Home renovations are an expensive undertaking. There is so much that goes into a remodel, from walls to countertop, to flooring, and this all adds up. One way you can reduce your costs is by choosing budget-friendly flooring options that will still provide an attractive upgrade to your space. We have put together our top list of the best flooring out there that won’t break the bank.
Luxury Vinyl Tile Budget Flooring
If you are looking for an alternative to stone and tile, this is it. But, what makes a vinyl luxurious? Thanks to new developments in digital screening and printing, luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) can come in a variety of looks to mimic materials like concrete, stone, and tile. In some situations, it’s difficult to distinguish luxury vinyl tile from the real thing!
It’s a great option for places like bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and mudrooms thanks to its waterproof abilities and low maintenance. They are easy to clean and install, making them ideal for those wishing to save money (and time). The DIYers out there will also love the click-and-lock LVT floating floor options.
A budget-friendly alternative for:
- Porcelain Tile
- Ceramic Tile
- Stone
- Polished Concrete
Budget Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
If you love the look of wood but can’t afford the actual thing, then Luxury Vinyl Planks, or LVP for short, is the flooring for you! LVP comes in planks that look like wood but are more durable. They also offer a good waterproof barrier over the subfloor, which makes them great for areas like kitchens, dinning rooms, living rooms and basements!
You can even save some additional money on the installation costs, since this type of flooring is very DIY friendly. In many cases, you can install LVP over your existing floor because it’s so thin! Higher quality luxury vinyl flooring can last for 20+ years, and it is marginally more expensive from base level budget LVP.
A budget flooring alternative for:
- Engineered Hardwood
- Solid Hardwood
- Bamboo
- Wire brushed, hand-scraped, and distressed textured flooring
Laminate Flooring
Another option that mimics the look of natural flooring is laminate flooring. It’s a bit more of a sustainable option than LVT and Vinyl because it’s core is made up of MDF or particle wood rather than vinyl, or plastic material. It often comes in either a glue-down or floating, click-lock system. Similar to LVP and LVT, laminate can also be installed by anyone, helping to further reduce your flooring costs if you are on a budget. Just make sure you have the right tools for the job!
But what makes it different from the vinyl plank we had mentioned before?
- Most styles are not waterproof
- Most styles are around ½” thick, making them the most cost-effective option for replacing carpets since they are the same thickness
A budget-friendly flooring alternative for:
- Engineered Hardwood
- Solid Hardwood
- Bamboo
Carpet for Budget Flooring
For the quiet areas in your home, carpet is a great, budget-friendly flooring option. Carpet is typically used in bedrooms, due to its soft feel under your feet and the noise reduction this material gives. It comes in rolls or square tiles. Carpet tiles have become quite popular since they are easy to replace and install, making it perfect for the DIYer and saving on labor costs as well.
This budget flooring option is a great alternative for most hard surfaces in bedrooms, living rooms, and family rooms. It is typically more than half the price of hard surface flooring too! Though it does not hold up as well as hard surface flooring.
Sheet Vinyl Flooring
Sheet vinyl, similar to its luxurious counterparts, comes in a variety of looks, from wood to stone and tile. It is one of the cheapest flooring options out there in terms of material cost. It’s also easy to maintain, having few or no seams thanks to it being a rolled product typically in 6-foot or 12-foot widths. Since this is a sheet roll, it will need to be professionally installed, adding a bit to the overall costs, but still being a great option in the budget flooring realm.
A budget-friendly alternative for:
- Luxury Vinyl Plank (Even less expensive!)
- Laminate (Plus it’s waterproof!)
- Tile
With all these different flooring options to choose from, you won’t have to sacrifice looks for the cost (or visa versa). However, not all budget-friendly flooring is equal, and some work better in different situations than others. If you’re still not sure which option to choose, reach out to us!
At Interior Motives Flooring, we offer competitive pricing on our flooring selections, so you can get great prices for your next home to remodel. Our staff of well-educated consultants can help guide you to the best budget flooring option for your situation.
Another costly aspect that customers don’t take into account is tearing out and preparation, which adds an unexpected addition to the project. Our seasoned estimators are always happy to visit your home and find the most cost-effective flooring installation option that will still provide a superb end result.
To get started on your budget flooring project, give Interior Motives Flooring a call today! (253) 393-9926
