This flooring cost calculator estimates the cost of new flooring supplied and installed (low, typical and high, before tax), based on the floor type, area, removal of the old floor and subfloor preparation. Reference case, data reviewed in November 2026: 500 sq ft of vinyl plank costs about $3,750 before tax in Quebec ($2,250 to $5,250), $3,000 before tax in Ontario ($2,000 to $4,500), $3,375 before tax in British Columbia ($2,250 to $5,000), and $3,200 before tax in Alberta ($2,150 to $4,800), and solid hardwood about $7,250 in Quebec, $6,750 in Ontario, $7,250 in British Columbia, and $6,900 in Alberta. Prices currently cover: Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta. The detailed budget is emailed to you as a PDF.
To receive your detailed budget, use the “Email me this budget (PDF)” form on renoclair.ca.
Free and independent toolBefore tax. With taxes (typical):
Email me this budget (PDF)
The detailed budget (parameters, line-by-line breakdown, assumptions, condo rules and validity) is emailed to you as a PDF at the address you enter. We keep your email and the calculation parameters for 12 months, then delete them. This information is processed by our hosting and email providers, who may store it outside Quebec. You can request access to, correction or deletion of your information. Person in charge of the protection of personal information: info@renoclair.ca. Privacy policy.
Typical costs by province (before tax)
| Floor type (supplied and installed, per sq ft) | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec: Laminate (floating) | $4.00 | $6.50 | $9.50 |
| Quebec: Vinyl plank or tile (LVP / SPC) | $4.50 | $7.50 | $10.50 |
| Quebec: Engineered hardwood | $8.50 | $13.00 | $18.00 |
| Quebec: Solid hardwood | $9.00 | $14.50 | $20.00 |
| Quebec: Ceramic or porcelain tile | $11.00 | $18.00 | $26.00 |
| Quebec: Carpet (underpad included) | $4.00 | $6.50 | $9.50 |
| Quebec: Removal of old floor (option) | $1.50 | $2.25 | $3.50 |
| Quebec: Subfloor preparation or levelling (option) | $1.50 | $3.00 | $5.00 |
| Ontario: Laminate (floating) | $3.50 | $5.50 | $8.00 |
| Ontario: Vinyl plank or tile (LVP / SPC) | $4.00 | $6.00 | $9.00 |
| Ontario: Engineered hardwood | $7.00 | $10.50 | $15.00 |
| Ontario: Solid hardwood | $9.00 | $13.50 | $19.00 |
| Ontario: Ceramic or porcelain tile | $10.00 | $15.00 | $22.00 |
| Ontario: Carpet (underpad included) | $4.00 | $6.50 | $10.00 |
| Ontario: Removal of old floor (option) | $1.50 | $2.50 | $4.00 |
| Ontario: Subfloor preparation or levelling (option) | $1.50 | $2.50 | $4.50 |
| British Columbia: Laminate (floating) | $4.00 | $6.00 | $8.75 |
| British Columbia: Vinyl plank or tile (LVP / SPC) | $4.50 | $6.75 | $10.00 |
| British Columbia: Engineered hardwood | $8.00 | $12.00 | $17.00 |
| British Columbia: Solid hardwood | $10.00 | $14.50 | $21.00 |
| British Columbia: Ceramic or porcelain tile | $11.00 | $16.50 | $24.00 |
| British Columbia: Carpet (underpad included) | $4.25 | $7.00 | $11.00 |
| British Columbia: Removal of old floor (option) | $1.75 | $2.75 | $4.25 |
| British Columbia: Subfloor preparation or levelling (option) | $1.75 | $3.00 | $5.00 |
| Alberta: Laminate (floating) | $3.80 | $5.65 | $8.25 |
| Alberta: Vinyl plank or tile (LVP / SPC) | $4.25 | $6.40 | $9.60 |
| Alberta: Engineered hardwood | $7.60 | $11.40 | $16.80 |
| Alberta: Solid hardwood | $9.50 | $13.80 | $20.00 |
| Alberta: Ceramic or porcelain tile | $10.50 | $15.60 | $21.50 |
| Alberta: Carpet (including underpad) | $4.00 | $6.60 | $10.40 |
| Alberta: Removal of old floor (option) | $1.65 | $2.60 | $4.00 |
| Alberta: Subfloor preparation or levelling (option) | $1.65 | $2.85 | $4.75 |
Before tax, November 2026. Materials surveyed at retail home improvement stores and installation ranges cross-checked with verified contractors and cost databases in Quebec and Ontario. Taxes are applied separately based on province (14.975% GST + QST in Quebec, 13% HST in Ontario, 5% GST in British Columbia — 7% PST on materials is paid by the contractor and embedded in installed prices, and 5% GST only in Alberta with no PST).
What is included and what is not
Included
- Floor covering with the usual 10% to 12% extra for cuts
- Standard underlay (or thinset and grout for tile)
- Straight-lay installation and standard transitions
- Removal and subfloor levelling if selected
Not included
- Sanding and refinishing an existing floor
- Electric heated floor
- Heavy tile demolition on a mortar bed
- Asbestos removal and structural joist repair
- Stairs and full baseboard replacement
- Taxes (shown separately)
How the flooring cost calculator calculates your estimate
The amount is the net area (50 to 2,500 sq ft) multiplied by the supplied-and-installed rate of the floor type for the selected province, plus removal and subfloor preparation rates if selected. In Quebec, vinyl rates average $4.50 to $10.50 (typical $7.50) and solid hardwood averages $9.00 to $20.00 (typical $14.50). In Ontario, vinyl rates average $4.00 to $9.00 (typical $6.00) and solid hardwood averages $9.00 to $19.00 (typical $13.50). In British Columbia, vinyl rates average $4.50 to $10.00 (typical $6.75) and solid hardwood averages $10.00 to $21.00 (typical $14.50). Totals are rounded to $50 below $10,000 and $100 above.
