Lowes is one of the first places homeowners look when they want to install new flooring.
Lowes flooring is available in various materials, including hardwood, vinyl, laminate, and tile flooring.
They partner with licensed local installers to provide customers with flooring installation services.
Average Cost Of Lowes Flooring
The average cost of installing Lowe’s flooring depends on various factors, including the type of flooring, the complexity of the required work, the minimum wage in the state where you live, and the rates of the contractor you’re working with.
But on average, expect to pay anywhere between $0.90 and $110 per square foot for materials alone.
The installation labor can range from $0.90 to $15 per square foot.
Therefore, the total cost of installing Lowe’s flooring can range anywhere from $1.80 to $125 per square foot, depending on the type of flooring.
Options such as tile flooring fall on the higher end of the price scale because they are expensive and complicated to install.
See below to understand how the above estimates come about.
Lowes Flooring Options
Below is the cost breakdown of various flooring options at Lowe’s:
| Lowe’s Flooring | Cost of Material per Sq. Ft. | Cost of Labor per Sq. Ft. | Average Total Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl Flooring | $0.90-$6 | $0.90-$2.50 | $1.80-$8.50 |
| Laminate Flooring | $1-$6 | $1.20-$3 | $2.20-$9 |
| Vinyl Plank Flooring | $1-$6 | $1-$2.50 | $2-$8.50 |
| Tile Flooring | $1.30-$110 | $4.50-$15 | $5.80-$125 |
Lowes Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl is a flooring material made from a synthetic component known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
It is durable, affordable, water-resistant, and very easy to install.
Lowe’s vinyl flooring costs between $0.90 and $6 per square foot.
The cost of installation is between $0.90 and $2.50 per square foot.
Therefore, the total cost of installing Lowe’s vinyl flooring on a single square foot ranges from $1.80 to $8.50.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a type of synthetic flooring made from composite wood.
It usually has a top photographic layer that mimics the look of various materials such as stone and wood.
Laminate flooring is durable, long-lasting, and scratch-resistant.
It is also very easy to install, making it a top choice for DIYers.
Lowe’s laminate flooring material costs between $1 and $6 per square foot.
Installing this type of flooring through Lowe’s will cost between $1.20 and $3 per square foot.
Therefore, the total cost of installing Lowe’s laminate flooring ranges from $2.20 to $9 per square foot.
Did you know? Laminate flooring can last up to 25 years if properly installed and maintained.
Lowes Flooring Vinyl Plank
Vinyl planks have the same characteristics as vinyl flooring except that they are made in rectangular planks rather than the traditional square tile shape.
The cost of Lowe’s vinyl plank flooring material is between $1 and $6 per square foot.
It will cost between $1 and $2.50 per square foot for labor to install the plank flooring.
That means the total cost of installing Lowe’s vinyl plank flooring ranges from $2 to $8.50 per square foot.
Lowes Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is a hard surface flooring material made from ceramic, porcelain, or stone that comes in square or rectangular shapes.
It is durable, easy to clean, and is available in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns.
It is water-resistant, making it suitable for water-prone areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
The cost of Lowe’s tile flooring per square foot is $1.30 on the low end and $110 on the high end.
Tile flooring is one of the most labor-intensive flooring materials to install, so the cost of labor is quite expensive.
You can expect to pay between $4.50 and $15 for the labor to install ceramic and porcelain tiles.
Therefore, the total cost of installing Lowe’s tile flooring is from $5.80 to $125 per square foot.
Please note that the above estimate can change significantly depending on market changes, the rates of the contractor you’re working with, and the complexity of your project.
The only way to determine how much your flooring project will cost is by scheduling an in-home consultation with a contractor and having them provide you with a customized price quote.
Pro Tip: When planning any flooring installation project, building experts recommend adding 15% to 20% to the final budget to allow for market changes and incidental costs that may arise.
Lowes Flooring Underlayment
Lowe’s offers various types of underlayment, including foam, cork, and rubber.
Typically, underlayment costs between $0.30 and $0.60 per square foot, depending on the type.
Most types of flooring can benefit from an underlayment because the material protects the subfloor from moisture damage.
Is Lowes Flooring Waterproof?
Lowe’s offers a wide variety of flooring options.
Some options are waterproof, while others are not.
Options such as luxury vinyl plank flooring and high-end laminate flooring are waterproof.
However, hardwood and standard laminate are not inherently waterproof.
On the other hand, tile is an excellent choice if you need flooring that is waterproof.
It’s important to check the technical specifications of the product you are planning to purchase before ordering it.
Does Lowes Finance Flooring?
Yes, Lowe’s provides various financing options for their flooring materials.
One of the most popular options is the Lowe’s Advantage Card.
This card is one of the most beneficial credit cards in the home improvement field and is designed to enhance your experience with any improvement project.
