Cheap Flooring Options: Budget-Friendly Ideas for Your Home

Cheap Flooring: Key Points

• Flooring adds to your home’s comfort and resale value
• Replacing your flooring doesn’t have to be expensive — there are affordable options like laminate and tiles that are both stylish and durable
• Comparing materials, shopping at surplus stores, and taking advantage of seasonal discounts and promotions can help you find the best choice for your budget

Imagine you’ve just moved into a new home that needs new flooring — it might be outdated, damaged, or simply away from your style.

Here’s the good news: there are cheap flooring options that can make it look beautiful and fresh again.

In this guide, we will:

• Explain the importance of good flooring
• Suggest budget-friendly flooring ideas
• Share tips on how to choose the right flooring for your needs

Looking for budget-friendly flooring? Visit Builders Surplus

Cheap Flooring Ideas for a Cozy Home

Impatient to start your floor renovation? Let’s look at some options that will not cost a fortune.

Laminate Flooring

Made of a high-density fiberboard (HDF) core with a photographic image layer that mimics wood, stone, or tile, laminate flooring provides a natural look without the high cost.

What to consider:

• Thickness: Thickness is directly related to durability and sound absorption. Choose thicker laminate (8mm–12mm) for areas with heavy foot traffic: living rooms, kitchens, staircases, or entryways. Thinner options (6mm–7mm) work well in bedrooms and home offices where you don’t meet many people.
• AC (abrasion class): The AC rating measures a laminate’s resistance to wear and tear, with higher numbers showing higher resistance. For residential use, choose AC1 or AC2. For high-traffic areas and light commercial use, opt for AC3 and AC4.
• Water-resistance: Standard laminate is not waterproof, but the market also offers options with water-resistant or waterproof coatings. For kitchens and dining areas, choose water-resistant laminate. For bathrooms and basements, go for waterproof types.
• Installation: The installation method is directly related to whether you can set the laminate flooring up yourself or need experts to do that. If you are a DYI aficionado, choose click-lock systems. If you prefer a stronger bond for wet environments, opt for glued laminate.

Vinyl Flooring

Composed of durable polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material, vinyl flooring comes in sheets, planks, or tiles. It is an excellent solution if you need a water-resistant, low-maintenance, and budget-friendly floor.

What to consider:

• Type: Vinyl sheets come in large rolls and can easily cover wet areas. Vinyl planks resemble hardwood and look more realistic. Vinyl tiles mimic ceramic or stone and give your home a more personalized look.
• Thickness: A thicker wear layer means better durability and scratch resistance. Choose at least 12 mil for residential areas and 20 mil or more for high-traffic spaces.
• Water resistance: Vinyl flooring is typically water-resistant, and there are also fully waterproof types. For wet-prone environments like bathrooms, basements, and kitchens, choose rigid core vinyl planks (SPC/WPC).
• Installation: For DIY projects, choose peel-and-stick or loose-lay vinyl or click-lock vinyl planks. For high-traffic areas, opt for glue-down vinyl flooring.

Tiles

Tile flooring can be made of various materials like ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. Available in hundreds of designs, tiles are a long-lasting and low-maintenance flooring solution for kitchens, bathrooms, and areas with many visitors.

What to consider:

• Type: Ceramic tiles are versatile and can add charm to any area, from bedrooms and living rooms to backsplashes. Porcelain tiles are denser and highly water-resistant — an ideal choice for bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, and outdoor areas. Natural stone tiles, such as marble, slate, or travertine, add a touch of luxury to entryways and high-end living spaces.
• Durability: Porcelain tiles offer superior durability for high-traffic areas. Ceramic tiles work well in areas with moderate use. Natural stone adds more value but needs frequent sealing to prevent stains.
• Water resistance: Most tiles are water-resistant. Porcelain has waterproof qualities and is a good choice for wet areas.
• Installation: If you are looking for DIY-friendly options, choose ceramic and porcelain tiles with simple adhesive backing or interlocking designs.

