Few home improvement projects are as large or impactful as new flooring. But a great floor doesn’t have to be expensive.
From classic hardwood to eco-friendly laminate, there are many cost-effective options. Whether you want to refresh a single room or your entire house, there are affordable flooring options to suit any style.
Carpet
Carpeting adds warmth and comfort to rooms, and it is usually less expensive than hard surface flooring. It is available in thousands of different styles, colors and patterns. In addition, carpet can be crafted from many different fibers such as nylon, polyester, wool and more. This makes it a versatile and attractive option for almost any room.
Carpet is also more durable than other types of flooring. This is particularly true for low-pile carpets that resist matting, crushing and staining. However, even high-pile carpet can be very durable, if it is properly maintained. It is important to assess the amount of wear and tear you anticipate your floors to endure and then choose the most appropriate type of carpet.
Another benefit of carpeting is that it helps reduce noise pollution in a home. It reduces echoes and resonant sound and muffles footsteps, music and voices. It is especially effective in reducing noise pollution on upper levels of two-story homes.
It is also easier to repair and replace carpet than it is for other types of flooring. A scratch or dent in a tile or hardwood floor may require replacement of the entire tile or plank, while a small patch of carpet can be easily repaired or replaced.
It is important to note that carpeting is not immune to mold, mildew and other allergens. This is especially the case with dark-colored carpets, which can be a magnet for dust mites and other allergens. These allergens must be removed from carpeting regularly, and this is best done with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter. This will prevent the agitation of the allergens and help to eliminate them.
Laminate
Laminate is one of the most popular flooring types because it looks realistic while costing much less than hardwood floors. Designed to mimic the look of wood, laminate is constructed from four layers that are fused together under high heat and pressure. The top layer, which is called the wear layer, provides strong protection from scratches and stains. The design layer features a high-resolution image of the texture that the floor is simulating, such as a specific wood style. The core layer is a thick piece of pressed board that gives the floor stability and strength. A back layer is fused to the core to protect against moisture.
Whether you are looking for a simple, traditional or contemporary style, there is sure to be a laminate floor to suit your tastes. This type of flooring is also easy to maintain, requiring only periodic sweeping and the occasional application of wax. It is also very durable and can withstand heavy furniture. Additionally, most laminate floors can be used with underfloor heating.
While it is true that in its early days, laminate looked a bit plasticky, modern technology has improved the appearance and functionality of this flooring. The current generation of laminate is very durable, has a high-quality appearance, and resists scratching and fading well. It is also moisture resistant but not waterproof, so it is important to leave a gap around the perimeter of the room for drainage and air flow.
Many manufacturers produce a wide variety of styles and colors of laminate floors, including textured varieties that look like sand or stone. Laminate is also available in a variety of thicknesses, ranging from 6mm to 12mm. The thicker the flooring, the more durable and sound-absorbent it will be.
Tile
A gorgeous tile floor is a great way to add value to your home. Not only is it easy to maintain, but it’s also a wonderful selling point when the time comes to put your house on the market. It’s especially important to choose a tile that is neutral in color so it will appeal to a variety of potential buyers.
Unlike carpeting and laminates, which trap dirt and allergens within their fibers, tiles are non-porous. This makes them the ideal flooring material for areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and entryways. In addition, they are easily cleaned and sanitized. Tile floors are also a great choice for households with pets or kids, as they can resist spilled sauces and markers better than hardwood or carpet.
One of the best things about tile is that it can be used in any room of your house, from the bathroom to the living area. Its style versatility is unparalleled, allowing you to create a truly unique design that complements your decor.
Additionally, it’s easy to find tiles in a wide range of colors and hues. From bold blue porcelain tiles for the kitchen to exotic green glass tile for your pool, you’ll be able to find a floor that matches your design aesthetic.
The downside of tile is that it’s hard and cold underfoot, which may not be pleasant for homeowners who like to walk barefoot around their homes. It can also be a bit difficult for DIYers to install, as it requires precise measurements and careful cutting. Fortunately, professional installation is available if you’d prefer to save the time and hassle. However, the initial cost of installing tile is still significantly less than hardwood flooring.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is a durable and cost-effective material that can last for ten to 20 years or more. When properly maintained, vinyl floors are scratch resistant and can withstand heavy foot traffic. It is also a water-resistant flooring material, making it suitable for areas that see a lot of moisture like bathrooms and laundry rooms. Vinyl is easy to clean and can be swept, mopped or scrubbed with a vinyl-safe cleaning product. Polished concrete from cgp also has the same advantages over other flooring options.
There are a variety of vinyl products available today, including vinyl plank flooring that can mimic wood, ceramic tile and natural stone. This type of vinyl flooring can be glued down, bonded at the edges or installed as a floating floor over a subfloor. Vinyl can be installed by a do-it-yourselfer with moderate experience or by hiring a professional to lay the floor for you.
Luxury vinyl is a newer form of vinyl flooring that has a broader range of style options and better performance than traditional vinyl. This type of flooring is available in a variety of timeless and trendy designs that mimic the look of natural materials. This vinyl is often backed by a layer of fiber, felt or rubber for extra cushioning, sound absorption and durability.
Both types of vinyl are phthalate-free, have low VOC and formaldehyde emissions and are UK allergy certified to contribute to healthy indoor environments. These benefits make them a great choice for busy households, as they are a comfortable and durable option that can be easily cleaned with household cleaners. They are also affordable and versatile, and come in a variety of styles to suit any decor. A light sweeping is all it takes to keep these floors looking great.
Linoleum
Linoleum, which is often mistaken for vinyl tile, has been a flooring material in homes since the 1860s. While it may look a little outdated, linoleum floors have many benefits that make them a great choice for homeowners.
First, linoleum is made from natural materials that are eco-friendly and sustainable. It is made from linseed oil, rosin and broken down wood to make a durable flooring that can last up to 40 years. In addition to its durability, linoleum is also antibacterial and naturally resists mold growth. It is also easy to keep clean, and sweeping or dust mopping can remove most dirt from a linoleum floor.
Another benefit of linoleum is its affordability. It is cheaper than vinyl and can be just as attractive. Unlike vinyl, which is a synthetic material, linoleum is made of renewable natural materials like linseed oil, cork, wood flour and resins. It is also biodegradable and does not emit any volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it a good choice for homes looking to make a green lifestyle choice.
Finally, linoleum is easy to install. It can be installed as a sheet, which requires gluing it to the subfloor, or it can be purchased in tiles or planks that simply click together and can be float over a subfloor. This option can be a DIYer’s dream, as it is a much simpler project than installing vinyl sheets or luxury vinyl planks.
However, despite its low cost and high quality, linoleum has some drawbacks that should be considered. While it is extremely durable, linoleum can start to yellow and lose its beauty with age. It can also be susceptible to stains and may need to be sealed one or two times per year.