When planning a flooring project, it's easy to focus only on the sticker price of materials. However, the true cost of flooring includes installation and long-term expenses like maintenance and replacements.
Smart homeowners in the $400K–$1.2M home value range know that choosing the right floor is both a financial investment and lifestyle decision.
In this post, we’ll break down the costs of different flooring materials—hardwood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), engineered wood, tile, and carpet—so you can make an informed choice.
With a clear view of upfront vs. hidden costs (over 5, 10, and 20 years), you'll see why investing in quality flooring (like Steller Floors) can actually save money over time, add value, and reduce risk.
The initial material cost per square foot of flooring varies widely by material. Below is a quick comparison of typical price ranges (materials + basic installation):
| Flooring Type | Typical Installed Cost (per sq. ft.) |
|---|---|
| Traditional Hardwood | $8 – $18 (mid-grade; can range $6–$25) |
| Steller Floors | $13 – $17 (includes DIY-friendly modular installation, no nails/glue needed) |
| Engineered Wood | $7 – $16 (comparable to traditional hardwood) |
| Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) | $4 – $9 (higher-end vinyl) |
| Porcelain Tile | $8 – $15 (porcelain), up to $20+ for premium |
| Carpet | $3 – $7 (varies by fiber quality) |
As the table shows, natural hardwood tends to have the highest upfront cost (especially for premium species or wider planks), while carpet and basic vinyl are often the cheapest initially. Engineered wood and tile fall in between, overlapping with hardwood costs depending on quality. It's important to note that installation labor is a big part of these costs. For example, professional installation can add $3–$8 per sq. ft. for hardwood (Hardwood vs Vinyl Flooring - Pros, Cons, Comparisons and Costs | Fixr) and even more for complex tile work (tile labor alone averages ~$5–$6 per sq. ft. (Laminate vs Tile Flooring - Pros, Cons, Comparisons and Costs | Fixr)). On the other hand, some flooring like LVP or laminate are easier to install (even DIY), keeping labor costs on the lower end. So, a budget-friendly material like vinyl could become pricier if installation is complicated, while a high-quality floor like Steller’s modular hardwood can save on labor by being easy to install.
Upfront cost is only part of the story. Equally important is how long a floor will last and what it costs to maintain over the years. Different materials have very different lifespans and upkeep needs:
Total Cost of Flooring Over Time (Per Square Foot)
| Flooring Type | ~5-Year Total | ~10-Year Total | ~20-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Hardwood | ~$12 (initial only) | ~$12 (no major change) | ~$20 (includes one refinish) |
| Steller Floors | ~$15 (initial only) | ~$15 (minimal maintenance) | ~$17 (minimal replacements) |
| Engineered Wood | ~$10 (initial) | ~$10 (if no refinish yet) | ~$20 (with one refinish or full replacement) |
| Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) | ~$7 (initial) | ~$7 (no change) | ~$14 (includes one full replacement) |
| Tile (Ceramic) | ~$16 (initial) | ~$17 (minor maintenance) | ~$17 (no change; durable) |
| Carpet | ~$5 (initial + cleaning) | ~$10+ (includes one replacement) | ~$17+ (includes two replacements) |
Estimates above assume mid-grade materials and typical usage: e.g., hardwood at $12 initial, refinish at year 15 ~$6-8/sf; LVP initial $7, replaced at year 15; carpet initial $4 with ~$1 in cleanings every 5 years and replacement ~$4 every 7-10 years. Actual costs will vary.
Key Insights:
Steller Floors: While the initial investment is slightly higher at ~$15/sq.ft., the innovative modular design allows for easy individual plank replacements, eliminating the need for costly full refinishing or replacements. This results in stable maintenance costs over time. floorsbysteller.com
Traditional Hardwood: Requires a full refinishing approximately every 15-20 years, adding ~$6-8/sq.ft. to the total cost.
Engineered Wood: May need refinishing depending on the wear layer thickness; costs can add up over time.
LVP: Typically requires full replacement every 10-20 years, doubling the initial cost.
Tile: Durable with minimal maintenance; however, repair costs can be high if tiles crack. Reddit
Carpet: Needs regular cleaning and periodic replacement, leading to increasing costs over time.
By choosing Steller Floors, homeowners can enjoy the timeless beauty of solid hardwood with the added benefits of reduced long-term maintenance costs and the flexibility to address specific areas without extensive disruption or expense.
Unlike traditional hardwood installations that require extensive preparation, nailing, and gluing, Steller Floors' unique floating hardwood design delivers several notable advantages:
DIY-Friendly Installation: Save money and time with an intuitive click-together system, making professional installation optional, not mandatory.
No Nails, No Glue: Reduces both initial installation complexity and future maintenance complications.
Modular Repairability: Easily replace or repair individual planks without refinishing or replacing large flooring areas, drastically reducing long-term maintenance costs.
High-Quality Solid Hardwood: Crafted from premium materials, ensuring long-lasting beauty and durability.
By clearly contrasting traditional hardwood’s hidden costs with Steller Floors' modular, cost-effective approach, you can see why investing a bit more upfront leads to considerable long-term savings and enhanced home value.