To compare the two most common floating floors side by side, read our guide to vinyl plank vs laminate flooring.
Amounts are before tax and rounded ($50 below $10,000, $100 above). The calculator also shows the typical amount with applicable sales tax (14.975% GST + QST in Quebec, 13% HST in Ontario, 5% GST in British Columbia, 5% GST only in Alberta). Items marked as RénoClair assumptions are listed as such in the PDF.
Rebates and financial aid
Replacing a floor covering alone is not funded by provincial energy programs (such as LogisVert or Rénoclimat in Quebec, or Home Renovation Savings in Ontario). Financial aid may apply only as part of eligible accessibility modifications (such as the federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit or the Quebec SHQ Home Adaptation Program) or municipal low-income repair programs.
Permits, licences and rules
- Alberta (Condominiums & OHS Code): Replacing floor coverings does not require a municipal building permit unless structural joists are altered. Condo boards in Calgary and Edmonton typically require acoustic underlayment (IIC 65–72+) and written board approval; engineered hardwood or LVP/SPC is often preferred for Alberta’s dry climate. Pre-1990 vinyl sheet or black mastic requires asbestos testing under the Alberta OHS Code. Contractors taking deposits need a Prepaid Contracting Business Licence, and direct home contracts include a 10-day cooling-off period.
- British Columbia (Strata & WorkSafeBC): Replacing flooring finishes does not require a municipal building permit unless structural subfloor joists are altered. In condominiums across Metro Vancouver and Victoria, strata bylaws strictly require acoustic underlay meeting FIIC / IIC 72+ before installing hard flooring. For homes built before 1990, WorkSafeBC requires certified testing before tearing out old vinyl tiles or black mastic adhesive. Direct contracts concluded at home include a mandatory 10-day cooling-off period under the BPCPA.
- Ontario (OBC & Condominium Act): Replacing floor coverings without structural alterations does not require a municipal building permit in Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, or London. In condominium apartments, check the declaration and condo board bylaws for mandatory acoustic soundproofing ratings (typically Impact Insulation Class IIC / Field IIC of 55 to 60 dB with certified acoustic underlayment). Under Consumer Protection Ontario, direct contracts concluded at home include a mandatory 10-day cooling-off cancellation period. Flooring materials or adhesives installed before 1990 may contain asbestos and should be tested before tear-out.
- Quebec (RBQ): Replacing a floor covering without changing the structure generally does not require a municipal permit (notably in Montreal). In a condo, check the declaration of co-ownership for the minimum acoustic rating (often FIIC 55 to 60). Floors or adhesives installed before 1990 may contain asbestos: have a sample tested before tear-out. For contracted installation, hire a contractor holding the appropriate RBQ licence.
Which provinces are covered?
Prices currently cover: Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta (with province-specific rates, 14.975% GST + QST in Quebec, 13% HST in Ontario, 5% GST in BC, 5% GST only in Alberta, and provincial regulatory information).
Limitations
This is a planning estimate, not a quote. It does not see the condition of your home, regional price differences or hidden problems; only a written quote after a visit gives the price of your work. The result cannot be printed from the page: the detailed budget is sent to you as a PDF by email, after you enter your address and give your consent.
Sources, review date and data version
- Data reviewed in November 2026; next review planned for February 2027.
- Price sources: published contractor prices in Quebec and Ontario, actual published quotes and retail prices collected in stores, cross-checked across several independent domains. Official sources: Canada Revenue Agency, Ontario Ministry of Finance, Government of Quebec, Régie du bâtiment du Québec, Ontario Building Code, and municipal websites.
- Full method: Sources and methodology.
- French version: Calculateur prix plancher au Québec : estimez votre budget.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to install 500 sq ft of flooring?
For vinyl plank, about $2,250 to $5,250 before tax in Quebec (typical $3,750) and $2,000 to $4,500 in Ontario (typical $3,000). For solid hardwood, about $4,500 to $10,000 in Quebec (typical $7,250) and $4,500 to $9,500 in Ontario (typical $6,750).
How much does flooring installation cost per square foot?
Supplied and installed, vinyl or laminate runs $3.50 to $10.50 per sq ft, engineered or solid hardwood $7.00 to $20.00, and tile $10.00 to $26.00 before tax, depending on province and product grade.
Does the price include removing the old floor?
Only if you select the option: removal adds about $1.50 to $4.00 per sq ft depending on the province and flooring type.
Do I need a permit to replace flooring?
Usually not in Quebec or Ontario, if the structure is unchanged. Condominiums require compliance with acoustic underlay soundproofing standards (IIC/FIIC 55–60 dB).
How do I get the budget as a PDF?
Calculate your budget, then enter your email and check the consent box in the form under the result: the detailed PDF is sent by email. The result cannot be printed directly from the page.
When are prices updated?
Prices were reviewed in November 2026. The next review is planned for February 2027; the data version is shown on the page and in the PDF.
Which provinces does the calculator cover?
Currently Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia. The calculator includes province-specific pricing, local sales tax (14.975% GST+QST in Quebec, 13% HST in Ontario, 5% GST in BC) and local regulations.