Flooring on a Budget: 3 Top Tips

Most homeowners want to improve the state of their property. The main stumbling block for many is that home renovations can get pricey, so choosing to focus on one or two aspects of the home to start with is preferable.

Walls and floors are the obvious first choice when it comes to giving a space a fresh facelift, as they are large canvases that influence the overall atmosphere of a room, setting the tone for decor and furnishings.

While giving one’s walls a new splash of colour is easy enough, selecting flooring on a budget can be confusing. Luckily, technological advancements in manufacturing techniques make it possible to buy something that is both affordable and beautiful – even if you are restricted by a tight budget.

Our top tips will point you in the right direction when it comes to finding the perfect floors for your home.

Tip 1: Lifestyle Considerations Must Come First

There are so many options on the market today that one does not need to compromise on style when searching for practical, cost-friendly flooring. That said, when torn between two products, form must follow function. Investing in flooring that is not suited to your lifestyle may affect the longevity of the installation. Look at the rooms you want to re-floor and consider the following questions:

• What is the room’s level of foot traffic?
• Is the room prone to high humidity levels or moisture exposure?
• Does the room receive direct sunlight for several hours a day?
• Will children and animals have access to the room?
• Are allergies an issue in your household?

Once you can answer these questions, you can narrow down your search for flooring on a budget by starting with your lifestyle needs.

Tip 2: Identify Your Unique Style

Everyone has their own sense of style, and you may not yet have a refined idea of what you like, but a little exploration helps. Have a look at some interior design ideas online, or you can even try our room visualiser tool to get a better idea of our collection. Playing around with fresh ideas can help you discover what would work best for your home. List the kinds of colours, shades, textures and patterns you like, and use this as a foundation for your search for flooring within your budget.

Tip 3: Set Your Budget After Doing Research

Because updating one’s floors only gets done every few years (or even decades), many homeowners are out of touch with the cost of quality products on the market today. They set a budget before even exploring available options, and then give up the idea altogether due to disappointment at high prices. Before setting aside how much you think you will need, talk to reputable suppliers, such as our experienced team at Top Carpets and Floors, for a better understanding of what prices look like nowadays.

Understand the Hidden Costs of Installations

Homeowners often contact us asking for a set quote for a specific product. Flooring prices are, unfortunately, more complex than this. Having a professional come out to assess the space is the only way to get an accurate quote. Not only will an expert measure the room accurately, but they will also take into account factors such as the subfloor and what kind of preparation it needs. Experienced do-it-yourself enthusiasts may opt to install the products themselves, but most homeowners do not have the time, expertise, or tools to tackle such a project. Hiring professional installers may increase your budget, but if the final result is an installation that looks great and lasts years, then you are saving money in the long run.

Affordable Flooring Options on a Budget

If it’s flooring on a budget you are seeking, then you will want to stay away from solid hardwood and tiles. While both options are long-wearing, there are phenomenal alternatives on the market today that can offer the look and feel of real wood or stone tile without breaking the bank. Notable mentions include wood-look laminates, luxury vinyl tiles and planks and even carpeting. Laminate floors are very durable and resistant to damage and come in a beautiful range. Luxury vinyl tiles and planks are also durable and easy to maintain and have the added benefit of being waterproof – which is great for places like kitchens and bathrooms. While carpeting is a luxurious flooring type, there are plenty of products on the market today that feature a reasonable balance between affordability and quality.

If you are struggling to decide on a cheaper option versus a higher-end product, it may be a good idea to redo only one or two rooms with the superior product than skimp on quality and re-floor the whole house.

Really Pinching Pennies? Try Investing in a Rug

If you feel unsure about which products would work best for you, or find that your budget cannot accommodate the brands you like just yet, why not try a few rugs? Area rugs add interest and colour to a space while giving the eye a harmonious focal point. It’s a cost-effective way of sprucing up your floors while you weigh your options or save up for the floors you truly desire.

For more advice on flooring for your budget, or if you want to know about our available range, speak to us today.

Download our free Carpet, Laminate & LVT Pricing Guide to take you through the process of costing as it relates to flooring.