Laminate is an affordable flooring option, which you can install yourself to further minimize costs

The Importance of Flooring in Your Home

Flooring is more than just a surface you walk on — it complements your decor, adds comfort and beauty to your home, and increases its value.

In addition, there are materials that:

• Reduce noise, making them a good option for people who are seeking a quieter home environment.
• Are easy to clean and maintain, making them ideal for families with kids, pet owners, or anyone looking for hassle-free flooring.

Tips for Choosing the Right Flooring

When choosing the flooring for your home, finding the right balance between quality and cost is all about making smart trade-offs. Keep these tips in mind:

• Set a realistic budget: Compare material, suppliers, and installation costs.
• Consider foot traffic: For high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens, choose durable options like laminate or vinyl.
• Consider moisture: Choose vinyl or tile flooring for bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms.
• Think of maintenance: If you prefer low-maintenance floors, choose vinyl or laminate.
• Evaluate installation: If you’re planning to save on pro installation, opt for peel-and-stick tiles or click-lock laminate flooring.
• Consider your home’s style: If you live in a traditional home, choose wood-effect laminate. If you like more modern appearances, go for sleek vinyl planks or tiles with wood and stone effect.
• Compare prices: Look for clearance sales, surplus stores, and discount sections, as they offer high-quality flooring at lower prices.

To choose the right flooring for your needs, consider your home’s style, exposure to moisture and foot traffic

Cheap Flooring Options: Key Takeaways

Setting up a new floor will be easier if you keep these key factors in mind:

• Think of what you want to do, whether it’s refreshing your home, reducing noise, or preparing your property for sale.
• Match flooring to your areas, choosing durable options like laminate or vinyl for rooms with lots of traffic.
• Decide if you want to go with DIY or professional installation.
• Set a realistic budget and stick to it.
• Check different retailers, online stores, and local flooring outlets for the best prices.

Looking for Flooring on a Budget? Visit Builders Surplus

At Builders Surplus, we offer various flooring options to suit any project and budget, from affordable laminate and tiles to mid-range choices such as travertine.

Choose Black Coffee, Burnt Ash, Black Hawk, or Whisky color laminate for a modern, bold look.

Opt for Marisol White, Charcoal, or Dignitary Black porcelain tiles to give your kitchen or bathroom a sleek and sophisticated touch.

If you are a fan of wood floors but want to benefit from the easy maintenance of tiles, go for our elegant Linen Wood, Cherry Life Proof, or Cream tile varieties.

If you are considering renovating other parts of your home (check out our article on affordable home renovations), Builders Surplus can offer you:

• Interior and exterior doors
• Top quality windows
• Bathroom and kitchen remodeling products
• Lighting, molding, and columns

Stop by one of our stores to explore our inventory!

Looking for unbeatable flooring prices? Visit Builders Surplus

Cheap Flooring Options: FAQs

If you still have questions about flooring on a budget, here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions compiled by our team at Builders Surplus.

Can I install flooring over existing floors?

Yes, you can install click-lock vinyl or laminate as well as peel-and-stick tiles over existing floors, provided the surface is clean, level, and dry.

Can I choose flooring that is both affordable and looks stylish?

If you want budget-friendly flooring with a luxurious look, choose materials with realistic textures and colors — high-definition printed vinyl planks, laminate with embossed finishes, or tiles mimicking wood. Talk to our team at Builders Surplus’ stores, and they will advise you of the best option.

Which flooring option should I choose if I have pets?

If you are a pet owner and are looking for flooring on a budget, choose laminate with a high AC rating or porcelain tiles. These materials resist scratches and are easy to clean.

Where can I find high-quality flooring at good prices?

To get the best flooring deals, check surplus stores, liquidation sales, home improvement store clearance sections, and online marketplaces.

Upgrade your home with flooring from Builders Surplus. Check out our selection