Average Cost of Flooring Removal and Installation

If you’re planning to upgrade your floors, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: How much is it going to cost? Whether you’re replacing old carpet with hardwood, removing dated tile, or installing new vinyl planks, it’s important to understand both the removal and installation costs before you start.

At LV Hardwood Flooring, we help Toronto homeowners get clear answers and realistic pricing so you’re never surprised when it’s time to renovate. Here’s what you can expect when it comes to the average cost of flooring removal and installation in 2025.

How Much Does It Cost to Remove Old Flooring?

The cost of removing existing flooring depends on what you’re tearing out, how it was installed, and how much prep work is required.

Average Removal Costs (Per Square Foot):

Carpet: $0.75 – $1.50
Laminate or Vinyl: $1.00 – $2.00
Tile: $2.00 – $4.00 (can be higher if there’s concrete underlay)
Hardwood (glued or nailed): $2.00 – $4.50

Factors that affect removal cost:

Is the flooring glued, nailed, or floating?
Are there multiple layers to remove?
Is there furniture or appliances to move?
Do you need disposal or hauling services?

At LV Flooring, we offer bundled removal and disposal services to simplify the process and keep your project on track.

What’s the Cost to Install New Flooring?

Installation prices vary depending on the type of material, condition of the subfloor, and any finishing details required.

Average Installation Costs (Per Square Foot):

Engineered Hardwood Flooring: $4.00 – $8.00
Solid Hardwood: $6.00 – $10.00
Laminate: $2.00 – $4.00
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): $3.00 – $5.00
Tile: $5.00 – $12.00 (varies by material and layout complexity)

Keep in mind that these are labour costs only. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of the flooring material, underlayment, trim, and transitions.

What Additional Costs Should You Expect?

Flooring projects often come with a few extra line items you’ll want to plan for:

Subfloor repair or levelling: $1.00 – $3.00/sq. ft. if needed
Underlayment: $0.50 – $1.50/sq. ft. (depends on product)
Furniture moving: $100 – $300 (if not DIY)
Trim/baseboard removal and reinstallation: $1.00 – $3.00/linear ft.
Disposal fees: $100 – $500, depending on flooring type and volume

At LV Hardwood Flooring, we provide upfront quotes that include all foreseeable extras so you can budget properly.

Example: Flooring Cost Breakdown for 500 Sq. Ft. Space

Let’s say you want to replace old carpet with engineered hardwood in a 500 sq. ft. living room. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Carpet removal: 500 x $1.00 = $500
Engineered hardwood (material): 500 x $5.00 = $2,500
Installation labour: 500 x $6.00 = $3,000
Underlayment: 500 x $1.00 = $500
Trim reinstallation: ~$300
Total estimate: ~$6,800 (plus taxes)

This varies depending on the exact materials chosen, subfloor condition, and room shape.

replace old carpet with hardwood plank floor

What Impacts the Final Price the Most?

Flooring installation isn’t just about the square footage. Several factors can drive your final bill. Understanding these in advance can help you plan more accurately and avoid unexpected costs.

The biggest price drivers are:

Material choice: Flooring material has the biggest impact on both cost and labour. Premium solid hardwood and wide-plank engineered flooring not only cost more per square foot, but also take more time to install precisely. Budget-friendly options like laminate or vinyl typically install faster and with fewer tools.
Complex layouts: Installing flooring in rooms with odd angles, curves, staircases, or multiple transitions requires more custom cuts, which increases labour time. Specialty patterns like herringbone or chevron can double installation time due to precision requirements.
Subfloor prep: A level, dry, and clean subfloor makes installation faster and easier. If your subfloor has damage, dips, or excess moisture, it may need repairs or a leveling compound, which adds both time and cost.
Demolition needs: Removing glued-down flooring like tile or nailed-down hardwood is significantly more labour-intensive than floating floors. Tile, in particular, can take several days to be demoed and disposed of properly.

If you’re unsure what’s underneath your existing floor, we offer on-site assessments to scope everything out before installation day. That way, you get a full picture of what’s involved before you commit.

How to Save on Flooring Installation

Here are a few ways to reduce your costs without sacrificing quality, especially if you’re working with a tight renovation budget:

Choose materials that click together easily: Floating floor systems like luxury vinyl planks or engineered hardwood with click-lock edges reduce labour time and complexity, making them faster and cheaper to install.
Bundle services with one contractor: Hiring separate trades for demolition, installation, and finishing can add up quickly. Bundling with a full-service provider like LV Hardwood Flooring saves on labour and streamlines the project timeline.
Remove furniture and personal items yourself: If the space is cleared before the crew arrives, you’ll avoid extra charges and help speed up the job.
Stick to simple layouts: While patterns like herringbone or chevron look great, they require more cuts, more waste, and more time. For most spaces, a straight lay pattern delivers clean results at a lower cost.
Time your project during off-peak seasons: If possible, schedule your install during the contractor’s slower periods (like late fall or winter) when rates may be more competitive.
Ask about overstock or clearance flooring: Some suppliers offer discounts on discontinued or surplus stock, which is perfect if you’re flexible on colour or finish.

With smart planning and the right team, you can achieve a beautiful upgrade without stretching your budget.

empty room new wooden floor installed

Why Work With LV Hardwood Flooring?

We’re not just here to sell you flooring, we’re here to help you make the right choice for your space, budget, and lifestyle.

Clients across the GTA choose LV Flooring for:

Expert installation services across hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and more
Clear, honest quotes with no hidden fees
Access to premium materials through our local showroom
Support with product selection and design planning
Professional, courteous installers who respect your home

Budgeting for New Floors

The average cost to remove and install flooring in Toronto ranges from $5.00 to $15.00 per square foot, depending on the materials and complexity.

Your actual total will depend on:

The type and size of flooring you choose
Whether removal or subfloor work is needed
The condition of your current space

At LV Hardwood Flooring, we help homeowners plan smarter so you stay on time and on budget. Visit our showroom or book a consultation today to get a detailed quote tailored to your project.

Flooring Removal and Installation