Flooring Cost Guide: What to Expect for Your Asheville Home Project
Flooring is a significant home investment, and you deserve to understand what it actually costs before you start shopping. Too many homeowners get excited about a beautiful floor only to experience sticker shock when quotes arrive.
This guide provides realistic cost expectations for flooring projects in the Asheville and Hendersonville market. We’ll cover material costs, installation costs, and the factors that push projects toward the high or low end of ranges.
At Leicester Flooring, we believe informed customers make better decisions. Here’s what flooring actually costs in Western North Carolina.
Understanding Flooring Cost Components
Total project cost combines several elements. Understanding each helps you budget accurately and make trade-offs where they matter.
Material Costs
The flooring itself represents the most visible cost. Prices range dramatically based on:
- Flooring type (carpet, laminate, LVP, hardwood, tile)
- Quality level within each category
- Brand and specific product line
- Style and finish choices
Material costs are typically quoted per square foot. Multiply by your room’s square footage for total material cost.
Installation Labor
Professional installation adds significant cost but ensures proper results. Labor costs depend on:
- Flooring type (some install faster than others)
- Room complexity (stairs, transitions, obstacles)
- Subfloor condition (repairs or preparation needed)
- Furniture moving requirements
- Old flooring removal
Like materials, installation is quoted per square foot, though complex projects may require custom quotes.
Additional Materials
Beyond the flooring itself, most projects require:
- Underlayment or padding
- Transition strips between rooms
- Quarter-round or base molding
- Adhesives or fasteners
- Moisture barriers for some applications
These costs add $0.50-$2.00 per square foot depending on the project.
Preparation and Removal
Getting the space ready for new flooring may include:
- Removing existing flooring
- Disposing of old materials
- Repairing subfloor damage
- Leveling uneven areas
- Moving furniture
Preparation costs vary widely based on existing conditions.
Cost Ranges by Flooring Type
Here’s what each flooring category typically costs in the Asheville market, including materials and professional installation.
Carpet
Materials: $2-$8 per square foot Pad: $0.50-$1.50 per square foot Installation: $1-$2 per square foot
Total installed cost: $3.50-$11.50 per square foot
Budget example (500 sq ft bedroom): $1,750-$3,000 Mid-range example (500 sq ft): $3,000-$4,500 Premium example (500 sq ft): $4,500-$5,750
Carpet represents the most affordable flooring option for bedrooms and family rooms. Quality varies dramatically, so don’t assume cheap carpet is a bargain. Entry-level carpet wears quickly and may cost more long-term.
Laminate
Standard laminate materials: $1-$3 per square foot Waterproof laminate materials: $3-$6 per square foot Underlayment: $0.30-$0.75 per square foot Installation: $2-$4 per square foot
Total installed cost: $3.30-$10.75 per square foot
Budget example (500 sq ft): $1,650-$2,500 Mid-range example (500 sq ft): $3,000-$4,500 Premium waterproof example (500 sq ft): $4,500-$5,375
Laminate provides wood-look flooring at lower cost than hardwood or premium LVP. Waterproof versions cost more but provide moisture protection worth the premium for kitchens and active areas.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Entry-level materials: $2-$4 per square foot Quality materials: $4-$7 per square foot Premium materials (COREtec, etc.): $5-$10 per square foot Underlayment: Often included; additional $0.30-$0.75 if needed Installation: $2-$4 per square foot
Total installed cost: $4-$14 per square foot
Budget example (500 sq ft): $2,000-$3,500 Mid-range example (500 sq ft): $3,500-$5,500 Premium example (500 sq ft): $5,500-$7,000
LVP spans a wide price range. Budget products provide basic waterproof protection. Premium products like COREtec add comfort, realistic textures, and better warranties. The quality difference is noticeable.
Engineered Hardwood
Budget materials: $5-$7 per square foot Mid-range materials: $7-$10 per square foot Premium materials: $10-$12+ per square foot Installation: $3-$6 per square foot
Total installed cost: $8-$18 per square foot
Budget example (500 sq ft): $4,000-$5,500 Mid-range example (500 sq ft): $5,500-$8,000 Premium example (500 sq ft): $8,000-$9,000+
Engineered hardwood provides real wood beauty with better performance in our humid climate than solid hardwood. Quality correlates strongly with wear layer thickness and core construction.
Solid Hardwood
Budget materials: $6-$8 per square foot Mid-range materials: $8-$12 per square foot Premium materials: $12-$15+ per square foot Installation: $4-$6 per square foot
Total installed cost: $10-$21 per square foot
Budget example (500 sq ft): $5,000-$6,500 Mid-range example (500 sq ft): $6,500-$9,000 Premium example (500 sq ft): $9,000-$10,500+
Solid hardwood represents the traditional premium flooring choice. Prices vary by species (oak costs less than walnut), grade, and width. The investment pays off in longevity and home value.
Tile (Ceramic and Porcelain)
Budget materials: $3-$6 per square foot Mid-range materials: $6-$10 per square foot Premium materials: $10-$15+ per square foot Installation: $5-$10 per square foot (higher than other flooring types)
Total installed cost: $8-$25 per square foot
Budget example (100 sq ft bathroom): $800-$1,200 Mid-range example (100 sq ft): $1,200-$2,000 Premium example (100 sq ft): $2,000-$2,500+
Tile installation costs more than other flooring due to mortar, grout, and longer labor time. The material itself spans from affordable basics to expensive designer options.