The Lowe’s Advantage Card offers various benefits, including six months of no-interest special financing for a minimum purchase of $299, a 5% discount on every Lowe’s Advantage Card purchase, and 84 fixed monthly payments for purchases over $2,000.
Additionally, you can take advantage of limited-time offers like 20% off for new accounts or 12 months of special financing for appliances. Please note that financing options have terms and conditions that you must meet to qualify and are also subject to change.
Does Lowes Install Flooring?
Lowe’s does not install flooring.
However, they partner with local contractors to provide flooring installation services for their customers.
Whenever a customer requests installation services, they refer them to a local contractor who is licensed, insured and background-checked.
What Does Lowes Flooring Installation Include?
Lowe’s flooring installation includes in-home consultation and measurement, removal and disposal of old flooring, installation of new flooring, and clean-up.
How Much Does Lowes Charge To Lay Flooring?
The amount that Lowe’s charges to lay flooring varies significantly depending on a number of factors.
Some of these include the flooring type, the amount of work required, the rate of wages in your state, and the rates of the contractor you’re working with.
Below is a rough estimate of how much the company may charge per square foot depending on the type of flooring:
- Vinyl flooring: $0.90-$2.50
- Laminate flooring: $1.20-$3
- Lowe’s Vinyl Plank Flooring: $2-$8.50
- Lowe’s Tile Flooring: $4.50-$15
The above figures are simply estimates.
The only way to know how much Lowe’s will charge you for installing a particular type of flooring is by having a contractor visit your home and then provide a customized quote depending on your project requirements.
Does Lowes Have Flooring Samples?
Lowe’s offers flooring samples to customers who request them.
These samples are sold at discounted prices and have the added benefit of free shipping.
Suppose you’re still struggling to make a decision even after examining the available samples. In that case, the Lowe’s team can offer advice and help you make a good choice to meet your needs and preferences.
Are Lowes Flooring Samples Free?
No, Lowe’s flooring samples are not free, but the company does offer free shipping for their samples.
What Is Lowes Return Policy On Flooring?
Lowe’s allows customers who are dissatisfied with their flooring to return it within 90 days of purchase.
However, the flooring must be unused to qualify for a return.
Also, shipping fees are non-refundable.
To return flooring to Lowe’s, simply visit a nearby store with your ID and receipt.
If you ordered online, complete the return form on Lowe’s website. A customer representative will issue you a return authorization number and a label, making the return process seamless.
Customers who purchase the flooring online must also pay the shipping fees for returning the product.
If you receive a defective or damaged product, you should decline delivery, and file for a refund using the provided online form within three days.
It’s important to note that Lowe’s does not issue refunds for customized flooring products.
The company also has a strict return policy for holiday items.
For example, suppose you have an issue with an item you purchased during the Christmas holiday. In that case, you must return it on or before the holiday.
Items purchased after the holiday are final sales and cannot be returned or refunded.
Lowes Flooring vs Home Depot
There are no major differences between Lowe’s and Home Depot when it comes to flooring.
First, both companies list products from reputable brands so homeowners can rest assured they’ll find high-quality flooring regardless of which retailer they choose.
They also:
- Provide all major types of flooring, including vinyl, laminate, hardwood, and tile flooring.
- Offer flexible financing options for customers who don’t want to pay cash.
- Offer price matching.
- Provide installation services through licensed and insured third-party contractors.
- Provide a one-year warranty on the labor.
Ultimately, choosing between these two companies depends on your preferences and the store that’s nearest to your home.
Did you know? Home Depot is the largest home improvement retailer in the world, with over 2,300 stores in the United States, and Lowe’s is the second, with over 1,700 stores.
What Is The Best Lowes Flooring For The Money?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.
The best flooring for your home depends on your specific needs and preferences.
For example, hardwood flooring might be an excellent choice for homeowners who want long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing flooring that adds value to their homes.
However, hardwood might not be the best choice for a homeowner who prioritizes ease of cleaning, noise reduction, and water resistance.
Vinyl flooring might be the best choice for a homeowner who wants affordable, easy-to-install, easy-to-clean, and waterproof flooring.
However, vinyl might not be the best choice for a homeowner who values environmental sustainability, repairability, and home value enhancement.
The above examples show that there is not one single flooring type that soars above all the rest.
You have to examine the benefits and disadvantages of the available options and choose the one that best fits your needs.
Which Is Better, Lowes Vinyl Or Laminate Flooring?
Both vinyl and laminate flooring are types of synthetic flooring.
They are durable, attractive, and cost about the same.
The major differences between these two materials come down to their water resistance, durability, and maintenance.
Vinyl flooring has more water resistance than laminate flooring.
