Creating a high-end look doesn’t have to cost a fortune. From repurposing items you already have to shopping at consignment shops and online marketplaces, there are plenty of ways to make your money go further when redesigning your space.
For a wood-like flooring option that’s cheap, consider vinyl plank and laminate. Both can mimic real wood well and are easy to clean.
Exotic Hardwood
When it comes to hardwood flooring, different species boast unique grain patterns and colors that can make your home stand out. Typically, exotic woods are much harder and denser than domestic choices like Oak and Maple, making them resistant to scratches and other common damage. Additionally, many exotic woods have a rich color and grain pattern that adds a luxurious look to your space.
Regardless of the species you choose, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs and your budget. The best way to find a bargain on exotic hardwood is to visit a retailer that offers a broad selection. A retailer with a large inventory will have more opportunities to sell off floorboards at a discounted rate, including classics such as oak and maple as well as more exotic picks such as acacia and tigerwood.
Another great way to save on exotic hardwood is to purchase it in a distressed finish. This type of finish resembles the look of a timeworn vintage floor and can be purchased for as little as $4.29 per square foot.
One thing to keep in mind when purchasing exotic hardwood is that while this type of wood is hard, it is also prone to color changes over time. While all woods change in color over the years, exotic species tend to have a higher rate of change than domestic varieties. If you are concerned about this issue, consult with a flooring specialist to learn more.
Exotic wood is a trendy choice for homeowners who want to add a bold and stylish appearance to their homes. Brazilian cherry, tigerwood, and amendoim are some of the most popular options. These woods are gaining popularity because they offer stunning looks while still being affordable.
When choosing an exotic wood for your home, make sure that you consider how the species is harvested and if it is sustainable. Many exotic species are harvested from rainforests, which lead to deforestation and a loss of animal and plant life. Fortunately, there are plenty of retailers that feature sustainable exotic hardwood options so that you can enjoy the exotic look without sacrificing the environment.
Tile
Tile flooring is an affordable option that provides endless design options. Whether you opt for ceramic tiles in neutral colors and simple shapes or decorative, high-contrast patterns, your new floors will add an elegant, luxurious look to your home without the expensive price tag. You can even get creative with your tile installation by incorporating unique patterns like herringbone or chevron. These textured accents create visual interest and will make your floors look more expensive than they really are.
Wood-look tiles are another cost-effective choice that is both durable and visually appealing. They mimic the look of natural stone or wood with advanced imaging techniques, and you can find them in a range of shades from light to dark. Wood-look tile is especially ideal for spaces that experience frequent moisture, such as bathrooms or kitchens.
Vinyl plank flooring is another affordable choice that is both stylish and easy to maintain. With advanced imaging technology, vinyl planks can now resemble hardwood planks and natural stone with stunning accuracy. While it doesn’t offer the warmth of actual wood, vinyl planks are stain-resistant and do not require periodic refinishing like real wood does.
Luxury vinyl tile, which is a type of vinyl sheet flooring with added layers, also offers an attractive and durable look for your home. Like vinyl planks, it can replicate the appearance of stone or wood materials with impressive accuracy, and you can find it in a wide range of color and texture choices.
Luxury vinyl tiles often have a built-in underlay that serves as a supporting cushion for the flooring. Depending on the brand, this underlay can increase the overall cost of the flooring. However, the benefit of a built-in underlay is that it can streamline the installation process, which may result in significant time and cost savings.
Vinyl
Whether you’re an expert DIYer or your home improvement projects usually end in disaster, vinyl flooring is a great option to consider when you’re on a budget. This durable material is easy to care for and resistant to water damage. It’s also a good choice for damp areas like basements or bathrooms.
While many homeowners often conflate vinyl with laminate, the two materials are actually quite different from one another. Laminate is a multilayered product that has high-resolution printed pictures sandwiched between protective coatings above and a solid core below. Vinyl, on the other hand, is made out of synthetic materials that are combined into a sheet or plank format.
The cheapest wood look floor that can still provide a beautiful aesthetic is vinyl plank. This type of vinyl has padding on its base, a rigid core and a faux wood layer, and is topped with a waterproof surface. It is available in a wide range of colours and styles, making it an ideal flooring option for any room.
Vinyl plank can be glued down or loose lay, and it is easy for even a novice installer to install themselves. This will reduce the cost of installation, saving you money and avoiding the need to hire a professional installer. It’s also more resilient to dents than sheet vinyl, and it resists the penetration of moisture.
When choosing the best vinyl for your home, look for a brand with a built-in underlay that can reduce the amount of downtime you’ll experience during installation. This feature will also make your floor more comfortable and increase its lifespan. The thickness of your vinyl also impacts its price, with the thinner 2mm options being more affordable while 6mm and 8mm options are more premium choices.
The most important thing to keep in mind when selecting the right type of floor is your interior design aesthetic. If you have a modern minimalist space, for example, you may prefer vinyl planks or tiles in grey or white shades that create a sleek, neutral look. These floors can provide an elegant backdrop for your furnishings while adding warmth through the wooden visuals. Should epoxy flooring catch your eye, consider reaching out to Ascent Epoxy location in Salt Lake City for expert guidance and epoxy flooring services.
Cork
Cork flooring offers a great way to introduce eco-friendly, unique style into your home while also saving money on energy costs. It’s soft and comfortable to stand on, and it absorbs noise to help reduce the level of sound in your home. It’s also an insulator, so it can help cut your heating and cooling bills. It’s also antimicrobial and hypoallergenic, making it a good option for homes with people who have allergies or sensitivities.
Cork floors come in a variety of styles, including natural cork that has a rustic look and patterned cork that can mimic the appearance of concrete or wood. Printed cork is available in several designs and colors, and it typically costs around $3 to $7 per square foot. Luxury vinyl cork flooring has a premium cork underlayer that is covered by a layer of vinyl, which adds to its durability and helps it resist stains and wear. It averages around $4 to $9 per square foot.
The core of a cork floor is made of a renewable resource that’s harvested without harming the tree, so you can rest assured that your new flooring is environmentally friendly. The material is also resistant to mold and mildew, so it won’t discolor or warp over time. Cork floors are also durable and provide cushioning for your feet. They’re an excellent choice for areas where you spend a lot of time standing, such as kitchens. They’re also a great choice for children’s rooms or spaces where elderly people live since the soft surface can protect them from falls.
Waterproof cork products are available that are safe to use in high moisture areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens. They’re designed to withstand spills and humidity while offering comfort and a beautiful look. However, as with any type of hardwood or vinyl product, it’s important to wipe up spills right away and not let water sit on the floor for extended periods of time.
Waterproof cork comes with warranties that range from 15 years to “lifetime.” A warranty that covers the structural integrity of your floor means that if you notice a defect in the structure of the flooring, the manufacturer will replace it. Other types of warranties cover the finish and can include coverage against scratches, dents, or damage caused by furniture.