Factors That Affect Your Project Cost
These variables push costs toward the high or low end of ranges.
Room Size and Layout
Larger rooms cost less per square foot because fixed costs spread across more area. A 1,000 square foot project might cost $6/sq ft while a 200 square foot room costs $8/sq ft for the same material.
Complex layouts with many cuts, corners, and transitions increase labor costs. Simple rectangular rooms install faster and cheaper than irregular spaces.
Existing Floor Removal
Removing old flooring adds $1-$3 per square foot depending on what’s being removed.
- Carpet: $0.50-$1.00 per square foot
- Vinyl sheet or tile: $1-$2 per square foot
- Tile: $2-$4 per square foot (more for thick-set or mortar)
- Hardwood: $2-$3 per square foot
Disposal fees add to removal costs, particularly for large projects.
Subfloor Condition
Most subfloors need some preparation. Costs escalate if significant repairs are required.
- Basic cleaning and prep: Included in most installations
- Minor repairs: $100-$500
- Extensive leveling: $2-$5 per square foot
- Subfloor replacement: $3-$8 per square foot
Older Asheville homes sometimes reveal subfloor issues when existing flooring is removed. Building contingency into your budget protects against surprises.
Stairs
Adding stairs to a flooring project increases cost significantly.
- Carpet stairs: $50-$100 per step installed
- Hardwood stairs: $100-$200 per step installed
- LVP stairs: $75-$150 per step installed
Stairs require more precision, custom cutting, and time than flat installation.
Furniture Moving
Most homeowners handle furniture moving themselves to reduce costs. Professional moving service adds $50-$200 per room.
Our installation team offers furniture moving as part of our full-service packages for customers who prefer that convenience.
Timing and Scheduling
Flooring prices remain relatively stable, though material costs can fluctuate with market conditions. Installation scheduling affects convenience more than cost in most situations.
Sample Project Budgets
Here are realistic budget ranges for common Asheville-area projects.
Whole-House Flooring (1,500 sq ft)
Budget approach: LVP throughout
- Materials and installation: $6,000-$12,000
- Removal and prep: $1,500-$3,000
- Total: $7,500-$15,000
Mid-range approach: Engineered hardwood in main areas, carpet in bedrooms, tile in bathrooms
- Main areas (1,000 sq ft engineered): $8,000-$12,000
- Bedrooms (400 sq ft carpet): $2,000-$3,500
- Bathrooms (100 sq ft tile): $1,200-$2,000
- Total: $11,200-$17,500
Premium approach: Solid hardwood main areas, premium carpet bedrooms, designer tile bathrooms
- Main areas (1,000 sq ft hardwood): $12,000-$18,000
- Bedrooms (400 sq ft carpet): $3,500-$5,000
- Bathrooms (100 sq ft tile): $2,000-$3,000
- Total: $17,500-$26,000
Kitchen Flooring (200 sq ft)
Budget: Waterproof laminate: $800-$1,400 Mid-range: Quality LVP: $1,200-$2,000 Premium: Engineered hardwood: $2,000-$3,200
Single Bedroom (300 sq ft)
Budget carpet: $1,200-$1,800 Mid-range carpet: $1,800-$2,700 LVP alternative: $1,500-$2,500 Hardwood: $3,000-$4,500
Main Living Area (600 sq ft)
Laminate: $2,400-$4,200 Quality LVP: $3,600-$6,000 Engineered hardwood: $5,400-$9,000 Solid hardwood: $7,200-$11,400
Getting Accurate Quotes
These ranges provide planning guidance, but accurate project quotes require measuring your specific spaces and assessing actual conditions.
What Affects Your Quote
- Exact room dimensions and layout
- Current flooring and subfloor condition
- Specific products you select
- Installation complexity
- Furniture moving needs
- Timeline requirements
Our Free In-Home Measure
Leicester Flooring provides free in-home measurement and consultation. We assess your spaces, discuss your priorities, and provide accurate quotes for the specific products you’re considering.
This service eliminates guesswork and ensures you understand exactly what your project will cost before making decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do quotes vary so much between companies?
Quality differences in materials, installation standards, and warranties explain most variation. Very low quotes often indicate lower-quality products or less experienced installers. Compare what’s included, not just the bottom line.
Should I buy materials myself and hire installation separately?
This can save money but adds complexity and risk. If materials arrive damaged or quantities are wrong, you’re responsible. Professional flooring companies handle these issues seamlessly.
How much should I budget for my project?
Start with the mid-range estimates for your flooring type and room sizes. Add 10-15% contingency for surprises. This provides realistic planning while allowing flexibility.
Does Leicester Flooring offer financing?
Yes. We partner with Synchrony Financial to offer financing options that make flooring projects manageable. Ask about current terms during your consultation.
Is cheaper flooring ever worth it?
Sometimes. Budget carpet in a guest bedroom or rental property makes practical sense. Budget flooring in high-traffic areas typically wears out quickly and costs more long-term.
Get Your Accurate Quote
Understanding cost ranges helps with planning, but your specific project deserves a specific quote. Variables unique to your home affect actual costs.
At Leicester Flooring, we provide detailed quotes after measuring your spaces and understanding your goals. No pressure, no surprises, just honest numbers for the work you’re considering.
Schedule your free in-home measure today. Our team will assess your project and provide clear pricing so you can make informed decisions about your home.