12 Cheap Flooring Ideas to Use in Your Home
Choosing the right flooring in your home is the first step to setting a solid foundation. Not only does it cover a lot of ground (literally), but it can have a big effect on the atmosphere you're after. And while flooring can be a major expense, it doesn't have to be. There are plenty of affordable, eco-friendly, and even temporary options for a variety of needs and styles. So whether you're building a new home, want to replace your current floors, or are looking to give them a quick refresh on a budget, we have you covered. From faux wood flooring and tiles to cork and paint, there's sure to be at least one option that'll transform your home.
1. Vinyl Planks
Vinyl flooring is a much more affordable option than both hardwood and carpeting. The synthetic option is water-resistant and durable, making it ideal for anywhere from the kitchen to the bathroom. In Alison Victoria's Atlanta loft, she covered the original red-orange stained concrete floors with vinyl plank flooring that resembles hardwood to give the home a clean and fresh feel.
Photo: ROBERT PETERSON / RUSTIC WHITE INTERIORS
2. Peel-and-Stick Vinyl Tiles
Peel-and-stick technology has made transforming walls, floors, and even furniture affordable. With peel-and-stick vinyl tiles, like these mid-century modern ones from WallPops, you can easily give your bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen floors a major refresh.
Photo: WALLPOPS
3. Laminate Planks
Composed of multiple layers (including a wood core), laminate is both tough and easy to clean, making it ideal for homes with pets and children. The faux wood option can look like the real thing, just take it from this bedroom designed by Raji RM & Associates.
Photo: JOSHUA MCHUGH
4. Linoleum Tiles
Linoleum flooring is making a comeback. Made from natural materials, linoleum is one of the more eco-friendly options out there. In this kitchen by Tom Scheerer, the designer chose lobster red and cream linoleum tiles from Aronson’s that don't feel too new against the other antiques in the space.
Photo: FRANCESCO LAGNESE
5. Concrete
Concrete floors are ideal for creating a smooth, industrial feel. The long-lasting option makes a great alternative to tile or hardwood. In this dining room designed by Catherine Kwong, the concrete floors contribute to the sleek look of the open floor plan.
Photo: CATHERINE KWONG DESIGN
6. Epoxy
For something a bit more decorative than just concrete, consider covering your floor with vinyl flakes and an epoxy coating. This wear- and scratch-resistant flake floor by Garage Kings—in House Beautiful's 2021 Whole Home–is easy to clean (and hides dirt!), so it will always look brand-new.
Photo: JEREMIAH DEARINGER
7. Brick
It might not be plush to the touch, but this rustic material is sturdy, eye-catching, and inexpensive. Top it with a glossy finish (or a good rug) for a softer look. The herringbone pattern in this kitchen designed by Dominique DeLaney adds extra charm.
Photo: LAURA SUMRAK
8. Cork
A renewable material, cork offers warmth, cushioning, and added noise reduction. It even boasts natural climate control, meaning it can help keep a room warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Plus, you can create a fun design with the material as designer Steven Gambrel did in this kitchen.
Photo: ERIC PIASECKI
9. Bamboo
Like cork, bamboo is a renewable resource, so it can be used as an eco-friendly flooring option. Although it’s actually a grass, bamboo functions like hardwood. It's susceptible to scratches, but it can be refinished.
Photo: CHANDLERPHOTO//GETTY IMAGES
10. Painted Floor
For an easy DIY flooring update, consider painting your existing floor a fun pattern. In this Nantucket cottage by Kevin Isbell, the designer had the floors painted in a checkered pattern featuring various blue shades.
Photo: READ MCKENDREE
11. Carpet Tiles
“Carpet tiles are very easy to deal with, they’re beautiful and long-lasting,” general contractor Mark Clements of My FixItUp Life says. “Some are solid, some have really cool patterns in them, and you can create any designer pattern you want. They're easy to cut, to carry, to transport. If one gets stained, you just peel it up and stick down another one.” The concept looks especially fun in this home gym designed by Kelly Finley of Joy Street Design.
Photo: LAUREN EDITH ANDERSEN
