What's the most affordable flooring?

Laminate is usually the least expensive at roughly $4–$8 per square foot installed, but it's only water-resistant. For a bit more, waterproof LVP is worth it in any room that might get wet.

Is it cheaper to refinish or replace hardwood?

Refinishing is usually cheaper (often $4–$8 per square foot versus the cost of new material and installation) as long as the existing boards are thick and sound enough to sand.

Guide

How Much Does New Flooring Cost in Clackamas County?

Hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, tile, or laminate. Here's what new flooring costs per square foot in Clackamas County, including installation and what drives the price up or down.

New flooring cost comes down mostly to the material and your square footage. Here's what the main options run per square foot installed in the Clackamas County area, plus what drives the price up or down.

Subfloor prep before flooring installation

Cost per square foot by material

Laminate: roughly $4–$8 installed: the budget option for dry rooms
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP/SPC): roughly $5–$10 installed: waterproof and durable
Engineered hardwood: roughly $9–$15 installed
Solid hardwood: roughly $10–$18 installed
Tile: roughly $10–$25+ installed, depending on the tile and layout
Hardwood refinishing: roughly $4–$8 per square foot: often cheaper than replacing

What moves the number

Material is the biggest factor, but subfloor prep, how much old flooring has to be torn out and hauled, transitions and trim, stairs, and intricate tile layouts all add up. A flat, sound subfloor keeps costs down; a subfloor that needs leveling or moisture remediation raises them.

Refinish before you replace

If you already have solid hardwood in decent shape, refinishing it typically costs less than new flooring and keeps character you can't buy today. It's worth having the boards assessed before you budget for replacement.

Frequently asked questions

What's the most affordable flooring?: Laminate is usually the least expensive at roughly $4–$8 per square foot installed, but it's only water-resistant. For a bit more, waterproof LVP is worth it in any room that might get wet.
Is it cheaper to refinish or replace hardwood?: Refinishing is usually cheaper (often $4–$8 per square foot versus the cost of new material and installation) as long as the existing boards are thick and sound enough to sand.