Taking on a major home renovation project like new flooring can be daunting at first. Once you start adding up costs, you may feel like leaving your home as it is a simpler option. However, with some savvy planning, there’s no need to break the bank when it comes to your home flooring.
Modern budget-friendly flooring options are ultra-durable and designed for spaces with lots of foot traffic, pets, and kids. Getting gorgeous flooring is easier and more cost-effective than you might think! Use this guide to confidently select the perfect flooring for your home, even on a budget.
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Creating a Flooring on a Budget
Choices like marble and rare woods can cost a small fortune and eat through your renovation budget in no time. But the truth is high-end materials aren’t the only options that can make your home look and feel like a million bucks.
Before you start shopping, take time to come up with a working budget. Chances are you’re doing more than just upgrading your floors, so calculating what you can spend, what is essential, and what must be put aside for specific projects is essential. Once you’ve determined roughly how much you can spend on flooring, you can begin to source materials that will look and feel spectacular in every part of your home.
Tips for Selecting the Perfect Flooring on a Budget
Selecting beautiful flooring on a budget doesn’t have to be complicated. Below, you’ll find a few essential tips to guide you in your search for the ideal flooring for every room in your house.
Research the Right Flooring for Each Room
There is a right type and wrong type of flooring for every room in the house. The right flooring material for your room depends greatly on what the room is used for. For example, water-resilient flooring is not usually needed in the bedroom but is essential in the kitchen and bathroom, where spills and water damage are a significant concern. Keep these tips in mind for each room:
Kitchen and mudroom:
You’ll want moisture-resistant or waterproof flooring in the kitchen and mudroom. Look for materials that are made to withstand the traffic and messes common in these parts of the house.
Bathroom and laundry room:
There is less foot traffic in these areas of the home, but your flooring still needs to withstand humidity and water from sinks, tubs, and showers. Look for an easy-to-clean material that makes mold and germ removal easy.
Dining, living, and family rooms:
These rooms are the heart of your home. The flooring here must withstand high traffic, heavy furniture, pets, kids, and life in general. Look for flooring materials that can hold up to high use while still providing a cozy, comfy feel.
Basements:
When looking for a flooring material to finish your basement, ensure it’s rated to go over below-grade concrete. Since the concrete foundation in your basement tends to be moist, find a flooring material that can withstand the constant humidity.
Bedrooms:
Bedrooms don’t tend to see high traffic, so it’s less likely that your flooring will need to withstand heavy wear and tear. You also won’t need waterproof or water-resistant materials in these rooms. Look for a comfortable material that can trap sound.
Take time to consider what you need from flooring for each room you’re renovating before you start shopping. That will help narrow your search so you can focus on appropriate, functional, and fabulous materials.
Take Advantage of Sales
Trying to stay on budget during a home renovation project can become a balancing act between getting what you want and choosing what keeps your budget intact. One of the best ways to ensure you don’t have to choose between price and style is to take advantage of flooring store sales. Whether it’s an annual sale, a seasonal sale, or a sale on a specific material, shopping sales are a great way to save money when upgrading your home. If you’re not working under a tight deadline for renovations, waiting for a sale may be a smart, budget-friendly choice.
Be Flexible to Stay Within Budget
When it comes to flooring choices, budget constraints often require homeowners to keep an open mind. This flexibility can help you to stay within budget without compromising on style. By being open to a range of options, you may find that the more affordable choice ends up looking and feeling better than you had initially imagined.
Take Advantage of Flooring Samples
Staying on budget during floor renovations doesn’t have to mean compromising your design vision. By taking advantage of flooring samples, you can gain confidence in your choices. Comparing multiple samples is a great way to familiarize yourself with flooring materials that match your budget, ensuring you make a decision that matches your home, style, and budget.
Find the Right Contractor
Flooring installation can be a major undertaking. The right contractor can help steer you toward materials that are time-tested and just right for your space. That can help you stay on budget while ensuring you get flooring that is durable and ready for day-to-day use. The right contractor can also help guide you away from materials that won’t work in particular rooms and direct you to cost-effective materials you may have been previously unaware of.
Affordable Flooring Options to Consider
Cost-effective, affordable flooring can look spectacular in your home. Here are some popular options to consider:
Ceramic tile
Budget ceramic tile options can cost less than $5 per square foot, especially if you install it yourself. Ceramic tile is easy to clean, hard-wearing, versatile, and long-lasting.
Vinyl
Vinyl is among the most affordable flooring options, coming in between $1 and $4 per square foot. Vinyl plank is cheaper than tiles and easier to install, which can save on labor and materials. It’s easy to care for, holds up to high traffic, and is waterproof in most cases.
Laminate
Laminate looks like hardwood but costs less. The median price for laminate is between $4 and $5 per square foot. It’s easy to clean, water-resistant, and resistant to scratches and damage from shoes, pets, and kids.
Concrete
Concrete is an inexpensive option that can add beauty to your home. The finish you choose, like staining, polish, or grid lines, will affect the cost. Expect to pay between $3 and $15 per square foot. Concrete is durable, fire-resistant, eco-friendly, scratch-resistant, and versatile.
Schedule an Appointment With CFS Design Center
Finding the right flooring material for your home can be tricky when you’re on a budget. The pros at CFS Design Center are here to help you with all the details and keep you on budget with style.
Reach out today and schedule an appointment so we can get to know your needs. Our professional team members can tell you more about the pros and cons of certain flooring materials and provide you with free samples you can see in your home.