Flooring Options That Will Fit Any Budget

When it comes to replacing flooring, your budget can make or break the type of material you choose. Fortunately, there are several affordable flooring options that offer stylish looks.

Once reserved for subfloors and sheathing, construction-grade plywood is gaining traction as an inexpensive floor covering. It’s easy to stain, and it can look remarkably like hardwood floors.

Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) floors are a budget-friendly alternative to natural materials like wood, stone and tile. These floors combine durability with style and comfort, and they can be installed anywhere in the home. They’re also water-resistant and scratch and indentation resistant.

LVP is made of multiple layers of plastic, padding and other elements. The clear outer surface, known as the wear layer, is a critical factor in determining how durable a vinyl floor will be. A wear layer that’s 10 to 16 mils thick is generally recommended, though a higher thickness can increase longevity. The Hafren Signature flooring pictured here, for example, has a robust 40-mil wear layer.

Vinyl plank flooring is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, with options mimicking many different types of natural surfaces. Some of the most common visuals include reclaimed or distressed woods, decorative tile and parquet, and even concrete and shiplap. However, some manufacturers are getting a bit more adventurous with their LVP styles, offering products that don’t try to look like any specific material but rather offer decorative, geometric and graphic floor patterns.

Some LVP is also designed to be self-installing, meaning it does not require any adhesives and can be installed over most existing floors. It’s a great choice for DIYers who want to save money on installation costs and time. However, it’s important to choose a product that comes with a warranty for peace of mind.

Rigid core click lock vinyl is another option that’s a good choice for those who want the look of natural wood but are worried about moisture in the kitchen or bathroom. This synthetic material is waterproof and can be installed over plywood or concrete floors. It’s easy to clean and resists scratches, indents and stains.

This rigid core vinyl flooring, from the Home Decorators Collection, is an affordable pick that has a realistic wood look. It’s not as durable as other picks, but it’s a water-resistant flooring solution that looks like real wood. It’s also a snap to install, with a simple click-lock design that requires no glue.

Peel-and-Stick Tiles

If you want the look of a tile floor but don’t have the time or money to commit to a full tiling project, peel-and-stick tiles may be your best option. These self-adhesive floor or wall coverings typically come in a variety of patterns and colors that mimic real tile or even stone. These vinyl floors are durable and water-resistant, making them great for kitchens or bathrooms. They’re also easy to clean, requiring little more than a wipe down with a damp cloth or sponge.

You can apply peel-and-stick tiles over almost any flat surface, including painted walls and existing laminate. Just make sure the surface is smooth and clean, and sand or scrape away any adhesive or protrusions that could prevent your new tiles from sticking. You can even use a sander to smooth the surface before you lay the tiles, though you should read your specific product’s instructions carefully as this may not be necessary with all products.

The patterned floor tiles from Etsy vendor Quadrostyle feature an elegant quatrefoil design that would suit cottage or farmhouse decor. These 12-inch vinyl squares are water-resistant and can withstand high traffic. They’re also a lot easier to install than traditional tiles, as there’s no grout and they require no cutting with a wet saw.

Another option is this white subway-style tile from Chasing Paper, which comes in a wide range of color and pattern options. These peel-and-stick floor tiles are a great way to dress up a bathroom or entryway, and they’re surprisingly affordable at just $1.49 per square foot.

Although many people think that because peel-and-stick tiles are so easy to install they won’t last long, this isn’t always the case. In fact, if you choose an appropriate material and apply them properly, they can last for years. Just be sure to read the specific instructions that come with your tiles, as some are intended for temporary applications like a kitchen backsplash or bedroom wall, while others are more heavy-duty and are suitable for floors in high-traffic areas or major “splash zones” such as bathrooms and kitchens. If you’re interested in heavy-duty doors, polished concrete is your friend; get a quote from CGP to have this installed in your home!

Porcelain Tile

Tile is an exceptionally versatile flooring material that can create a sleek, modern aesthetic or add a timeless and classic look to a space. It’s incredibly easy to clean and dries quickly, which makes it perfect for busy households with kids or pets. It’s also available in a wide variety of looks, finishes and sizes to fit any budget and style.

Porcelain tiles are crafted from a mix of clays, minerals and other natural materials fired in a kiln at high temperatures, which gives them their hardness and durability. They’re less porous than regular ceramic tiles, which means they’re resistant to stains, water damage and bacteria. They’re also scratch-resistant and can withstand the weight of heavy furniture. You can find porcelain tiles in a range of colors and designs, including large-format squares and rectangles, planks, penny rounds, hexagons, mosaics and chevrons.

Many manufacturers offer wood-look porcelain tile, and these floors can be found at home improvement stores, online retailers like BuildDirect, specialty tile and flooring stores and in-person at company showrooms. Some brands that make these tiles include Daltile (owned by flooring giant Mohawk), Salerno and American Olean.

Wood-look porcelain tiles provide the aesthetic of traditional hardwood floors with the ease of maintenance and cleaning of tile. They can be swept or vacuumed, and a light mop can remove dirt and debris that would otherwise build up in a hardwood floor. Unlike real wood, porcelain doesn’t need to be refinished or waxed, which can save you a lot of time and money over the life of your floor.

You can also choose from a variety of patterns when choosing porcelain tiles, which can help to tie together different aspects of your design scheme. Herringbone, diagonal lay, basket weave and brick are a few popular ways to arrange porcelain tiles on the floor, but you can also use them in other areas of your home. You can even install them in the shower or bathtub area to create a unique backsplash. With all the recent advancements in manufacturing, there are now countless tile options for any style of home and budget.

Hardwood

pexels skitterphoto 1388944 - Flooring Options That Will Fit Any Budget

Hardwood flooring adds a premium look to any room and it can increase a home’s value. But the cost of traditional or engineered hardwood floors can be out of reach for many homeowners. However, there are several flooring options that provide the look of wood without the added expense.

Choosing the right wood flooring starts with understanding how to compare materials, grades and pricing. A good way to do this is to get competing estimates from a few different flooring experts. Make sure the quotes include both the material and installation costs for a true apples-to-apples comparison.

The most popular hardwood floor choices are maple, oak and cherry. These species are durable and withstand a high level of traffic. You can also find exotic wood flooring, including hickory, walnut and mahogany, but these are more expensive options. When comparing hardwoods, consider their Janka hardness score, which measures how hard the wood is. Higher scores indicate more durability.

When selecting a hardwood, it’s also important to consider color and texture. Lighter stains, such as natural or white oak, are versatile and work well with most design styles. Darker stains, such as hickory or walnut, can be used in more formal rooms. Some designers also like to mix and match colors and grains. This creates a unique look that can be even more budget friendly.

Regardless of what type of wood flooring you choose, it’s essential to have a plan. This includes deciding how wide you want your planks to be. Some prefer a narrow plank, while others love wider boards for a more luxurious look. It’s also possible to combine hardwood styles. For example, you could use herringbone or chevron patterns in one area of the room and then install solid planks elsewhere.

Engineered hardwood is a great option for budget-conscious homeowners because it’s less likely to expand and contract with changes in humidity. The surface of an engineered hardwood floor features up to eight layers of durable clear finish that will stand up to many years of wear and tear. In addition, a quality engineered hardwood product can be installed over an existing subfloor without the need for a plywood substrate.

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