The Best Cheap Flooring Options [2024 Update]

Are you looking to install new flooring in your kitchen, living room, or bedroom? Do you have a limited budget? If so, it’s important to know what options you have to choose from. 

Luckily, when it comes to affordable, modern flooring options, you have more choice today than ever before. In this blog, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best cheap flooring options in 2024 and how much they’ll set you back. Keep reading to learn more!

You can purchase vinyl flooring in planks, tiles, or sheets. It is mainly constructed using PVC, providing durable and waterproof flooring you can install anywhere in your home.

Besides regular sweeping or vacuuming and occasional mopping, vinyl flooring doesn’t require much maintenance. It’s also one of the most affordable flooring options available today. When installed properly, your vinyl flooring will likely last for 25 years or more.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common forms of vinyl flooring options available.

Sheet vinyl is a cheap flooring option that’s cut to length and has seen several advancements recently in quality, texture, and design. You can usually purchase it in 6-foot or 12-foot widths. Unfortunately, this can make it a bit cumbersome to install on your own.

You can expect to pay around $1 to $2 per square foot for sheet vinyl. If you choose a higher-end brand, the cost may be up to $5 per square foot. 

It is important to note here that this doesn’t include installation, so keep that in mind when calculating your costs. On average it will cost you somewhere between $2 and $9 per square foot for vinyl floor installation.  

If you want a realistic alternative to stone or hardwood, plank vinyl is the perfect choice. It’s the most affordable option that provides the highest-quality look. Also, unlike sheet vinyl, the planks are sold in smaller sizes, making installation much easier.

The installation method of plank vinyl is also much easier and something most people can handle on their own. It’s possible to glue vinyl planks or install them using a click-and-lock or peel-and-stick system.

The prices of plank vinyl depend on what you choose. However, the cost will start at roughly $1 per square foot and can rise up to about $7 per square foot based on manufacturer guarantees, quality, and thickness. 

Laminate flooring is made of composite materials that look like stone or hardwood. This is thanks to the printed decorative layer on the material’s surface. While this type of flooring is comparable to vinyl sheets, it isn’t as durable and will only last about 10 to 15 years. Also, it should never be exposed to heat or water, making it not a good option for bathrooms or kitchens.

Laminate is typically installed as a type of floating floor — the pieces will click and lock together instead of being glued to your subfloor. While it takes time to prepare the area, installation is usually fast and easy once you begin.

You can expect to pay around $1 to $4 per square foot with laminate depending on the type and style. If you have your laminate professionally installed, this cost will rise to roughly $3 to $11 per square foot. 

Do you want to install new flooring but are unsure how much you should purchase? If so, we can help. Contact us today, and we will get started on your custom quote. 

Many people still haven’t heard of cork flooring, but it’s growing in popularity as an affordable flooring option. It is a soft and eco-friendly alternative to composite flooring.

Cork is softer than other flooring options at similar price points. While this may be appealing from a look and feel perspective, remember that this also means it can dent and scratch easily. Again, you should avoid installing cork flooring in bathrooms or any other area with higher humidity levels. Under ideal conditions, cork flooring could last you up to 40 years. However, it requires greater upkeep and maintenance than the other options on this list.

Cork flooring will cost you around $3 to $9 per square foot, with an extra $2 to $4 per square foot for professional installation. 

You can find many types of carpets available today. It’s an affordable choice with more options, colors, and styles than the other ones on this list. You can also expect your carpet to last for 10 years or more with proper maintenance.

Many people choose carpet over other flooring options because of how soft and warm it is. The soft surface provided by a good carpet also helps with noise control. However, carpets can show wear and tear faster than other flooring types and are prone to becoming scruffy without proper care. It should also not be installed in bathrooms or anywhere else where moisture is present, as it could result in mold.

Given the sheer number of options available for carpets, the price you can expect to pay can vary hugely. You can purchase wall-to-wall carpeting for as little as $0.65 per square foot or as much as $12 per square foot, with the average falling at around $2.50. Installation will typically run you $0.99 to $6 per square foot. 

There are two types of tile you can install in your home. Let’s discuss each in turn.

Ideal for damp locations, porcelain tile, is an effective water repellent. While the cost is a bit higher at somewhere between $3 and $30 per square foot, it is more durable and a better choice for damp and humid environments.

You can purchase ceramic styles starting at under $1 per square foot. It’s a quality and durable flooring option. However, make sure you find an option rated at least a three on the PEI scale. If it is rated under three, it will be brittle and unable to stand up to regular traffic. 

Depending on the type of tile you choose and the size of the area being tiled, professional installation will cost anywhere from $8 to $44 per square foot.

Finding affordable flooring for your home is easier than ever. With so many options available, you can achieve the look you want without overspending.

Remember to consider the room where the flooring will be installed and the environment. Some options don’t do well in wet or humid conditions, while others will be better suited to warmer and cozier environments like bedrooms or lounges.

Taking your time to consider the options above, setting a budget, and being willing to get your hands dirty will help you get new flooring in your home for an affordable price. Even if you hire a professional for installation, the cost of the flooring options above makes this possible.

Determining your home’s total square footage alone can be challenging. We offer simple, affordable solutions for this and are ready to start your project. Contact us today to learn more.