The Best Cheap Flooring Options of 2022
Are you ready to install new flooring in your kitchen, living room, or bedrooms? Do you have a limited budget? If so, you may need to know what options you have to choose from.
When it comes to affordable, modern flooring, you have more options today. Keep reading to learn about some of the top affordable options you can install.
Related: Read This Before You Become Your Own Contractor
Vinyl Flooring
You can purchase vinyl flooring in planks, tiles, or sheets. It is mainly constructed using PVC, which provides durable and waterproof flooring you can install anywhere in your home.
Besides regular sweeping or vacuuming and occasional mopping, vinyl flooring doesn’t require much maintenance. It’s also one of the most affordable flooring options available today. When installed properly, your vinyl flooring will likely last for 25 years or more.
Sheet Vinyl
Sheet vinyl is an option that’s cut to length and has seen several advancements recently in quality, texture, and design. You can usually purchase it in six-foot or 12-foot widths. Unfortunately, this can make it a bit cumbersome to install on your own.
You can expect to pay around $1.25 per square foot for sheet vinyl, and this doesn’t include installation. If you choose a higher-end brand, the cost may be up to $5 per square foot.
Plank Vinyl
If you want a realistic alternative to stone or hardwood, choosing plank vinyl is good. It’s the most affordable option that provides the highest-quality look. Also, unlike sheet vinyl, the planks are sold in smaller sizes, making installation much easier.
It’s possible to glue vinyl planks or install them using a click-and-lock or peel-and-stick system. The installation of plank vinyl is also much easier and something most people can handle on their own.
The prices of plank vinyl depend on what you choose. However, the cost will start at $1.39 per square foot and go up based on manufacturer guarantees, quality, and thickness.
Laminate
Laminate flooring is made of composite materials that look like stone or hardwood. This is thanks to the photographic image embossed on the surface. While this type of flooring is comparable to vinyl sheets, it isn’t as durable. Also, it should never be exposed to heat or water and will only last about 10 years. It’s not a good option for bathrooms or kitchens.
You will install laminate as a type of floating floor. The pieces will click and lock together instead of being glued to your subfloor. While it takes time to prepare the area, installation is usually fast and easy once you begin.
You can expect to pay around $2.50 per square foot with laminate.
Do you want to install new flooring but are unsure how much you should purchase? If so, we can help. Contact us today, and we will get started on your custom quote.
Related: Hiring a Contractor Checklist and Tips
Cork
Many people still haven’t heard of cork flooring; however, it’s growing in popularity as an affordable flooring option today. It is a soft and eco-friendly alternative to composite flooring.
Cork is softer than other flooring options at similar price points. While this is true, it can also dent and scratch easily. This is something to keep in mind if you choose this type of flooring. You should also avoid installing it in bathrooms or any other area with higher humidity levels.
The cost of cork starts at about $2 per square foot.
Carpet
You can find several types of carpets available today. It’s an affordable option with more options, colors, and styles than the other ones on this list. You can also expect your carpet to last for 10 years or more with proper maintenance.
Many people choose carpet over other flooring options because of how soft it is. It also helps with noise control. While this is true, carpet can show wear and tear faster than other flooring types. Because of this, it should not be installed in bathrooms or anywhere else where moisture is, as it could result in mold.
The exact cost of carpet depends on what you buy. You can purchase wall-to-wall carpeting starting at $1 per square foot. Peel-and-stick carpet tiles are also available starting at this price point.
Tile
There are two types of tile you can install in your home. These include:
Porcelain Tile
Ideal for damp locations, porcelain tile, is an effective water repellent. While the cost is a bit higher, it is more durable.
Ceramic Tile
You can purchase ceramic styles starting at under $1 per square foot. It’s a quality and durable flooring option. However, make sure you find an option rated at least a three on the PEI scale. If it is rated under three, it will be brittle and unable to stand up to regular traffic.
Finding the Right Affordable Replacement Flooring for Your Home
Finding affordable flooring for your home is easier than ever. There are so many options, which means you can get the look you want without overspending.
Remember to consider the room where the flooring will be installed and the environment. Some options don’t do well in wet or humid conditions. When you know about the conditions flooring can be installed in, you can make an educated decision regarding what to choose.
Taking your time to consider the options above, setting a budget, and being willing to get your hands dirty will help you get new flooring in your home for an affordable price. Even if you hire a professional for installation, the cost of the flooring options above makes this possible.
Determining your home’s total square footage alone can be challenging. We offer simple, affordable solutions for this and are ready to start your project. Contact us today to learn more.
- Ryan Crownholm
