Free Flooring Estimate Template
A complete, line-item flooring estimate you can preview below — demo and haul-away, subfloor prep and leveling, underlayment, luxury vinyl plank, transitions and base shoe, plus labor — with a plain-language guide to subfloor flatness, moisture testing and expansion gaps.
| Line item | Qty | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Demo — carpet, pad & tile + haul | 1,240 sf | $1,116.00 |
| Subfloor prep — patch & self-leveler | 1 lot | $680.00 |
| Underlayment / moisture barrier | 1,240 sf | $372.00 |
| Rigid-core LVP (incl. 10% waste) | 1,364 sf | $4,092.00 |
| Installation labor | 1,240 sf | $2,480.00 |
| Transitions & thresholds | 9 | $315.00 |
| Base shoe / quarter round + paint | 410 lf | $820.00 |
| Total | $9,875.00 | |
Payment schedule
How to measure and price flooring work
- Measure each room L x W, sum the areas, then add 8–10% waste for straight lays and 15% for diagonal or herringbone.
- Price demo and disposal per square foot separately — it changes with what is coming out (carpet vs mortar-set tile).
- Always include an allowance line for subfloor leveling; it is the most common surprise on an older home.
Flooring building-code guide
Flooring failures are almost always subfloor or moisture failures. Inspectors and manufacturers care about flatness, moisture content, and whether the floor was allowed to move.
- Most manufacturers require flatness within 3/16" over 10 ft — measure with a straightedge before you quote
- Replace any spongy, delaminated or water-damaged sheathing; screw down squeaks before covering them
- Panel edges over joists must be supported; add blocking where the existing subfloor is unsupported
- Concrete slabs: relative-humidity probe test (ASTM F2170) — most products cap out at 75–85% RH
- Wood subfloors: moisture content within 2–4% of the flooring itself before installation
- Slab-on-grade and basements need a vapor retarder under the floor; skipping it voids nearly every warranty
- Acclimate material in the conditioned space for the time the manufacturer states (commonly 48–72 hours)
- Leave a perimeter expansion gap (typically 1/4"–3/8") at every wall and vertical obstruction, hidden by base shoe
- Runs longer than the manufacturer's maximum (often 30–40 ft) require a T-molding break
- Changes in level over 1/4" must be beveled; over 1/2" requires a ramped transition on accessible paths
- Match transition height at doorways so the door still clears with the new floor thickness
- Bath and laundry installations should be sealed at the perimeter against water intrusion
Code quick reference — Flooring
| Item | Requirement | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Subfloor flatness | 3/16in in 10 ft typical for click floors | Manufacturer |
| Expansion gap | 1/4-3/8in at all vertical surfaces | Manufacturer |
| Concrete moisture | Calcium chloride or RH test before install | ASTM F1869 / F2170 |
| Vapor retarder | Required over slabs and crawlspaces | Manufacturer / IRC R506 |
| Transitions | T-mold at doorways and long runs | Manufacturer |
Drawings & details
Simplified section and plan views of the details inspectors look at most. Illustrative only — not to scale.
Adjust the values — the drawing below updates in real time.
- 1 · Finish plank / LVP — Layer in the assembly, drawn top to bottom(0.50")
- 2 · Underlayment / pad — or attached pad(0.25")
- 3 · Vapor retarder — over concrete slabs(0.50")
- 4 · Subfloor — flat within 3/16in over 10 ft(0.19")
- Finish plank / LVP: 0.50"
- Underlayment / pad: 0.25"
- Vapor retarder: 0.50"
- Subfloor: 0.19"
- Total assembly: 1.44" (1 7/16")
Adjust the values — the drawing below updates in real time.
- 1 · Member thickness — 1/4-3/8in gap at walls, cabinets, pipes(1.50")
- 2 · On-center spacing — Transition < 30 ft runs(30.00" OC)
- 3 · Member length — Plate to plate(8' 0")
- 4 · Overall run — Total covered by this layout(15' 1 8/16")
- On-center spacing: 30.00" · 7 members
- Overall run: 15' 1 8/16" · Member length: 8' 0"
- 1/4-3/8in gap at walls, cabinets, pipes
Inspection-day checklistShow
- Moisture test results recorded before opening a single box.
- Material acclimated in the space per the manufacturer.
- Expansion gap kept behind baseboard and at cabinets/pipes.
- Plank layout staggered with end joints at least 6-12in apart.
- Squeaks and high spots addressed before finish trim.
Code references are based on the 2021 IRC and related model codes. Local amendments, state codes and manufacturer instructions can be stricter — always confirm with your local building department before starting work.
Common flooring estimating mistakes
- Quoting without checking slab moisture, then paying for a full tear-out when the floor cups.
- Forgetting base shoe, transitions and door undercutting — small lines that add up to real money.
- Using nominal room square footage instead of measured area plus waste.
Export a branded, client-ready PDF or send a sign-from-phone link.
Your client reviews and signs the estimate from any device.
Subfloor flatness, ASTM moisture testing, acclimation and expansion-gap requirements from the manufacturer's spec.
Flooring estimate FAQ
What should a flooring estimate include?
A flooring estimate should list demo and disposal, subfloor prep and leveling, underlayment or moisture barrier, the flooring material with waste factor, installation labor, transitions, and base shoe or quarter round.
How much waste should I add to a flooring estimate?
Add 8–10% waste for a straight-lay installation in simple rooms, 12–15% for diagonal or herringbone patterns, and more for rooms with many jogs, closets and angles.
Do I need a moisture test before installing floors?
Yes on concrete. ASTM F2170 relative-humidity testing is required by most manufacturers, and installing over a slab above the product's RH limit voids the warranty and usually causes cupping or adhesive failure.
Turn this template into your estimate
Free to start. Pro at $19/mo for unlimited estimates. No card required for the 14-day trial.