Costco Flooring Installation Cost, Pros & Cons, Reviews (2024)

You might consider Costco laminate if you’re looking for new budget-friendly flooring.

For many homeowners looking to save money on decent quality floors for any room of the house, Costco has become the go to place to shop for flooring.

On average, Costco laminate flooring costs $2.09 – $3.99 per sq. ft., hardwood flooring costs $3.49 – 7.49 per sq. ft., while vinyl plank flooring costs $1.39 – 2.89 per sq. ft.

There are several points worth considering before deciding to choose Costco flooring installation for your home.

Costco also provides flooring installation, through its home services program, or you can find independent flooring contractors to install your Costco floors.

What Types Of Flooring Does Costco Sell?

Costco sells a variety of flooring types, including hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and tile.

They also sell various flooring accessories, including underlayment, trim, and molding.

Costco Laminate Flooring

Most big box stores have in-house flooring brands, but Costco is a little different in this regard.

Costco carries its exclusive line of Mohawk laminate, Mohawk Home, in stores.

They also have an exclusive partnership with Shaw.

However, the store no longer has Shaw products on store shelves; instead, they collaborate with them through an unusual “consultancy” arrangement which we will explain further.

Engineered Hardwood

Golden Arowana’s waterproof hardwood flooring, available exclusively at Costco stores in the United States, has garnered mostly positive reviews and is only slightly more expensive than Mohawk Home laminate.

However, this engineered hardwood has some drawbacks: it only has three styles to choose from, and its solid wood veneer is relatively thin.

Additionally, there is no information about the type of wood used to manufacture it.

Tile Flooring Costco

Costco also carries two brands of tile that receive excellent reviews: Mohawk Home, a famous brand, and Golden Select, which has no link to Arowana.

The downside of purchasing tile from Costco is that the least expensive one starts at $9 per square foot, and some cost even more than $20 per square foot.

Unfortunately, Costco doesn’t stock wood-look if you’re looking for hardwood or laminate alternatives.

Costco Waterproof Vinyl Flooring

Costco offers two brands of waterproof vinyl flooring, Mohawk Home and Golden Arowana, both of which are rigid core luxury vinyl floorings with some mixed reviews.

The selection may be limited, but the price per square foot ($2.89) makes it more affordable than many leading vinyl plank flooring brands.

Average Cost Of Costco Floors

Mohawk Home costs around $2.50 per square foot, and each case contains 17 to 18 square feet for a total of approximately $44.

RevWood, Mohawk’s waterproof laminate flooring product, ranges in price from $2 to $3.50 per square foot, depending on the tier. You need six cases to cover a 100-square-foot room for a total cost of about $350.

Expense Type	Cost per Square Foot
Mohawk Home Laminate	$2.50
Labor	$2-$7
Total Cost	$4.50-$9.50

Costco Flooring Cost Breakdown

When considering new flooring for your home, it’s essential to factor in all the installation cost elements.

Here is a breakdown of the typical expenses associated with a Costco flooring installation:

Materials

The cost of the actual flooring you select will be your first expense.

Prices will vary based on the type and quality of the flooring you choose.

You will also need to buy additional supplies recommended by the manufacturer such as adhesive, caulking, and trim.

Labor

Labor price is the fee the installer charges for their time and expertise.

The price will depend on the size of your project and difficulty of installation.

On average, labor can set you back between $2 and $7 per square foot.

Other Costs

Other minor costs may be associated with your installation, such as moving furniture or disposal fees. These should be discussed upfront, so there are no surprises later on.

Be sure to get an estimate from your chosen installer before making any final decisions.

When Does Costco Flooring Go On Sale

Costco flooring goes on sale a few times throughout the year.

Customers will likely find discounted flooring during periods of lower demand, such as late December or early January and mid to late May.

Furthermore, if a customer purchases at full price before an item goes on sale, the store is usually willing to provide them with a price adjustment.

Due to the lack of any alert system for Costco’s discounted flooring products, you’ll have to keep your eyes open if you are looking for a good deal. This may involve checking their website periodically and watching for in-store promotions so that you don’t miss out on a sale.

Does Costco Offer Installation For All Of Their Flooring Brands?

If you want to purchase and install Mohawk Home laminate flooring, which is exclusive to Costco, then it is possible to do this through the store.

However, third-party contractors handle installation, so we would not advise buying this product. We will provide further details shortly.

Costco does not provide Shaw products in-store or online but instead provides referrals to other retailers who do offer Shaw products.

Therefore, if a customer is looking for a specific Shaw product from Costco and cannot find it, the company will direct them to another retailer that can meet their needs.

