Are you looking to replace your old or install new flooring in a new home? Have you considered all of your options? Do you know which flooring option is most economical? It may not be what you think.
If you want to make some modifications to your home but have a limited budget, you may repaint the walls, replace the cabinet hardware, and refinish the furniture. However, there are ways to make a greater impact without spending a fortune. Changing the flooring is an alternative.
There is a wide selection of floor coverings available at affordable prices. If you’re considering replacing your flooring, a little study can help you find the material that will provide you with the best return on investment while still meeting your practical and aesthetic requirements.
In this article, we’ll discuss which flooring option is most economical and their relative costs.
The Top 11 Flooring Options and Their Costs
Investing in quality flooring materials is the first step in constructing a safe and secure dwelling. Not only does it allow you to cover a lot of areas, but it can also significantly impact the mood you’re going for. Even though flooring can be somewhat pricey, it is not necessarily so.
Numerous low-cost, environmentally friendly, and temporary choices exist to meet a wide range of budgets and preferences. If you are constructing a new house, renovating an old one, or simply want to replace your worn-out flooring, the list below will help you choose the best option.
① Sheet Vinyl
Sheet vinyl is a fantastic budget choice, costing anywhere from $0.50 to $2 per square foot. Sheet vinyl flooring is a popular option since it is soft underfoot, long-lasting, and inexpensive. It comes in a huge color palette and pattern selection, meeting the needs of virtually any fashionista.
However, there is often a wide range in quality between different brands and even different models from the same manufacturer regarding sheet vinyl. Sheet vinyl is a fantastic choice if you’re trying to save money because the homeowner can often install it without needing professional help. However, it might be challenging to remove.
Therefore, it is advisable to bring in a professional if you reach that stage.
② Linoleum
With an average cost of $2 to $3 per square foot, linoleum flooring is slightly more costly than sheet vinyl. Because of their superficial similarities, it is frequently misunderstood to be vinyl.
These qualities in a flooring material-low upkeep, durability, and environmental friendliness-make it a wise choice. It can withstand some moisture, but it won’t hold up to a drenching.
If you place your linoleum in a room that gets a lot of sunlight, it may become yellow without adequate care, but you can prevent this by waxing it every two or three years. Though you can install linoleum flooring without expert help, you may want to consider it if your subfloor isn’t level.
③ Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is an excellent alternative to hardwood floors since it offers the same natural wood look without the high price tag. Laminate floors are composed of multiple layers of material fused through a lamination process. The top layer serves as a shield for the underlying design and is made of a transparent, durable film.
Laminate flooring can be found in many different tones and designs, including imitations of hardwood and stone. Laminate floors range from $2 to $5 per square foot, making them a more affordable option than hardwood floors.
④ Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring is made of real wood, but it is composed of multiple layers of plywood glued together. The top layer is a hardwood veneer, and the lower layers are plywood. You may find engineered wood flooring in a wide range of styles, and it can be stained to complement any design scheme.
The cost of engineered wood floors ranges from $3 to $12 per square foot, making them more expensive than laminate floors but less expensive than hardwood floors.
⑤ Carpet
Carpets can cost anywhere from $2 to $7 per square foot, fluctuating widely based on the carpet’s quality and construction. Due to its smooth surface and general lack of sharp edges, carpet is a great choice for homes with children.
If you’re considering carpet for your home, choose a high-quality option that will withstand heavy foot traffic. Cheaper carpets are likely to stain and wear out quickly, so investing in a quality product is important.
⑥ Tile Flooring
Due to its durability, ease of maintenance, and variety of colors and styles, tile flooring is a popular option for kitchens and bathrooms. Floor tile is made of fired clay or glass and comes in two main types: ceramic and porcelain.
Ceramic tile is the cheaper of the two options, costing between $2 and $5 per square foot. Porcelain tile is more expensive, costing between $5 and $15 per square foot.
Tile flooring is perfect for busy areas. However, it can be cold and hard on the feet, so it is not ideal for every room in the house.
⑦ Polished Concrete
You can purchase polished concrete floors for as little as $2 to as much as $8 per square foot. Since concrete must be mixed and prepared to exacting standards before laying it properly, it is typically better to have a concrete professional handle the job.
Any flaws in the pouring process will be visible in the finished product and will be tough, if not impossible, to fix.
Nonetheless, cleaning and maintenance are incredibly simple and inexpensive once the floor is set and polished. Further, polished concrete floors are incredibly resilient and can easily last a lifetime with the right care and upkeep.
However, concrete flooring can be unpleasantly cold, rough, and uncomfortable. While the material’s resilience makes it ideal for use in high-traffic areas, the risk of injury from a fall is increased due to its density.
⑧ Cork
Cork flooring is more comfortable than hardwood and more eco-friendly than composite. This sustainable material, harvested from the cork oak tree and processed into flooring tiles, planks, and sheets, may be purchased for as little as $2 per square foot, with prices escalating with factors such as material thickness, quality, and sheen.
Although cork flooring has the advantage of being softer than many other affordable options, its suppleness also makes it vulnerable to scratches and dents. Additionally, it doesn’t do well in humid environments like toilets (anything over 60% humidity would cause the material to fracture and disintegrate).
⑨ Vinyl Plank
The least expensive way to imitate the appearance of more expensive materials like stone or hardwood is with plank vinyl. Planks are more manageable to install than traditional vinyl sheets because of their smaller dimensions.
