When you’re on a tight budget, every dollar counts. The flooring you choose should be affordable upfront, easy to install and inexpensive to replace down the line. That’s where floating floors spring into action!
At our flooring store in Lexington, KY, we recommend floating floors, specifically, LVP and laminate, for budget-conscious homeowners. These materials are cost-effective and durable in a way that nail-down or glue-down floors can’t match.
Why Floating Floors Are the Best Budget Option
On a budget? Buy a floating floor! Your options are luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or laminate. These floors aren’t nailed down or glued to your subfloor. Instead they snap together like puzzle pieces and “float” over the surface below.
Why does this matter? Think about the following:
- Lower Installation Costs: Floating floors go down faster than glued or nailed options and require less labor. This can add up quickly when you’re installing new flooring in multiple rooms.
- Easier Future Replacement: Life happens! If you want to switch out your flooring or need to replace a section in a few years, floating floors make it easy. Floors that are nailed or glued to the floor are much more expensive to replace.
- DIY-Friendly: You can easily install floating floors yourself. The click-and-lock system doesn’t need tools or professional skills so you can save yourself some cash.
Luxury Vinyl PLanks(LVP): The Best
Want the ultimate combination of affordability and durability? LVP takes the cake. It’s waterproof, scratch-resistant and handles wear in busy homes better than other budget options.
LVP looks like hardwood, but is much more affordable. Modern products have realistic image layers that make it hard to tell the difference at first glance. It also has a waterproof core that keeps water out, which is perfect for kitchens, bathrooms and entryways. Just don’t leave standing water for extended periods to prevent moisture from penetrating the seams and subfloor.
Durability is important no matter your budget. Cheap flooring is a waste of money because it will wear out within a few years. LVP lasts so you won’t have to replace it any time soon.
Wondering if LVP is right for your home? Schedule a free shop-at-home consultation to see how it looks in your space today.
Laminate: Another Solid Budget Option
Laminate is also a floating floor. It looks like hardwood, but stands up to scratches and stains, while using the same installation system as LVP.
However, instead of being synthetic, these floors are made from compressed wood fibers and resin. While some styles are water-resistant, laminate can swell or warp if it gets wet. This means small splashes and spills are okay as long as you wipe them up right away.
It’s important to note that laminate is more affordable than LVP. If you’re looking for savings on a material for dry areas of your home, this is the way to go.
Think About the Long Game
When you’re on a budget, upfront costs aren’t the only thing you have to worry about. You have to think ahead. What happens if you want to change your flooring later or if something gets damaged?
With floating floors, you have way more flooring options. They are easier to remove than glued or nailed down flooring, saving you even more on replacement costs. If one plank gets damaged, you can replace it individually instead of tearing up the whole floor.
Flexibility makes a difference. When you choose a floating floor, you aren’t stuck with it forever and if you change your mind, there’s no demolition required.
See Budget Flooring in Your Space Before You Buy
When you shop at big box stores, you often can’t see flooring samples in your space. With Wildcat Flooring, we bring laminate and LVP samples directly to your Lexington or Central Kentucky home. This makes it easy to make an informed decision without the pressure. Our goal is to help you find the right flooring for your space without going over budget.
Ready to explore budget-friendly flooring options from the comfort of home? Contact us to book a shop-at-home consultation today!