Shaw and Mohawk also have do-it-yourself installation instructions available on their websites.

Pro Tip: Remember to use the manufacturer’s recommended adhesive for the best results when installing laminate flooring. Additionally, make sure that you clean and prepare the surface before installation to ensure proper adhesion.

Is Costco Good For Flooring?

There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding if Costco is a good option for your flooring installation.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Costco offers free in-home consultations to help you choose the right flooring.
• They carry various flooring options, including laminate, hardwood, and carpet.
• The cost of their installation services through third-party contractors is competitive.

If you are looking for a more premium quality product, Mohawk’s RevWood or Pergo laminates may be worth the added cost.

However, if you’re on a tight budget, Costco laminate flooring can give you an affordable option while still being of decent quality. Just remember that it won’t have all the same features as high-end laminates, and some issues may arise during installation.

If you’re looking for the best laminate flooring, it’s worth comparing prices at Costco with other stores in your area.

A reputable local flooring store will likely have higher-quality products than a big box retail chain like Costco but it will come at a steeper price.

Make sure you do your research before making a final decision.

Pros Of Costco Flooring

Costco laminate flooring, Mohawk Home, has several benefits that can be appealing to buyers looking for a convenient and budget-friendly solution:

Price

Mohawk Home laminate flooring is an excellent choice regarding value for money.

Mohawk Home laminate flooring provides a good deal for anyone looking for a quality flooring solution at an affordable price.

Features

One of the advantages of Mohawk Home is its shared special features with other Mohawk brands, such as Pergo.

These features include SplashDefense coating for water resistance and the Uniclic® locking system for simple click-and-lock floor installation.

Did you know? SplashDefense coating is a revolutionary paint-on product that protects surfaces from corrosive chemicals and other liquids. This protective coating creates a barrier that can repel oils, solvents, acids, alkalis, and water.

Thickness

Mohawk Home laminate flooring is 12mm thick, providing a generally sturdy base that does not affect its surface durability.

It also includes a 2mm attached pad for added comfort and sound insulation.

High AC Rating

The AC rating of a laminate floor evaluates its surface layer’s wear strength and scratch resistance, with a score range from 1 to 5.

The Mohawk Home laminate flooring has an AC4 rating, which is suitable for high-traffic residential areas and stands up well to wear and tear.

This rating ensures that the floor will stay looking good despite regular use, making it a great choice for busy households.

Installation

The Mohawk Home flooring is a versatile option since it can be installed in two ways – as a glued-down or floating floor.

A floating floor refers to planks locked together using a system, such as Uniclic®, and placed on top of the subfloor without being attached. This installation is quick and easy while still providing durability.

Cons Of Costco Flooring

There are also several drawbacks you’ll want to consider when buying Mohawk Home laminate flooring:

Limited Options

If you’re looking to buy Costco’s Mohawk Laminate Flooring Line, be aware that there are only 17 styles available.

While the RevWood and Pergo brands offer hundreds of looks, most of your choices with Mohawk Home will come down to hickory or oak in either a dark or light color with glossy or matte finishes.

Potential Issues With Water Damage

Although Costco laminate flooring is marketed as being water-resistant, some reviews question this claim.

It may be possible that the complaints are due to improper installation of the click-and-lock floor; when installed improperly, water can seep into the seams and damage the floor.

Mohawk Home’s SplashDefense feature makes it waterproof or at least water-resistant, depending on one’s definition of these terms.

However, spills need to be cleaned up right away to avoid damage to the flooring.

Some Reported Installation Issues

Many reviews of Costco’s laminate flooring featuring Mohawk Home’s Uniclic® locking system mention that modifications to the planks are necessary for them to fit together.

Additionally, there is reportedly inconsistency between the edges of planks, making it difficult for them to join seamlessly.

VOC Certificate

Compounds with high vapor pressure and low water solubility, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), originate from manufacturing paints, pharmaceuticals, refrigerants, and industrial solvents.

They’re also a by-product of chlorination during water treatment like chloroform. These VOCs have, unfortunately, become common ground-water contaminants.

Though Mohawk Home flooring from Costco meets U.S. regulations on hazardous chemicals,

t is unclear if the laminate is low-VOC certified. Therefore, if you want to be sure that your flooring choice is eco-friendly or low-VOC, it may be best to look elsewhere.

Did you know? A VOC (volatile organic compound) Certificate is a document that verifies the safety of products containing chemicals. This certificate ensures that all products comply with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. It is important to have a VOC Certificate when selling any product containing volatile organic compounds so that customers can rest assured their purchase meets government regulations and is safe for use.