Vinyl flooring can be adhered to the floor, stuck down, or clicked together and locked into place. Even if you’ve never attempted a major home improvement job before, you shouldn’t have any trouble with the installation.
The cost will change depending on whether you choose a stone-composite rigid core vinyl plank (SVP) or an engineered vinyl plank (EVP), or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) for low- to moderate-traffic areas. The average price per square foot, without installation, is $1.39 and rises from there based on factors including material thickness, quality, and warranty coverage provided by the manufacturer.
⑩ Bamboo
In recent years, bamboo flooring has exploded in popularity as a low-cost alternative to traditional hardwood floors because of its longevity, sustainability, and low initial investment.
Due to its origins as a fast-growing grass, bamboo must undergo extensive processing before it can be used as a durable flooring material. Consequently, you get a strong floor that looks like oak, walnut, maple, and other hardwood species.
As a bonus, bamboo is a sustainable resource because it can be harvested after only three to five years of growth.
After being cut down, the grass quickly regenerates without needing replanting, making bamboo one of the most eco-friendly construction materials on the market. Bamboo floors may cost anywhere from $1.50 to $4 per square foot, making it one of the more affordable hardwood alternatives.
⑪ Limestone
Limestone is a natural stone flooring material used in homes and commercial buildings for centuries. The most affordable limestone floors will cost between $4 and $6 per square foot, but the price can increase significantly depending on the quality of the stone and the complexity of the installation.
Limestone flooring is highly resilient and, like other natural stone floors, may last a lifetime with careful upkeep. However, the material is susceptible to staining and scratching and must be sealed periodically to protect it from water damage.
In addition, limestone is a relatively soft stone, so it can be scratched or chipped if something heavy is dropped on it.
Things To Consider When Choosing The Right Flooring
New floors are an essential part of any major home improvement or rebuild. In terms of both aesthetics and resale value, flooring is a must.
Unfortunately, picking the right flooring material isn’t always easy. In the end, you must strike a balance between practicality, cost, and individual preference.
Here are some factors to consider:
Environment
Consider the environment that you will place on the floor. Is it a high-traffic area like a living room or kitchen? Will there be a lot of moisture, like in a bathroom or basement?
Your answers to these questions will help guide you toward materials that can withstand the wear and tear of daily life. For example, harder materials like ceramic tile or bamboo are better suited for high-traffic areas than softer options like carpeting or cork.
Location
It’s not wise to utilize the same flooring across the entire property. Although tile and laminate flooring are long-lasting and adaptable, the carpet’s plush feel may be preferable in a kid’s bedroom. Carpet is never acceptable in the kitchen or bathroom for the same reasons it never belongs there.
Think about your intended uses for the space before settling on a flooring material. But here’s something to think about: rugs can be placed over tile or laminate floors to smooth the surface, lessen echo, or simply make a living room cozier for family time. This makes tile and laminate slightly more adaptable than carpet for use in a variety of rooms.
Maintenance
How determined are you to maintain your flooring’s cleanliness and condition? For example, wood floors must be swept frequently and sometimes refinished to preserve their luster. Others, like luxury vinyl plank, are virtually maintenance-free.
Consider your lifestyle and habits when choosing a flooring material; if you’re not the type to clean regularly or don’t have the time for extensive upkeep, opt for a low-maintenance option.
Cost
Naturally, the price tag plays a role in the final decision for any home upgrade. In general, harder materials like stone and ceramic tile are more expensive than softer options like carpeting. However, there is a wide range of prices within each flooring category, so it’s important to shop around and compare options.
When calculating how much money you can spend on new floors, don’t miss adding in the installation cost. Some materials, like laminate, are designed for do-it-yourself installation, while others, like ceramic tile, require the help of a professional.
Subfloor Material
The type of subfloor you have will also influence your decision. If you’re not dealing with an already-installed floor, you have greater freedom to create what you want.
For example, if you’re installing new floors over a concrete subfloor, you can pretty much use any material you want. However, if you’re trying to install new floors over an existing wood floor, you may be limited to materials that can be glued down, like laminate or luxury vinyl plank.
Personal Preferences
In the end, you need to choose a flooring material that you’re happy with. Flooring is something you’ll be looking at every day, so it’s important to find something you like. Before making a final decision, think about how the new piece will complement your existing decor and your particular taste.
Why not test several options if you still can’t make up your mind? Before settling on a flooring color, take into account the room’s primary paint schemes. If your goal is to make a small room look larger, light colors will help achieve that.
There are also an endless number of styles available to choose from.
Are you looking for a classic hardwood floor or something more modern? There are tile floors that resemble wood, stone, or even metal. The sky’s the limit when it comes to style, so take your time browsing through all the options before making a decision.
Future Challenges
Are you thinking about selling your house soon? If so, pick the flooring that will catch the eye of potential buyers. In general, neutral colors and classic styles are the safest bet.
Do you also have any unique requirements or factors that you should consider? For instance, you might want to avoid carpeting if you suffer from allergies because it might collect dust and pollen. If you have pets, you should pick a material that will endure stains and scratches.
Final Words
A floor makeover has numerous advantages, one of which is that it increases the value of your property. The flooring materials you choose should be an investment you have given some thought to that serves a practical purpose and is a good financial decision.
Even more so, it might be difficult to find the proper fit among the plethora of materials, colors, and styles currently on the market. However, many cheap flooring ideas will still give you a high-quality look and feel. Don’t rush into anything; rather, look into all of your choices thoroughly.