Replacing carpet with Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is a popular home-improvement choice because of LVP’s durability, water resistance, and design versatility. This article breaks down typical costs, variables, and practical tips to estimate a full replacement project for U.S. homeowners and renters considering LVP installation.
| Item | Typical Range (Per Sq Ft) |
|---|---|
| Material (LVP) | $1.50 – $7.00 |
| Underlayment | $0.20 – $1.50 |
| Labor (Installation) | $1.50 – $4.00 |
| Carpet Removal/Disposal | $0.50 – $2.00 |
| Trim & Transitions | $50 – $300 Per Room |
What Is LVP And Why Replace Carpet With It
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) mimics hardwood or stone through printed photographic layers and a protective wear layer. Homeowners choose LVP over carpet for lower maintenance, better moisture resistance, and improved indoor air quality.
Average Total Cost To Replace Carpet With LVP
For a straightforward project, full replacement typically ranges between $3.50 and $12.50 per square foot including materials and labor. Smaller rooms and higher-end materials push costs higher; open-plan areas may reduce per-square-foot costs due to economies of scale.
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Material Cost: LVP Planks
LVP price depends on thickness, wear layer, and brand. Entry-level LVP costs around $1.50 to $2.50 per sq ft. Mid-range products cost $2.50 to $4.50, and premium or SPC (stone plastic composite) cores with thick wear layers can reach $4.50 to $7.00 per sq ft.
Underlayment And Subfloor Preparation
Underlayment costs vary from $0.20 to $1.50 per sq ft depending on soundproofing and moisture barrier needs. Subfloor repairs, leveling, or moisture mitigation can add significant one-time expenses, often $100 to $1,000+ depending on extent.
Labor And Installation Costs
Professional installation typically ranges from $1.50 to $4.00 per sq ft. Floating installations are fastest and cheaper; glue-down or full-spread adhesives and complex layouts increase labor time and cost.
Carpet Removal And Disposal
Removing carpet and tack strips usually costs $0.50 to $2.00 per sq ft. Heavy padding, glue residues, or multiple layers of flooring can raise costs due to extra labor and disposal fees.
Trim, Transitions, And Additional Materials
Baseboards, shoe molding, and transition strips typically add $50 to $300 per room. When matching adjacent flooring heights, transitions and door jamb modifications may be needed, increasing the bill.
Factors That Affect Cost
Several variables influence the overall price. Material quality, room size, layout complexity, subfloor condition, and geographic location are the primary cost drivers.
Material Quality And Wear Layer
Thicker wear layers (12-20 mil for moderate residential use; 20+ mil for high traffic) greatly improve longevity and cost more. Waterproof cores like SPC or WPC add to upfront costs but may reduce long-term maintenance expenses.
Square Footage And Room Shape
Larger areas lower per-square-foot labor costs. Irregular rooms with many closets, corners, or built-ins increase cutting and fitting time, adding labor costs.
Subfloor Condition And Preparation
Even, clean subfloors are required for LVP. Leveling compounds, repair of damaged plywood, or concrete grinding for moisture issues create substantial additional costs.
Removal Complexity
If the carpet is glued, has multiple layers, or was installed over problematic surfaces, removal becomes more labor-intensive and expensive. Old tack strips and staples require careful removal to avoid subfloor damage.
Geographic Labor Rates
Labor rates differ across regions. Urban or high-cost-of-living areas generally have higher installer rates. Obtaining multiple local quotes helps find competitive pricing.
Cost Examples For Common Room Sizes
These scenarios show typical ranges for a simple LVP install after carpet removal, including materials and labor but excluding major subfloor repairs.
| Room Size | Low-End Total | Mid-Range Total | High-End Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 x 10 (100 sq ft) | $350 – $550 | $900 – $1,200 | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| 12 x 15 (180 sq ft) | $630 – $990 | $1,620 – $2,160 | $2,160 – $3,600 |
| Living Room 20 x 15 (300 sq ft) | $1,050 – $1,800 | $2,100 – $3,600 | $3,600 – $6,000 |
Cost-Saving Strategies
Several tactics reduce overall expense without sacrificing quality. Shop sales, choose mid-range LVP, and bundle rooms into one installation job to lower per-square-foot labor costs.
