The Forbes Home editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Home site. This compensation comes from two main sources. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Second, we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles; these “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Home. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Home does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.
If you’re looking to make some updates to your home but are working under constraints of a tight budget, you may consider making small changes like repainting the walls, replacing the hardware on cabinets or restaining the furniture. However, there are some things you can do to make a bigger impact without having to break the bank. One of these options is replacing your flooring. Pvc Flooring Bathroom
There are many different types of flooring available to fit into just about any price point. If you’re considering installing new flooring, a little bit of research will go a long way as far as helping to determine the material that will get you the most bang for your buck, while also supporting your lifestyle needs. Here are five cheap flooring options and some pros and cons associated with each of them. Advertisement THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary. Compare Quotes From Top-rated Local Flooring Contractors Free, No-commitment Estimates Find a Contractor
Compare Quotes From Top-rated Local Flooring Contractors
Sheet vinyl costs, on average, between $0.50 to $4.50 per square foot, making it a great affordable option. Sheet vinyl is a popular flooring choice among homeowners because it’s comfortable, durable and cost-effective. Additionally, it’s available in a wide variety of colors and patterns to accommodate just about any style wants or needs.
That said, the quality of sheet vinyl can vary from brand to brand, or even within the same brand. If you’re looking to save money, sheet vinyl is an especially great option because it’s generally easy enough for most homeowners to install on their own, so it’s possible to skip the cost of installation. However, it can be difficult to remove, so if you get to that point in the process, it’s recommended to bring in a professional.
The typical price of linoleum flooring usually ranges between $2 and $7 per square foot, making it slightly more expensive than sheet vinyl. It’s often confused with vinyl, as they’re visually very similar and it is also offered in sheets. This flooring type is a good option because it’s low-maintenance, durable and eco-friendly. It should be noted that it’s water-resistant but not waterproof, and if it becomes completely submerged in water, damage will likely occur.
Linoleum that is installed in rooms with high amounts of sun exposure may experience ambering, which is when the surface begins to yellow, however, this can be avoided with proper maintenance like waxing every two to three years (if the floor is not already factory coated). It is possible to install linoleum flooring on your own, but if you’re working with an uneven subfloor, you may want to bring in a professional. If you do want to try your hand DIY installation, you will need to rent a linoleum roller.
Laminate flooring typically costs between $1 and $6 per square foot. This is a great choice for those who want a flooring option that looks similar to hardwood floors but can be installed for a much cheaper price tag. It’s easy to clean and maintain and is fairly durable. That said, laminate cannot be refinished or resealed, so if damage does occur, it usually needs to be replaced.
If it’s not properly sealed and water or moisture seeps through the cracks, it can easily become damaged and warped. Laminate is a good option if you’re looking to save money on installation, since it’s decently easy to install without a pro. However, it sometimes has a reputation of having a fake appearance and being hard underfoot, so if comfort is a top priority for you, laminate may not be the best choice.
Using your home's equity is an easy way to fund your new floors!
Get prequalified in minutes by clicking on your state.
Depending on the quality and material of the carpet you’re looking to purchase, the prices can range from $2 to $7 per square foot. Carpet is an extremely soft and comfortable flooring option, so it provides a level of safety that makes it a particularly good option for households with children.
Carpet can be found in a wide variety of colors, styles and materials, so it’s likely you can find something to suit your style. Because carpet installation is a project that is done without a professional can easily go wrong, it’s not recommended to DIY.
Also, because it’s not a surface that is easily wiped down, carpet cleaning and maintenance is slightly more involved and expensive than that of hard flooring options. Plus, hard-surface flooring options are increasingly on the rise when it comes to style and trends, so carpet can actually decrease the resale value of your home.
Polished concrete floors range in price from $2 to $8 per square foot, making this a relatively low-cost flooring option. Because concrete needs to be mixed and prepared to a specific degree before it can be properly installed, it’s usually best to have a concrete professional do the installation. Any mishaps that occur during the pouring stage will impact the final product and are difficult, if not impossible, to correct.
That said, once the floor has been set and polished, the cleaning and upkeep of polished concrete floors is extremely easy and low-cost. Additionally, if properly maintained, polished concrete floors are extremely durable and can easily last a lifetime.
However, as a flooring option, concrete can be particularly cold, hard and uncomfortable. While the density is an advantage when it comes to durability—as this is a material that is not easily damaged—it’s a disadvantage when it comes to safety, as falling on it can be extremely dangerous.
Installing new flooring doesn’t have to be expensive, if you know where to find the right materials and know which material you’d like to use on your floors. When in doubt, consult a flooring installation company, who can help find the lowest prices and install the flooring for you.
Advertisement THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary. Compare Quotes From Top-rated Local Flooring Contractors Free, No-commitment Estimates Find a Contractor
Compare Quotes From Top-rated Local Flooring Contractors
Lexie is a Deputy Editor who is responsible for writing and editing articles over a wide variety of home-related topics. She has over five years of experience in the home improvement space and harnessed her expertise while working for companies like HomeAdvisor and Angi (formerly Angie’s List).
Black Vinyl Plank Flooring Mahogany Taylor is a licensed general contractor with more than 25 years of experience in all things construction and interior design as well as conceptual design and planning. She has spearheaded multiple construction and design projects throughout the Greater Atlanta area.