What is the cheapest flooring option?

Whether you’re looking to completely renovate or just make some small updates to your property, you’ve probably asked: What is the cheapest flooring option? There can be lots of different answers to this and it mainly depends on the room and what your preferences are.

In this blog, we will give you a rundown of flooring options to suit all budgets and styles, including durability, any hidden costs and which room they work best in.

Cheapest Flooring Options Compared

1. Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is recognised as one of the most cost-effective flooring materials to use and works well in kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and rental homes. Vinyl can be used as a cheaper alternative to LVT flooring and has water-resistant properties.

Price:

• £6-£30 per m2

Pros:

• Water resistant
• Requires little maintenance
• Comes in a range of designs
• Easy to install yourself

Cons:

• Doesn’t last as long as laminate or tiles
• Can look less luxurious

2. Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a popular choice when working on a budget. It provides a wood look finish without the cost of using real wood flooring.

Price:

• £5-£35+ per m2

Pros:

• Wood look finish
• Scratch resistant
• Click fit installation

Cons:

• Not fully waterproof
• Requires underlay which adds a further cost

3. Carpet

When looking at flooring for bedrooms, carpet is often considered the best affordable option. Sometimes you can even purchase from a retailer who will offer fitting services for free.

Price:

• £5-£60+ per m2 (for premium options made from high quality materials)

Pros:

• Soft and warm
• Good insulation
• Affordable upfront

Cons:

• Stains easily
• Wears faster in busy areas

4. Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum flooring can come up a little more expensive than laminate but is still considered an affordable flooring choice. It is made from natural materials and is considered more durable than laminate. This means it is a more cost-effective flooring choice in the long run.

Price:

• £10-£40+ per m2

Pros:

• Durable
• Environmentally friendly
• Water-resistant

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost
• Fewer design options

Hidden costs to consider

• Underlay
• Door bars and trims
• Adhesives
• Delivery charges
• Installation costs

If the absolute cheapest flooring solution is what you’re looking for, then vinyl flooring is definitely the winner. It’s affordable, practical and works well in most rooms.

However, the best budget flooring option depends on your needs:

• Choose vinyl for wet areas
• Choose laminate for living spaces
• Choose carpet or bedrooms

Making sure you balance any upfront costs with durability and reliability will help you get the best value for your money and mean that you don’t have to spend more in the long run.

If you have any more questions about the cheapest flooring options, or you just need additional information about the products we sell at Howarth, please visit your local Howarth branch, or contact our customer services on 01472 907051.