Choosing new floors for your home usually makes you think about two things. Whats this gonna cost me, and how long will these new floors last me? I'm highlighting a few flooring options to help you pick the best one for your home and will match most budgets. We'll look at classic hardwood and modern vinyl, considering both what you pay upfront and the value you get over time.
Key Takeaways
- Wood flooring is a tried-and-true option, engineered and solid hardwood truly last
- Vinyl flooring is durable and affordable, great for areas that might get wet
- How floors are installed (floating, nail-down, click-together) affects overall cost
- Think about your budget, how much the floor will be used, moisture contact, and upkeep
- Spending more at first on quality flooring can be worth it in the long run
Wood Flooring: The Classic Choice
Wood floors are popular because they look great and can last for many years if you take care of them. They make rooms look and feel like a photoshoot, and can even make your house worth more if you sell it. There are two main types to think about:
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood will have a wooden core made of layers. The top layer is the wear layer you see and walk underfoot on top. The multi-ply core makes the plank stronger and less sensitive to moisture changes in a home. This makes it less likely to warp in damp areas. Our Engineered oak plank in mocha costs $1.49 per square foot. It's strong enough for busy homes and looks nice with a wirebrushed finish. You can put it in places where regular hardwood might not work well, like basements our laundry rooms.
Solid Hardwood
Solid hardwood is made from one piece of wood all the way through the plank. It can be sanded and refinished many times, so it can last for generations. Prefinished solid oak strip in a cabin grade white oak natural finish costs $2.29 per square foot. It's great for making your home worth more and creating a modern light wood decor feeling. Solid hardwood also helps reduce echoes in your room.
Vinyl Flooring: Tough and Affordable
Vinyl flooring has improved a lot. It can now look like wood or stone but costs much less. It's good for rooms that might get in contact with lots of water, like kitchens or bathrooms, because vinyl doesn't soak up water.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is waterproof, easy to clean, and can handle lots of people walking on it. It costs about $1.79 per square foot in our inventory. LVP comes in many styles and colors, and it's hard to scratch or stain.
Installation Methods: Getting It Right
How your floor is installed by a professional will bring the costs way up. Easier installations can be DIY and will last just as long as a professional installation. Here are three common ways to put in new floors:
Floating Floors
Floating floors don't get nailed or glued down. The flooring planks match with tongue and grooves or click together and "float" above the subfloor underneath. This works well for engineered wood floors and luxury vinyl plank. It's often easier and faster to install, many flooring installaers will charge less per square foot because there's less labor involved.
Nail Down Floors
Nail down installation is traditional for solid hardwood. The planks are nailed directly to the floor underneath. This makes the floor feel very solid when you walk on it and can help hardwood floors last longer. It usually costs more to install because it needs special tools and skills.
Click Together Flooring
Click together flooring is a type of floating floor where the edges of each plank lock into place with the next one. This is common for laminate and some vinyl floors. It's great for DIY projects and can be less expensive to install because it's easy to do.
Comparing Costs and Durability
Flooring Cost and Lifespan Comparison
- Engineered Hardwood:
- Cost: $1.49-$2.99/sq ft
- Lifespan: 20-30 years
- Benefits: Stable in varying humidity, can be refinished 1-3 times
- Solid Hardwood:
- Cost: $2.19/sq ft and up
- Lifespan: 100+ years with proper care
- Benefits: Can be refinished multiple times, adds significant home value
- Luxury Vinyl Plank:
- Cost: $1.49/sq ft and up
- Lifespan: 10-20 years
- Benefits: Waterproof, low maintenance, suitable for all rooms
When picking floors, think about how long you want them to last and how much care they need. Hardwood can last a lifetime but needs you to be more soft on it. These new rigi vinyl planks are built tough and are very easy to clean. Consider the long-term value of your flooring choice, including maintenance costs and how it might affect your home's resale value.
Making Your Choice
To decide what's best for you, think about these key factors:
- Your budget for materials and (hopefully) DIY installation
- How much traffic your floors will get
- If the room might get wet
- How much time you want to spend on care and cleaning
- The overall style of your home
Remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best deal in the long run. A more expensive floor that lasts longer might save you money over time. Think about how your flooring choice might affect your home's energy efficiency and indoor air quality too.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Floor
Choosing new floors is a big decision that affects how your home looks and works. By looking at both cost and durability, you can find the right balance for your home and lifestyle. Whether you choose hardwood, vinyl, or something else, there's a floor out there that fits your needs and budget. Take your time, compare your options, and soon you'll have floors you love.
For more help picking the right floor, check out our guide on factors to consider for hardwood floor installation. The team at Really Cheap Floors is always here to answer your questions and help you find the perfect flooring for your home.