In fact, many vinyl flooring options are waterproof. This characteristic makes vinyl an excellent flooring material for water-prone areas such as laundry rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens.
However, water can still penetrate the seams and damage the subfloor.
You should never leave standing water on your floor simply because the material is waterproof.
Vinyl flooring is also effortless to clean and maintain.
You can clean it with a wet mop and household cleaner or simply vacuum or sweep it without compromising the structural integrity of the flooring finish.
Conversely, you can’t use a wet mop or steam cleaner on laminate flooring.
Regarding durability, vinyl flooring can last longer than laminate flooring.
Vinyl flooring can last up to 25 years, while laminate flooring usually lasts about 15 years.
On the upside, laminate flooring is considered more aesthetically pleasing than vinyl flooring because it resembles real wood.
Some options resemble other natural surfaces like stone and tile.
Vinyl slightly resembles wood, but a trained eye can easily tell that it is not real wood.
The above comparison is brief but clearly shows why some consider vinyl flooring better than laminate flooring by a significant margin.
What Is The Cheapest But Best Flooring At Lowes?
Vinyl and laminate flooring compete head-to-head for the best affordable flooring.
However, our analysis shows that vinyl offers better performance at a lower price.
The material is cost-effective, durable, comfortable, and easy to clean, install, and maintain.
The material is also available in a wide variety of design options, so you can rest assured you will find an option that matches the aesthetic of your home.
Some high-end vinyl flooring options are waterproof, scratch-resistant, and dust-resistant, making them an excellent choice for homeowners with kids and pets.
Unfortunately, low-quality vinyl flooring dents easily and has a shorter lifespan.
Is Lowes Expensive For Flooring Installation?
Hiring flooring installation services through big box retailers like Lowe’s may not be the most cost-effective choice.
Such retailers typically charge additional middleman fees, making their installation services pricier than if you were to hire an independent contractor directly.
While it’s difficult to gauge the price discrepancy precisely, many customer accounts suggest that going through a big box retailer costs 20 to 40% more than working directly with a contractor.
Is Lowes Flooring Good?
When it comes to Lowe’s flooring, you will receive the quality you pay for.
The higher the price, the higher the quality, and vice versa.
However, the company is committed to listing products from reputable national and private brands to ensure high quality and customer satisfaction.
The type of flooring you choose from the brand also determines the quality you will receive.
Here is a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of each flooring option available at Lowe’s, which can help you determine which one best suits your needs:
Lowes Hardwood Flooring
Pros
- It has a timeless and stylish look that no other flooring material can match.
- It has a high return on investment and adds value to the property.
- It can be refinished every 3 to 5 years
- It is durable and long-lasting.
- It is eco-friendly.
Did you know? High-quality hardwood flooring can last up to 100 years if well-maintained and regularly refinished.
Cons
- It is prone to water damage.
- It is expensive.
- It can be noisy.
- It isn’t easy to install.
- Some options, such as maple, can easily damage and warp.
- It is susceptible to insect damage.
Lowes Vinyl Flooring
Pros
- It is easy to install.
- It’s available in a wide variety of design options.
- It is waterproof.
- It is durable.
Cons
- Some argue that it is not aesthetically pleasing.
- It is not repairable.
- It is not eco-friendly and cannot be recycled.
Lowes Laminate Flooring
Pros
- It is water resistant.
- It is scratch resistant.
- It is available in a wide variety of design options.
Cons
- It isn’t friendly to the environment.
- It cannot be refinished.
Lowes Tile Flooring
Pros
- It has a hard surface making it suitable for homes with high foot traffic.
- It is not susceptible to water damage and is thus recommended for water-prone areas such as bathrooms, basements, and kitchens.
- It is easy to clean.
- It is durable and long-lasting.
Did you know? Terracotta tile flooring can last 50 years if well-installed and maintained. Some options, such as ceramic, can last between 75 and 100 years.
Cons
- It is cold.
- It can be as expensive as hardwood.
- It isn’t easy to install.
Is Lowes Flooring The Solution To Your Flooring Needs?
Lowe’s is a viable option for homeowners who want to install new flooring.
The retailer carries flooring materials from reputable brands, so customers can be confident they will find high-quality products.
The company’s flooring materials are competitively priced and come at various price points.
You can rest assured that you will find good flooring material regardless of your budget.
Lowe’s also maintains a database of licensed and insured local contractors who provide installation services.
This go-between service can be a great option for homeowners having difficulty finding licensed and insured contractors on their own. It also spares them the hassle of having to vet contractors themselves, which increases the chance of making a poor choice and ending up with low-quality work.
Unfortunately, you can’t ignore the fact that hiring installation via Lowe’s is more expensive than hiring a contractor directly.
However, it comes with benefits such as a one-year warranty, which ensures high-quality service.