Buy Materials On Sale Or Clearance
Flooring retailers and big-box stores run periodic promotions. Clearance LVP from returns or discontinued lines can be high-quality at a discount, but account for matching future replacements.
Install As A Floating Floor
Floating installations are faster and generally cheaper. They also make future removal simpler and preserve resale value in rental situations.
DIY Considerations
Experienced DIYers can save on labor but must account for specialized tools, time, and potential errors. DIY is best for simple rooms with level subfloors and no plumbing or electrical obstacles.
Choosing The Right LVP For Different Rooms
Room function dictates product selection. Kitchens and basements benefit from waterproof cores; living rooms prioritize appearance and thickness; rentals may prioritze durability and cost-effectiveness.
Kitchens And Bathrooms
Choose fully waterproof LVP (SPC/WPC) with a robust wear layer for moisture-prone areas. Properly installed transitions and caulking at fixtures are essential to prevent water ingress.
Basements
Basements require moisture-resistant cores and, often, a vapor barrier underlayment. Concrete moisture testing (calcium chloride or relative humidity) can prevent future failures.
High-Traffic Areas
For hallways or entryways, select LVP with a higher mil wear layer and a strong warranty. High-traffic installations often justify mid- to high-range products.
Warranty, Lifespan, And Resale Impact
Quality LVP often carries a 10-30 year residential warranty. Typical lifespan is 10-25 years depending on wear layer and maintenance. Upgrading from carpet to LVP can positively affect resale value by improving perceived durability and modernizing interiors.
Manufacturer Warranties
Warranties vary: basic lines offer limited protection, while premium lines include wear, stain, and sometimes waterproof guarantees. Always register products and retain purchase documentation.
Maintenance And Longevity
Routine sweeping, occasional damp mopping, and felt pads on furniture will extend LVP life. Avoid abrasive cleaners and steam mops unless manufacturer-approved.
Hiring Contractors And Getting Quotes
Get at least three written estimates and ask for references, proof of insurance, and installer certifications. Compare unit costs, installation methods, timeline, and warranty coverage when evaluating bids.
What To Ask Prospective Installers
- Is the installation floating, glue-down, or click-lock?
- Do estimates include removal and disposal of existing carpet?
- How will subfloor issues be handled and billed?
- Are trim and transitions included?
- What warranties cover labor and materials?
Common Pitfalls To Avoid
Avoid lowball quotes that skip essential steps like moisture testing or leveling. Inadequate subfloor preparation is the most common reason for LVP failures.
Poor Transition Planning
Failing to plan transitions between rooms or to accommodate door clearances can require expensive rework. Confirm thresholds and doorway heights before installation.
Ignoring Moisture Risks
Installing LVP over a damp concrete slab or without a vapor barrier can cause cupping or adhesive failure. Test for moisture when in doubt.
Financing And Budgeting Tips
Home equity, personal loans, credit cards, or contractor financing can cover projects. Prioritize a realistic contingency (10-20%) for unexpected subfloor repairs when budgeting.
Phased Installation Approach
To spread cost, homeowners can replace flooring room-by-room. Keep leftover planks for repairs and potential future matching needs.
Resources And Tools For Estimating Costs
Online calculators, local flooring stores, and contractor quotes are reliable resources. Measure rooms accurately and include waste factor (5-10%) when calculating material needs.
How To Measure For LVP
- Measure length and width of each room and multiply to get square footage.
- Add 5-10% for waste and pattern matching.
- Account separately for closets and alcoves.
Key Takeaways For Homeowners
Replacing carpet with LVP provides improved durability and easier maintenance; costs vary widely based on product quality and site conditions. Expect a realistic total of $3.50 to $12.50 per sq ft for most projects, and always obtain multiple quotes and verify subfloor requirements before committing.
Consumer Reports and Remodeling Magazine are useful references for pricing trends and contractor hiring guidance.