One of the main considerations in upgrading a floor is price. Many home-improvement centers now have computer programs that will help you calculate the cost of a project before you begin. The average cost of covering a 12' by 12' room in various materials is as follows: Tongue-in-groove hardwood flooring costs about $500. Laminate flooring ranges from $450 to $1,300, depending on the quality of the flooring. Prices for ceramic floor tiles range from $1 to $3. Tile flooring costs about $250 if you're using tiles priced at $1.75 each. Good vinyl flooring costs approximately $160. You'll save quite a bit by doing the work yourself. For example, typical labor charges for professional hardwood and laminate floor installation are about $400. Ceramic tile installation can cost more than $500, and vinyl floor installation costs about $130.
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