5 Cheap Options For Flooring In Your Home (That Still Look Great)

Looking for cheap options for flooring? With some research and planning, you can find the perfect flooring option that fits your budget.

When you’re looking to spruce up your home, getting new flooring is a great place to start. New flooring can completely transform the feel of your space and give it a fresh look.

But how can you upgrade your flooring without breaking the bank? What are the best inexpensive flooring options?

In this article, we will cover five cheap options for flooring in your home that look amazing and won’t hurt your wallet. 

5 Cheap Options For Flooring In Your Home 

As much as you might want hardwood floors, they are extremely expensive and take a lot of work to maintain. Thankfully, there are more affordable flooring materials than ever before that will make your home look great. Here are our top 5 picks.

#1 – Vinyl Floors

Vinyl flooring is a popular choice among many homeowners since it is affordable and durable. It can easily withstand heavy foot traffic, spills, and pet accidents, making it an excellent option for homes with kids or pets.

You can get vinyl sheet flooring, luxury vinyl tiles, vinyl planks, and more. The wide variety of styles and options makes it easy to find something that will suits any area of your home. 

Pros:

• Affordable.
• Wide variety of designs.
• Easy to clean & maintain.
• Best waterproof flooring option. 
• Easy installation.

Cons:

• It can be scratched, gouged, and dented easily.
• Difficult to remove.

Average Cost Per Square Foot:

The average cost of vinyl flooring will vary, depending on the type and quality of vinyl you choose. However, it typically ranges from $2 to $5 per square foot.

Luxury vinyl plank flooring will cost you much more but will also last longer and look nicer.

Laminate Floors

Laminate flooring is another great affordable option for homes. Since it’s composed of several layers of wood pressed together, it is durable and long-lasting.

Pros:

• Affordable.
• Durable & long-lasting.
• Can withstand heavy foot traffic.
• Wide variety of style choices.
• Easy to install & maintain.

Cons:

• It can look low-quality.
• Not waterproof.

Average Cost Per Square Foot:

The average cost of laminate flooring ranges from $1 to $4 per square foot, depending on your chosen style.

Cork Floors

Cork flooring, made of natural materials, is an excellent option for those looking to add a unique and natural look to their home without breaking the bank. It’s also a good option for anyone who wants a softer surface to walk on. 

Pros:

• Affordable.
• Unique & natural look.
• Refinishing the surface is an option. 
• Reduces noise.
• Soft & cushiony surface.
• Mildew & mold resistant.
• Easy to install & maintain.

Cons:

• It can be scratched, gouged, and dented easily.
• Susceptible to water damage.

Average Cost Per Square Foot:

The average cost of cork flooring will depend on the size and style but typically ranges from $2 to $10 per square foot.

Linoleum Floors

Linoleum has been around for many years and is still one of the most affordable options for flooring in a home. It’s also straightforward to maintain, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas of the house. This is one of the cheapest options for flooring,

Pros:

• Affordable.
• Durable & long-lasting.
• Can withstand heavy foot traffic.
• Easy to install & maintain.

Cons

• Easy to damage or gouge.
• Susceptible to water damage.
• Has fewer style choices.

Average Cost Per Square Foot:

Linoleum is one of the most affordable options on this list and can range in price from $2 to $6 per square foot. 

Carpeted Floors

Carpet is an excellent option for those looking for a warmer, softer atmosphere in their home. You will typically find carpet in living rooms, family rooms, and bedrooms. 

Pros:

• Affordable.
• Creates a warm & soft atmosphere.
• Wide variety of style choices.
• Easy to install.

Cons:

• It is the hardest to maintain out of these affordable flooring options.
• It can be easily stained or damaged.
• Does not hold up well to heavy foot traffic.
• Not waterproof.

Average Cost Per Square Foot:

Carpet is one of the more expensive options on this list, especially if you go for high-quality carpets. It can range from $3 to $6 per square foot.

What Is The Cheapest Flooring Option?

The most affordable option will ultimately come down to what style and quality you choose, no matter what type of flooring you go with. In some instances, vinyl might be the cheapest option, while in other instances, linoleum might be the cheapest.  

It’s important to consider all of your choices before making a decision. Each has pros and cons, so weigh all of these factors before selecting. It may also be worthwhile to get some quotes from a local flooring company. 

Overall, there are many affordable flooring options available for homeowners.

How Can I Save Money On Flooring? 

Luckily, there are some ways that you can save money on flooring. Here are some of our tip tips. 

Tip #1 – Look Online

Not only do retailers put their flooring selection on sale occasionally, but you might even find a contractor selling some flooring that they bought but didn’t use.

Tip #2 – Shop Around

Be sure to compare prices from different stores and contractors. You may even find that one store has a better deal than another. Some stores may also be able to give you a discount on professional installation, saving you money on overall labor costs.

Tip #3 – Don’t Sacrifice Quality

Just because you have a budget doesn’t mean you should pick the cheapest option. Ultimately, investing in a more expensive flooring option that will last longer and look better may be better in the long run. 

Tip #4 – Consider DIY Options

If you’re feeling brave, consider doing the flooring installation yourself. DIY floor installation means you only have to buy the tools and materials. Plus, you get the satisfaction of doing it yourself!

Important Considerations To Make When Choosing Your Flooring

Firstly, what area of the home are you redoing the flooring in? Are these high-traffic rooms, or are they more of a low-use space? Knowing this will help you determine the best type of flooring for your needs.

Also, what kind of style are you hoping to achieve in the room? Do you want something natural looking, or do you prefer a more modern look? Do you like warm and comfy or hard and cold?

Lastly, knowing how much maintenance and upkeep you want to do on the floor will also be helpful. If you don’t have time to do a lot of maintenance, consider one of the more low-maintenance flooring options.

The Best Cheap Flooring Ideas For Each Room Of Your Home

Living Room Flooring

• Carpet
• Vinyl
• Cork
• Laminate

Kitchen Flooring

• Linoleum
• Vinyl
• Laminate

Dining Room Flooring

• Linoleum
• Vinyl
• Laminate

Bathroom Flooring

• Linoleum
• Vinyl
• Laminate

Bedroom Flooring

• Carpet
• Laminate
• Vinyl
• Cork

Laundry Room Flooring

• Vinyl
• Linoleum

Home Office Flooring

• Carpet
• Linoleum
• Laminate
• Vinyl

No matter what flooring type you choose, it’s important to remember that with proper care and maintenance, any of these options can look amazing in your home.

With some research and planning, you can find the perfect flooring option that fits your budget. Hopefully this article, cheap options for flooring, will help!