Short answer
Supplied and installed, most Ottawa flooring costs between about $3.50 and $19.50 per square foot. Carpet, laminate and vinyl sit at the low end; tile and hardwood at the high end. Removing the old floor, levelling the subfloor and stairs are extra.
The prices below are the average of the published 2026 price ranges of four Ottawa flooring companies, rounded. They show what Ottawa homeowners are typically quoted. They are a guide for budgeting, not an Agora Flooring price list: your price depends on your floor, your rooms and the products you choose, and you get it in writing after a free site visit.
Installation only (labour)
If you have already bought your flooring, this is the typical cost to have it installed.
| Floor | Typical installation cost |
|---|---|
| Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) | $1.75 – $3.75 per sq ft |
| Laminate | $2.00 – $4.00 per sq ft |
| Hardwood (solid or engineered) | $3.50 – $6.25 per sq ft |
| Carpet | $0.85 – $2.00 per sq ft (about $7.50 – $18 per sq yd) |
| Porcelain and ceramic tile | $5.00 – $12.00 per sq ft |
Supplied and installed
Material and installation together. The range is wide because product prices vary so much: an entry-level vinyl plank and a premium one can differ by several dollars per square foot.
| Floor | Typical total cost |
|---|---|
| Luxury vinyl plank | $4.25 – $9.50 per sq ft |
| Laminate | $4.25 – $9.00 per sq ft |
| Hardwood | $8.50 – $19.50 per sq ft |
| Carpet with underpad | $3.50 – $7.50 per sq ft |
| Porcelain and ceramic tile | $7.50 – $18.50 per sq ft |
Projects and extras
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Bathroom tiling (floor and shower walls) | $3,500 – $12,000+ |
| Kitchen backsplash | from about $1,200 |
| Hardwood stairs | $150 – $300 per step |
| Vinyl or laminate stairs | $100 – $250 per step |
| Carpet on stairs | $80 – $180 per standard flight |
| Removing the old floor | $0.50 – $1.75 per sq ft |
Where fewer than four companies published a price for an item, the range reflects the ones that did.
Example budgets
Using the supplied-and-installed averages above:
- Basement family room, 250 sq ft of luxury vinyl plank: about $1,050 – $2,400, plus removal and levelling if needed.
- Kitchen floor, 150 sq ft of porcelain tile: about $1,125 – $2,775.
- Main floor, 400 sq ft of engineered hardwood: about $3,400 – $7,800.
- Staircase, 13 hardwood steps: about $1,950 – $3,900.
What makes a floor cost more (or less)
- The product. The biggest variable. Ask to see two or three price levels of the same floor type.
- Subfloor preparation. Floors that dip or bounce need levelling or repairs first. Large-format tile and vinyl plank need the flattest floors.
- Removal. Taking up glued-down vinyl, old tile or mortar beds takes longer than pulling up carpet.
- Layout and pattern. Herringbone, diagonal and checkerboard layouts use more material and more labour than straight lay.
- Waterproofing and membranes. Showers need a waterproofing system and tile floors often need an uncoupling membrane such as Schluter-DITRA. They add cost and are what make the tile last.
- Stairs, transitions and trim. Each step, doorway transition and length of baseboard adds labour. See baseboards and trim.
- Access. Condos with elevator bookings and limited working hours can take longer. See our condo flooring guide.
How to compare quotes
- Check that every quote covers the same rooms and square footage, including closets and stairs.
- Look for removal, disposal and subfloor preparation. A low quote often leaves these out.
- For tile, ask which membrane and waterproofing system is included.
- Confirm transitions, baseboards and quarter-round.
- Ask how much extra material is ordered for cuts and future repairs.
Frequently asked questions
How much does flooring installation cost in Ottawa per square foot?
In 2026, installation labour in Ottawa typically runs about $1.75 to $3.75 per square foot for luxury vinyl plank, $2 to $4 for laminate, $3.50 to $6.25 for hardwood and $5 to $12 for tile. With materials included, most projects fall between about $4 and $19.50 per square foot depending on the floor.
What is the cheapest flooring to install in Ottawa?
Carpet, laminate and luxury vinyl plank have the lowest installed cost, typically about $3.50 to $9.50 per square foot supplied and installed. Tile and hardwood cost more because the materials cost more and installation takes longer.
Is removing the old floor included in the price?
Usually not. Removing and disposing of existing flooring typically adds about $0.50 to $1.75 per square foot, depending on what is coming up. Tile and glued-down floors cost the most to remove.
Why does tile cost more to install than other floors?
Tile takes more steps: flattening the floor, an uncoupling or waterproofing membrane, setting each tile level, cutting around edges, and grouting. Large-format tile, patterns such as herringbone, and showers take the longest. See our large-format tile guide.
Are estimates free?
Yes. Agora Flooring gives a free site visit and a written quote, so you know the price for your project before any work starts.