Walking into your house can be an entirely different experience with a new flooring.
You might feel that adding some spice to your home decor with a different flooring may take a toll on your purse.
But this is not always the case. There are multiple options for affordable and easy changes to the ground you walk on.
You could try some of these options that combine the best for your budget and aesthetics.
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Vinyl Flooring
If your floor is in good shape, vinyl is the easiest flooring to install.
Since it conveniently fits over the old flooring, it doesn’t require any major supplies or expenses.
This comes in various designs to suit your taste. You can opt for sheet vinyl, peel-and-stick tiles or peel-and-stick planks.
Some designs also have a stone or wood resemblance that adds a deep classy look to your floor.
Most vinyl flooring is durable and water resistant, making it easy to maintain and clean.
It can also be installed easily over damaged or cracked layers of floor.
Sheet vinyl has been a popular flooring choice for a tight budget and long run requirements.
Though it may discolor with extended exposure to sunlight, if maintained well it can last up to 15 years and more.
In the luxury category, vinyl planks and vinyl tiles are becoming a sought-after option.
The most prominent drawback with vinyl flooring is that it is not eco-friendly and may not be suitable if you have health concerns.
Laminate Flooring
This is another cheap bargain that can be explored.
The tough resin surfaces are resistant to scratches and stains.
It is not completely water resistant and it would be best to avoid too much-wet mopping on this flooring.
You can choose from exciting designs that have a strong resemblance to hardwood, stone, and cement.
The planks fit in easily and can be installed without much trouble.
However, the laminate may not be a long-term option if you are looking for a durable investment.
Low in maintenance, laminate does not fade away easily with sunlight exposure.
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Ceramic Tiles
This is one of the most durable options that help you stick to your budget while offering you long-lasting flooring.
These are easy to sweep and mop and do not require much maintenance.
High resistance to water and humidity make them a perfect option for all kinds of climate.
In case the tiles are unglazed you may need to be careful about the gap and they might require sealing.
They are cold and hard in texture and sometimes prove difficult to install.
Ceramic tiles sport several designs and you can choose to go in for regular flowery designs, sophisticated artsy ones, or sober simple appearances.
Reclaimed Hardwood
While original wooden parquet flooring may be out of the budget, a cheaper option that works wonderfully is reclaimed or builder-grade hardwood flooring.
This can be acquired from second-hand shops or leftover or junk shops.
It is solid wood flooring and makes the decor sophisticated, also raising the resale value of your house.
It is low in maintenance, can be cleaned easily and suits all interior designs.
You may need to be careful since many of the boards may not be usable.
Being builder grade, it does not come with any warranty and there may be flaws in the boards.
Linoleum
A durable and eco-friendly option, linoleum is one of the most trendy and popular budget flooring ideas.
This resilient material comes as glue-down sheets and snap-together tiles.
It can be easily installed and gives a slight cushioning effect.
It is made from a renewable material like linseed oil, cork powder, wood flour, and pine resins.
Some varieties of linoleum also have a protective layer that prevents scratches and stains, making it easy to clean and maintain.
It is long lasting, often with a life run of about 25 years. Linoleum can sometimes be dented by high foot traffic, sharp objects and high heels.
It may also be discolored with exposure to sunlight.
Some varieties are not moisture resistant and are not advisable for leaky areas and damp basements.
Cork Flooring
This is premium quality flooring among the budget options.
It presents a softer and sophisticated look and is made of durable material.
It is a convenient do-it-yourself option as it comes as snap-together tiles.
An eco-friendly option, it has a soft and shiny surface.
It is a popular choice for kitchens and living rooms where people spend a lot of time standing since it has a smooth comfortable texture that appeals to the feet.
Cork also acts as an efficient insulator and reduces the noise levels of the room.
It also reduces the transmission of heat during summers and keeps the room warmer during winters.
It can be easily refinished to give it a new and refreshing appearance.
However, it has to be maintained with care since it is easily susceptible to damage.
Moisture can also cause the cork to swell or curl and become slightly uneven.
It may get discolored with long periods of exposure to sunlight.
Doing The Groundwork
Most low-cost flooring options are easy to install yourself.
You may need to be selective about the room you are choosing a flooring option for.
All budget options are not the right match for all rooms.
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For instance, ceramic tiles are durable and can be installed in any room but the cold texture may require a carpet or rug in the bedroom or living room.
Vinyl sheet, as well as planks and tiles, are smooth to walk on and easy to maintain.
They could enhance the decor of almost any room in the house.
As DIY options, you need not spend any dough on the installation of most budget flooring.
Make your choice based on the look of your entire house, spruce up a room, your workspace, studio or the entire house by trying out a new flooring.
These are long-term investments and you need not worry about the maintenance or durability of most of these options.
A new ground to walk on may be just what you need to set new living standards.
