, great for uneven subfloors
- WPC (Wood Polymer Core): Softer, quieter, more comfortable
WPC usually costs more.
4. Waterproof vs Water‑Resistant
Most LVP is waterproof, but true waterproof brands cost slightly more.
5. Brand Reputation
Premium brands like COREtec or Shaw cost more than budget lines like Home Decorators Collection or Menards.
6. Installation Method
- Floating click‑lock: Cheapest
- Glue‑down: More expensive
- Peel‑and‑stick: Budget option
7. Subfloor Preparation
If your subfloor needs leveling, patching, or moisture treatment, costs increase.
Cost Breakdown by Brand (2026)
Budget Brands
- Home Decorators Collection (Home Depot): $1.50 – $2.50 per sq ft
- Menards LVP: $1.20 – $2.00 per sq ft
Mid‑Range Brands
- Shaw Primavera: $2.50 – $4.00 per sq ft
- LifeProof (Home Depot): $2.80 – $4.20 per sq ft
Premium Brands
- COREtec: $4.50 – $7.00 per sq ft
- Karndean: $5.00 – $7.50 per sq ft
Installation Cost Per Square Foot
Professional installation typically costs:
- Floating LVP: $1.50 – $3.00 per sq ft
- Glue‑down LVP: $2.50 – $4.00 per sq ft
- Removal of old flooring: $0.50 – $2.00 per sq ft
- Subfloor leveling: $1.00 – $3.00 per sq ft
If your subfloor is in good shape, installation stays on the lower end.
Total Cost for a Typical Room
Here’s what you can expect to pay for a 200 sq ft room:
Budget LVP
- Material: $240 – $500
- Installation: $300 – $600
- Total: $540 – $1,100
Mid‑Range LVP
- Material: $500 – $800
- Installation: $400 – $700
- Total: $900 – $1,500
Premium LVP
- Material: $900 – $1,400
- Installation: $600 – $1,000
- Total: $1,500 – $2,400
Is Vinyl Plank Flooring Worth the Cost?
Most homeowners find LVP to be one of the best values in flooring because it offers:
- Waterproof performance
- Realistic wood visuals
- Easy DIY installation
- Low maintenance
- Excellent durability
- Affordable pricing
It’s especially ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and homes with pets or kids.
How to Save Money on Vinyl Plank Flooring
- Choose a floating click‑lock product
- Install it yourself
- Buy during seasonal sales
- Select mid‑range instead of premium brands
- Avoid unnecessary subfloor work
Final Thoughts
Vinyl plank flooring costs between $1.20 and $7.00 per square foot for materials and $3.00 to $12.00 per square foot installed, depending on quality, brand, and installation method. With its durability, waterproof construction, and realistic appearance, LVP remains one of the best flooring values for 2026.