How to Choose the Best Flooring Under Budget for Your New Home

Choosing the right flooring for your new home is a crucial decision that impacts the aesthetics, durability, and overall cost of your project. With so many options available, it’s important to balance quality, style, and budget. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of selecting the best flooring within your budget

✅ Measuring Tape – To calculate the total square footage required.

✅ Chalk Line & Level – For accurate floor layout and alignment.

✅ Utility Knife or Flooring Cutter – For trimming materials as needed.

✅ Underlayment or Moisture Barrier – Essential for laminate, vinyl, and hardwood floors.

Before exploring flooring options, set a realistic budget. Consider:

1. The total square footage that needs flooring.
2. Additional costs like installation, maintenance, and underlayment.
3. Long-term durability to avoid frequent replacements.

💡 Tip: Allocate at least 10% extra for unexpected expenses.

Get all At Really Cheap Floors

Each home has unique requirements. Ask yourself:

1. Do you have pets or children? Opt for scratch-resistant and easy-to-clean flooring.
2. Is the area prone to moisture? Waterproof or water-resistant flooring is ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
3. What’s your preferred style? Modern, classic, or rustic?

Here’s a breakdown of popular flooring choices with their cost estimates:

Flooring Type Price per sq. ft. Pros Cons

Laminate

$1 - $4

Affordable, durable, easy installation

Not fully waterproof

Vinyl (LVP/LVT)

$2 - $7

Water-resistant, realistic look, durable

Can dent under heavy furniture

Tile (Ceramic/Porcelain)

$3 - $10

Waterproof, long-lasting, variety of designs

Cold underfoot, higher installation cost

Engineered Hardwood

$4 - $12

Elegant, durable, resembles real wood

Expensive, prone to scratches

Carpet

$1 - $5

Warm, soft, budget-friendly

Stains easily, not ideal for high-traffic areas

💡 Tip: Vinyl plank flooring is an excellent budget-friendly choice for a wood-like appearance.

Some flooring types are easier to install than others:

1. DIY-Friendly: Laminate, Vinyl Plank, Peel-and-Stick Tiles
2. Professional Installation Needed: Tile, Engineered Hardwood, Carpet

If you’re on a tight budget, opting for DIY flooring can save you up to 50% in labor costs.

The long-term cost of flooring depends on maintenance:

1. Low-maintenance: Vinyl, Laminate, Tile
2. High-maintenance: Carpet, Hardwood (requires refinishing)

💡 Tip: Choose a flooring type that suits your cleaning routine and lifestyle.

Most home improvement stores provide flooring samples. Place them in different lighting conditions in your home to see how they look before making a decision.

Once you’ve finalized your choice:

1. Compare prices from multiple suppliers.
2. Look for discounts, sales, or bulk purchase deals.
3. Schedule installation or prepare for a DIY project.