If you want to make some changes to your home but have a limited budget, you might think about making small changes like painting the walls, changing the hardware on cabinets, or refinishing the furniture. However, there are some things you can do to make a bigger difference without having to spend a lot of money. One of these choices is to change your flooring.
There are a lot of different types of flooring that can fit into almost any price range. In the case of new flooring, a little research can help you figure out which material will get you the most value for your money, while also being able to meet all of your needs.
1. Sheet Vinyl
The average cost for a square foot of sheet vinyl is between $0.50 and $2. This means that sheet vinyl is a great way to get a good deal. A lot of people choose sheet vinyl as a flooring option because it’s easy to clean, easy to keep clean, and cheap. In addition, it comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, so it can match almost any style.
However, the quality of sheet vinyl can be different from brand to brand, or even from one brand to another. In order to save money, sheet vinyl is a good choice because it’s usually easy enough for most people to install on their own, so there’s no need to pay for installation. However, it can be hard to get rid of, so if you get to that point in the process, it’s best to hire a pro.
2. Linoleum
The price of linoleum flooring is usually between $2 and $3 per square foot, which is a little more than the price of sheet vinyl. It’s often mistaken for vinyl because they look very similar in looks. This type of flooring is a good choice because it’s easy to clean, durable, and green. Note that it is water-resistant but not waterproof, and if it is completely submerged in water, damage is likely to happen.
Linoleum that is installed in rooms that get a lot of sunlight may start to turn yellow, but this can be prevented with proper care, 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 have an uneven subfloor, you might want to call in a pro.
3. Laminate
Laminate flooring is usually priced between $1 and $6 per square foot, but it can be more or less. You can get the look of hardwood floors for a lot less money with this type of floor. It’s easy to keep clean, and it’s not very durable. It’s also not possible to finish or seal laminate, so if it gets damaged, it usually needs to be replaced.
Water or moisture can get in through the cracks if it isn’t properly sealed. This can quickly cause it to become damaged or warped. Laminate is a good choice if you want to save money on installation because it isn’t too difficult to do on your own. Because it looks fake and is hard to walk on, laminate may not be the best choice for you if you want to be comfortable.
4. Carpet
The price of the carpet you want to buy can range from $2 to $7 per square foot, depending on how good and how much it costs. Carpet is a very soft and comfortable flooring option, so it adds a level of safety that makes it a good choice for homes with kids.
Carpet comes in a lot of different colors, styles, and materials, so it’s likely that you can find something that fits your needs and looks good. If you want to do carpet installation on your own, it’s not a good idea because it can go wrong very quickly.
Even though it isn’t easy to clean, carpet cleaning and maintenance costs more and is more time-consuming than cleaning and maintaining hard floors. When it comes to style and trends, carpet can actually hurt the value of your home when it comes time to sell.
The Bottom Line
A new floor doesn’t have to be expensive if you know where to get the right materials and what kind of floor you want to put down. When you’re not sure what to do, ask a flooring installation company. They can help you find the best prices and install the flooring for you.