Who Does Costco Use For Flooring Installation

Costco arranges for third-party contractors to install Mohawk Home flooring in their stores.

Customers can make arrangements with the store, and Costco will take care of the flooring installation details, including locating and coordinating with a contractor.

Customers can choose from various types of flooring at their local Costco, then talk with an employee about arranging installation services.

Costco partners with Shaw Premier Flooring to offer carpet sales and installation.

Costco doesn’t sell Shaw flooring directly. Customers can buy the carpets through Shaw, and local contractors will be responsible for the installation process.

Costco Flooring Installation Reviews

If you’re considering a Costco flooring installation, you’ll want to read the reviews first.

Customers have had good and bad experiences with the company’s installation services, so it’s important to be informed before making a decision.

Overall, reviewers say that the quality of Costco’s installation services is good.

However, some customers have had issues with scheduling and communication.

There have also been reports of damage to floors during installation.

Costco does not have its own team to install laminate flooring (Mohawk Home and Shaw). Third-party contractors may be the source of many complaints, according to reviews.

Costco also does not assume responsibility for mistakes made in the installation or provide any oversight over the installers, as indicated on its website.

If you’re considering using Costco for your flooring installation, know that they have mixed reviews and it’s advisable to read through them carefully. That way, you’ll know what to expect and make an informed decision for your flooring installation.

Costco Flooring Warranty

Costco offers manufacturer warranties on its products, such as Mohawk Home and Shaw.

The level of warranty coverage varies depending on the product but ranges from 10 years to a limited lifetime warranty.

This warranty can be beneficial for customers in ensuring that their purchase is secure against potential defects or malfunctions over time.

The store also offers additional protection plans that provide extended warranty coverage beyond the manufacturer’s agreement. Customers should consider these options when deciding what type of product they wish to purchase.

Is Costco Laminate Flooring Waterproof?

Laminate floors are not necessarily waterproof. However, they are water-resistant and can handle spills and splashes without issue.

Mohawk Home laminate flooring can withstand heavy traffic and wear and tear.

If you spill something on your laminate floor, wipe it with a damp cloth or mop right away.

If you require a waterproof floor, selecting another type of material is advisable.

RevWood and AquaGuard laminate are two options for waterproof laminates, and WPC flooring offers a balance between durability and comfort.

Does Costco Laminate Need An Underlayment?

Costco laminate can benefit from an underlayment. The underlayment provides a layer of protection between the laminate and the subfloor and helps to deaden sound. We recommend using a 3mm thick underlayment for most applications.

Installing underlayment is a simple and inexpensive process, and in many cases, the same type of product works for vinyl and laminate floors (especially vapor barriers).

Pro Tip: Be sure to check the floor underlayment for moisture before laying it down. Water can cause warping and buckling of floors, leading to costly damage.

How Much Do Most Contractors Charge To Lay Flooring?

Most contractors charge between $2 and $7 per square foot to lay flooring, with the average cost falling around $5 per square foot.

The total cost of your project will depend on the size of your space, the type of flooring you choose, and any special installation considerations.

You can expect to pay more for luxury materials like hardwood or stone and less for budget-friendly options like laminate or vinyl.

Working with installers from Costco may come at a rate within this range, but these contractors are not officially tied to the retail store.

Therefore any Costco is not responsible for any issues or complaints regarding installation.

Vinyl plank flooring is slightly more budget-friendly at around $1.50 to $6 per square foot, while engineered hardwood can be a bit pricier, with costs between $3 to $8 per square foot for installation.

Why Install Floors Through Costco?

By shopping through Costco, you will gain access to budget-friendly prices from some of the top brands in the industry.

The convenience and accessibility of purchasing flooring online make it easy for those on a tight schedule or with limited transportation options to get the job done.

Is It Worth Installing My Floor Through Costco?

Whether or not installing the floor through Costco is worth it depends on the buyer’s expectations.

If they are looking for a reasonably priced, solid-quality option that is easily accessible, then purchasing flooring from Costco can be a great choice.

However, buyers may want to look elsewhere if they desire more selection and installation services provided by in-house experts.

Ultimately, it comes down to the individual’s needs and preferences when determining whether buying flooring through Costco is worthwhile.

Pro Tip: Make sure the flooring acclimates to the room before installation. This means allowing it to sit in its packaging in the space for at least 48 hours before installation. Doing this will help prevent movement or buckling of your new flooring once installed.

Costco Laminate for You

To ensure that you make the best decision for your needs, research all of the pros and cons of different types of laminates to select the perfect one for you.

Considering both cost and performance can help narrow down what works best for each consumer.