How Much Does Flooring Cost in Ontario?
Flooring costs in Ontario depend on material type, room size, subfloor condition, and whether old flooring needs removal. Engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) are the most popular choices for their durability and cost balance. Tile is most expensive per hour installed due to the skill required.
Quick Price Summary
Average flooring job in Ontario costs around $248 CAD. Actual costs depend on scope, materials, and your city.
| Service | Low | Average | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardwood Installation | $8 | $12 | $18 | per sq ft installed |
| Laminate Installation | $4 | $7 | $10 | per sq ft installed |
| Tile Installation | $10 | $16 | $25 | per sq ft installed |
| Carpet Installation | $4 | $7 | $12 | per sq ft installed |
| Subfloor Repair | $500 | $1,200 | $3,000 | per project |
All prices in Canadian dollars (CAD). Updated February 2026. Prices vary by city and project scope.
Flooring Cost Ranges
What Affects Flooring Pricing?
- 1Material choice (carpet vs. LVP vs. engineered hardwood vs. tile)
- 2Room size and number of transitions
- 3Subfloor condition (levelling, repairs, moisture barrier)
- 4Removal and disposal of existing flooring
- 5Stair installation (significantly more labour per step)
- 6Underlayment type (acoustic, thermal, moisture-resistant)
When Are Flooring Prices Lowest?
November-February — installers book far ahead into spring and offer better rates
April-June and September-October — peak renovation scheduling
How to Save on Flooring Work
- LVP (luxury vinyl plank) delivers hardwood look at 30-50% of the cost
- Do removal yourself — disposing of carpet saves $1-2/sq.ft.
- Buy 10% overage and save leftover for future repairs
- Install in rectangles, not diagonal — diagonal cuts waste 15% more material
- Off-season install (October-February) often gets 10-15% discount from installers
Payment Schedule & Protection
Recommended: 10-15% deposit, progress payments tied to milestones, 10% holdback until completion
Ontario Law: Ontario's Construction Act provides a 10% holdback right on construction projects. Read the Construction Act →
Licensing: No mandatory Ontario licence. Flooring installers are not a regulated trade in Ontario. Look for membership in the Floor Covering Institute of Ontario, liability insurance, and WSIB coverage. Hardwood and tile installations may require building permits if structural subfloor work is involved.
Frequently Asked Questions — Flooring Costs
- How much does flooring work cost in Ontario?
- Hardwood Installation: $8-$18 (per sq ft installed). Laminate Installation: $4-$10 (per sq ft installed). Tile Installation: $10-$25 (per sq ft installed). Carpet Installation: $4-$12 (per sq ft installed). Subfloor Repair: $500-$3,000 (per project). All prices are in CAD and approximate for Ontario.
- What factors affect flooring pricing in Ontario?
- Material choice (carpet vs. LVP vs. engineered hardwood vs. tile). Room size and number of transitions. Subfloor condition (levelling, repairs, moisture barrier). Removal and disposal of existing flooring. Stair installation (significantly more labour per step). Underlayment type (acoustic, thermal, moisture-resistant).
- When is the cheapest time to hire a flooring contractor?
- Prices typically drop during: November-February — installers book far ahead into spring and offer better rates. Prices rise during: April-June and September-October — peak renovation scheduling.
- How can I save money on flooring work?
- LVP (luxury vinyl plank) delivers hardwood look at 30-50% of the cost. Do removal yourself — disposing of carpet saves $1-2/sq.ft.. Buy 10% overage and save leftover for future repairs.
- Should I get multiple quotes?
- Always get at least 3 written quotes. Compare scope, materials, timeline, and warranty — not just price. The cheapest quote often means corners cut.
- How much deposit should I pay?
- 10-15% deposit, progress payments tied to milestones, 10% holdback until completion. Ontario's Construction Act provides a 10% holdback right on construction projects.
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