Budgeting for New Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring: A Comprehensive Guide

By mike
In Luxury Vinyl

When it comes to upgrading your home with new flooring, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a popular choice for many Kiwi homeowners. Its durability, stylish appearance, and water resistance make it an ideal option for various rooms in the house. However, before diving into the transformation, it’s essential to understand how to budget for luxury vinyl flooring to avoid any unexpected surprises. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when planning your budget, from the cost of materials to professional luxury vinyl installation.

1. Measure Your Space

The first step in budgeting for luxury vinyl plank flooring is to measure the area where you plan to install it. Accurately measuring your space ensures that you’ll know how much material you need and avoid overbuying or underbuying.

Use a tape measure to calculate the length and width of each room, and then multiply these numbers to get the total square meterage. It’s always wise to add a little extra (around 10%) to your total to account for any mistakes or tricky cuts around edges, corners, and fixtures. For example, if you plan to install vinyl flooring in your home in an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area, measuring these spaces precisely is crucial for staying within your budget.

2. Consider Material Costs

Once you know how much flooring you need, the next step is to choose the type of vinyl plank flooring that fits both your style and budget. Luxury vinyl flooring comes in a wide range of designs, mimicking natural wood or stone at a fraction of the cost. However, the price can vary depending on the quality, thickness, and brand.

Higher-end luxury vinyl flooring is often thicker and comes with enhanced features such as soundproofing or added scratch resistance, making it more expensive. For most homeowners, mid-range LVP provides a good balance between cost and performance, but it’s important to visit a reputable luxury vinyl flooring store to see samples in person and discuss the options available.

3. Factor in Labour Costs

Next up, you’ll want to consider labour costs if you’re hiring professionals for the job. Luxury vinyl installation costs can differ depending on your location and the complexity of the project. For example, if you need to remove existing vinyl flooring before the new installation, or if you have awkward spaces that require more intricate cuts, this can add to the cost.

In New Zealand, professional flooring installation is typically charged by the square metre, with an additional cost for preparing the subfloor, removing old flooring, and managing waste. On average, you might expect to pay between $25 to $50 per square metre for vinyl plank installation, but prices can vary, so it’s a good idea to get several quotes to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.

4. DIY vs. Professional Installation

While hiring professionals for luxury vinyl installation ensures that the job is done correctly and efficiently, some homeowners in Kaitaia may prefer to go the DIY route to save on labour costs. If you’re confident with a utility knife and have a bit of experience with home improvement projects, you could tackle the vinyl plank installation yourself.

Installing luxury vinyl flooring is generally more straightforward than other flooring types, as it often comes with a click-lock system that makes the planks easy to join together. However, you’ll still need the right tools and a steady hand, particularly when cutting around fixtures or fitting planks along the walls.

Keep in mind that while DIY might save you money upfront, mistakes can lead to costly repairs down the line. If you’re unsure about the process, consulting with your local luxury vinyl flooring store or hiring a professional installer might be worth the extra expense.

5. Subfloor Preparation

Whether you’re doing a DIY job or hiring a professional, one cost that is often overlooked is subfloor preparation. For luxury vinyl plank flooring to be installed correctly, the subfloor must be smooth, clean, and level. Uneven or damaged subfloors can cause the flooring to wear unevenly or cause issues with the vinyl planks locking together properly.

If your existing vinyl flooring is in good condition and level, you may be able to install your new LVP directly over it, saving both time and money. However, if the subfloor requires significant preparation, this can add to your overall costs. Subfloor levelling can range from $10 to $30 per square metre, depending on the condition of your current flooring and the materials needed.

6. Additional Costs to Consider

When planning your budget for luxury vinyl flooring, there are a few additional costs you should keep in mind to avoid any surprises:

Underlayment: Some types of luxury vinyl plank flooring require an underlayment to provide extra cushioning, soundproofing, or moisture resistance. Check with your flooring store to see if the LVP you’ve chosen includes underlayment or if it’s something you’ll need to purchase separately.
Trim and Moulding: Don’t forget to account for the cost of trim and moulding to give your new flooring a polished, professional finish. These details are often overlooked but can add up quickly depending on the size of the space.
Waste Removal: If you’re removing existing vinyl flooring or other types of old flooring, there may be disposal fees, especially if you’re using professional installation services.
Delivery: Depending on your location and the amount of flooring required, delivery fees from the flooring store might be an additional cost to include in your budget.

7. Maintenance and Longevity

Lastly, when budgeting for luxury vinyl plank flooring, it’s worth considering the long-term costs of maintenance and durability. Luxury vinyl flooring is known for being low-maintenance, but regular cleaning with the right products will help prolong its lifespan and keep it looking its best.

Additionally, LVP is highly durable, especially in areas of the home with heavy foot traffic, such as hallways, kitchens, and living rooms. While you might pay more for high-quality luxury vinyl flooring upfront, it often lasts longer than cheaper alternatives, meaning you won’t need to budget for replacement flooring as frequently.

By taking all of these factors into account, from material costs to installation and subfloor preparation, you can create a realistic budget for installing luxury vinyl plank flooring in your home. Whether you’re looking to install it yourself or hire professionals, careful planning will ensure that your flooring project is a success—both in terms of aesthetics and budget.