Many people wish to have a hardwood floor in their homes, but installing it can be bank-breaking. Fortunately, there are several alternatives that believably resemble hardwood flooring and can help you save some cash. Also, many of these alternatives are waterproof and more durable than hardwood floors. Here are affordable alternatives that maintain the attractive style of hardwood flooring.
Wood-Look Tile Flooring
Wood-look tiles are an excellent flooring option if you are looking for something waterproof. They have gained popularity over the years, and they come in different textures, shades, and styles, so you can definitely find something that works for your budget and decor. These tiles are a great option for entryways, bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and mudroom flooring. They are prevalent in warm climate regions since they keep the house cool. If you already have a concrete subfloor, it will be easy to install the wood look tiles.
Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring often looks and feels like traditional hardwood. Vinyl is very versatile and waterproof, which makes it an excellent choice for kitchens, powder rooms, and basement flooring. It’s also easy to maintain, which makes it great for busy individuals or those with small children. Installing vinyl plank floors is easy, and you can often do it yourself.
Laminate Flooring
If you are looking for cheap flooring that looks like hardwood, laminate flooring is a good choice. Installing this floor is relatively easy since the pieces are made to click into place with those around them. You can also easily install it on top of concrete or tiles. It is important to note that laminate flooring absorbs moisture, which could cause problems. The prices also range depending on the quality.
Bamboo Flooring
This is another alternative for hardwood flooring. It is much cheaper, and it is glued and engineered together, making it more versatile. This flooring is less durable than some others. It may scratch more easily compared to synthetic flooring, and like other types of wood, it can be damaged by water. However, as long as spills are cleaned up within a reasonable amount of time, they shouldn’t have any impact on the bamboo flooring.
Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is another great choice since it has insulation and absorption properties. Cork is eco-friendly, and many people choose it because of that aspect. Installing cork flooring is easy since it is a floating floor that does not need additional nails or adhesive.
In case hardwood floors are too expensive for you, consider some of these types of flooring, which are cheaper than traditional hardwood. Every type of flooring has advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to weigh which one best suits your needs.
