Flooring in Southern California & the Bay Area
Quick answer
Installed flooring in Southern California typically costs $5–$12 per sq ft for luxury vinyl plank or laminate, $9–$18 for engineered wood, $12–$25 for solid hardwood and $12–$30 for porcelain tile. Microcement floors run about $18–$35 per sq ft and can go over existing tile.
5.0 from 47 reviews on Houzz · CSLB Lic. #1040337 · Class B
What our flooring service includes
Hardwood, engineered wood, luxury vinyl plank and tile, installed flat, tight and ready for daily life.
MDG Builders sells, designs and manages your project; the work is performed by licensed, insured subcontractors.
- Subfloor prep and leveling
- Engineered and solid hardwood
- Luxury vinyl plank
- Porcelain and stone tile
- Baseboards and transitions
Flooring cost in California
| Scope | Typical installed range |
|---|---|
| Luxury vinyl plank / laminate, per sq ft | $5 – $12 |
| Engineered wood, per sq ft | $9 – $18 |
| Solid hardwood, per sq ft | $12 – $25 |
| Porcelain tile, per sq ft | $12 – $30 |
Cost factors
- Material: LVP, laminate, engineered wood, hardwood, tile or microcement
- Subfloor leveling and moisture
- Removing old flooring
- Stairs, transitions and baseboards
- Room layout and pattern
- Furniture moving
How long it takes
Most rooms are installed in days; whole-home projects and tile take longer.
Permits
Floor covering replacement usually does not need a permit, but structural subfloor repairs may.
| Microcement | Porcelain tile | Luxury vinyl plank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seams | Seamless | Grout joints | Plank seams |
| Demolition | Can go over existing tile | Old floor usually removed | Floats over many floors |
| Typical installed price | $18–$35 per sq ft | $12–$30 per sq ft | $5–$12 per sq ft |
| Water resistance | High when sealed | High | High |
How your flooring project works
Consultation
Call (888) 666-8224 or send the form to share goals, timing and budget range.
Site visit
We measure, assess existing conditions and discuss options in person.
Written proposal
You receive a written scope and price; typical ranges are a guide, not a quote.
Permits and scheduling
We coordinate permits where required and schedule licensed, insured subcontractors.
Construction and walkthrough
Our team manages the work through final inspection and walkthrough.
What clients say about MDG Builders
Emil got back to me very quickly after I initially contacted him, unlike other attempts I made to find a contractor. We had several unrelated projects that needed to be completed: interior painting and carpentry, tree removal, and shed demolition and replacement. He assessed the work and got a contract to me quickly. Work started soon after I signed the contract. The crews were all competent and did good jobs. It's always good to know that the people doing the work respect your place. Emil kept in touch and came by to check on the progress of all work, and always checked with me to make sure I was happy. I am a very satisfied customer.
Emil did a renovation of our bathroom on a short notice and completed it within the time we needed. He did a very wonderful job with great attention to detail and I would definitely work with him again on future projects! He walked us through how to pick materials and provided feedback on some of our initial material selection (thanks so much from saving us from potential future headaches!) and worked with us on our budget. He was also very trustworthy and easy to work with.
From the beginning, we had a great experience with the team at My Design Guide Inc! We wanted to upgrade our patio but we weren't creative enough to know what to do. David was full of great suggestions to make the patio a true conversation piece while still honoring our budget and we couldn't be happier with the result! The quality of work and professionalism is the best I have seen in this business, and they really do take pride in their work. David communicated with us throughout the process and was meticulous in ensuring our yard was still taken care of during the construction period. We have received so many compliments on our new paver patio, fire pit with seating, and built-in outdoor counter. I highly recommend going with them. I would go with them again a hundred times over!
Verbatim Houzz reviews of MDG Builders; some describe projects other than flooring.
Flooring questions, answered
Related services:
Cost guides:
How much does new flooring cost per square foot?
Typical installed ranges: LVP or laminate $5–$12, engineered wood $9–$18, solid hardwood $12–$25 and porcelain tile $12–$30 per sq ft.
What is the most durable flooring for homes?
Porcelain tile, quality luxury vinyl plank and sealed microcement are highly durable and water resistant.
Can microcement be installed over existing tile floors?
Yes, if the tile is sound and well bonded; it is prepared, primed and coated without demolition.
Is engineered hardwood better than solid hardwood?
Engineered wood is more dimensionally stable over slabs and in variable humidity; solid wood can be refinished more times.
How long does flooring installation take?
A typical room takes a day or two; whole homes take longer.
Do I need to move out during flooring installation?
Usually not, but rooms being worked on are off-limits until finished and cured.
What flooring adds the most value?
Hardwood and quality engineered wood are widely valued by buyers; consistency across rooms also matters.
Who actually does the work on my project?
MDG Builders (My Design Guide Inc, CSLB #1040337, Class B) sells, plans and manages your project from start to finish. The hands-on work is performed by licensed, insured subcontractors in each trade, scheduled and supervised by our team so you have one point of contact.
Is MDG Builders licensed in California?
Yes. My Design Guide Inc holds California Contractors State License Board license #1040337, Class B (General Building). You can look up any license on the CSLB website.
What areas do you serve?
Southern California from Lancaster to San Diego, plus the San Francisco Bay Area.
How do I get an estimate?
Call (888) 666-8224, email info@mydesignguide.com or send the estimate form. We discuss your goals, schedule a site visit and send a written proposal. Office hours are Monday to Thursday 8 AM to 5 PM and Friday 8 AM to 2 PM.
Planning a flooring project?
Free estimates. A real person answers — call or send the form and we'll follow up to schedule a site visit.
MDG Builders at a glance
- Who
- My Design Guide Inc dba MDG Builders, a licensed general contractor that sells, designs and manages remodeling and construction projects
- License
- CSLB #1040337, Class B (General Building)
- Where
- Based in Tarzana, CA; serving Southern California (Lancaster to San Diego) and the San Francisco Bay Area
- Phone & email
- (888) 666-8224 · info@mydesignguide.com
- Hours
- Mon–Thu 8:00 AM–5:00 PM · Fri 8:00 AM–2:00 PM · Sat–Sun closed
- Rating
- 5.0 from 47 reviews on Houzz