Nowadays, you don’t have to break the bank to make your house look good. Even minor improvements can produce a massive effect with the proper approach. Flooring is the perfect example. Replacing your flooring to a new modern laminate or luxury vinyl can make a room appear very high-end, but without depleting your pocket.

Laminate vs vinyl vs engineered wood

These three options have their advantages when it comes to cheap flooring.

Laminate is the least expensive wood flooring option. It is water and scratch-resistant and is thus useful in busy houses. But it cannot be refinished like real wood.

Vinyl is completely waterproof and tough enough to be used in the kitchen areas or bathrooms. However, it is not as natural and can have a shorter life cycle.

Engineered wood will provide you with the appearance of real wood and a long-term investment. But it is more expensive and has more maintenance needs. It is also not as waterproof as vinyl.

Laminate wood flooring as the ‘’look-for-less’’ option

If you are on a tight budget and looking for the cheapest laminate flooring, shopping online with retailers like Floors Direct can provide you the much-needed functionality you need at a low cost while achieving a premium modern look. This option provides the coziness and the attractiveness of the real wood, but at a lower price. It is also fast and simple to install, so it saves on labor expenses. In addition, it is easier to maintain than hardwood.

Herringbone laminate flooring for luxe appeal

Herringbone’s zig-zag or parquet design forms the ultimate visual interest. Hence, a great option to add a touch of luxury. It creates a designer look in your space. On top of it, you find that it is even easier to maintain.

Styling it with neutral walls and brass details

• Begin with a neutral wall color that suits your floor. Let the warm colors go with warm floors and vice versa.
• Incorporate brass in the form of light fixtures. For instance, handles in cabinets, or accessory items. This will bring out a luxurious feel.
• Incorporate some green plants to ground the space.

Such a combination will make your room look polished.

Smart shopping tips

A few details matter when purchasing laminate flooring.

First, target a thickness of 8mm. But 10-12mm is firmer and soundproofs better.

Select the AC rating to fit your space:

• AC1 is suitable in a space with minimal traffic
• AC3 is suitable in most residential settings
• AC4 or AC5 is suitable in high-traffic spaces. It is mostly used in commercial settings.

Lastly, choose a product that has a good warranty. You only need to find a reputable manufacturer.

DIY-friendly installation ideas

Ease of installation is the most appealing aspect of the modern laminates. It comes in a click-lock system. That means you do not need glue or nails to install. The floor is something that you can install yourself during a weekend, and it will save the labor costs.

Flooring stores

Choose a reputable store when purchasing laminate wood planks. Find stores with:

• An extensive product range
• Clear descriptions of products
• A friendly sales team.

Inquire about warranties and returns.

Wrap-up

When we talk about cheap flooring, that doesn’t mean you should sacrifice the style. With laminate flooring, you can refine and improve your space on a budget. Even better, it doesn’t have the demanding maintenance like real wood.