Is there a room that could use a refresh? Want an indoor home improvement project that will refresh a room and add value to your home? If you’re not sure where to start, look no further than under your toes.
That’s right. Check out these 4 easy to install floors for your home that won’t break the bank. Before you get started, review Home Advisor’s, true cost guide for installing flooring.
Floating Engineered Wood Floors
If you want the natural look of wood without the headache of sanding and finishing, then floating engineered wood floors might work for you. These long wood planks snap together with tongue and groove joints over a rubber under layer. While eliminating the hassle of nailing or gluing, the wide engineered planks also come with an already-applied factory finish!
The engineered planks are not solid wood, but are composed of all wood (much like plywood). Most of the planks are made up of three layers. And this type of wood reacts better to fluctuations in temperature than its solid wood counterpart. For example, a drastic change in temperature can cause solid wood flooring to warp or buckle while engineered wood is more stable due to its multiple layers.
Engineered wood is usually less expensive than solid wood because not as much of the tree is used and it’s lighter so it costs less to transport.
Benefits of floating engineered hardwood flooring
- Reduces moisture problems associated with conventional hardwood.
- Engineered flooring will not warp or buckle, making it very low maintenance.
- Engineered wood is an environmentally friendly alternative.
- Installation is much easier because you don’t have to nail, glue, sand, or finish the wood.
- Engineered wood is less expensive than solid wood.
Vinyl Floor
Did you know vinyl was initially created as a linoleum alternative? It has gained popularity lately because it’s crack resistant and easy to clean. It’s also the most inexpensive flooring material. Plus it is also one of the most easy to install floors to choose, as it can go right over a sturdy sub-floor.
Vinyl is made of four layers and is available in sheets, tiles, and planks. Today it comes in a variety of textures ranging from flat to heavily brushed. It’s now used as an alternative to stone, wood, or tile. And the color options are almost endless.
Benefits of vinyl flooring
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- It’s crack resistant.
- One of the most inexpensive flooring option.
- Surface is comfortable on your feet.
Tile Floor
Tile provides you with a stylish and sophisticated flooring option. While beautiful and durable, the downside is that it requires special care when installing. But it will do best if it’s installed over a cement board, which helps stiffen the floor (to prevent cracking) and isn’t affected by moisture.
But once installed, the good news is it doesn’t require much maintenance and is easy to clean.
Floor tiles are typically made of glazed ceramic, but glass, concrete, and other composite materials can be used. Tiling stone is often marble, onyx, granite or slate. An advantage of tile is that you can play with the patterns and various designs to customize it for your taste.
Benefits of tile flooring
- Sophisticated flooring option.
- Durable and easy to clean.
- Keeps your house cool.
- Various color options and patterns.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring serves as an alternate for wood, stone, and tile. It imitates the texture, grain, and even the color of its counterparts. But it’s less expensive and easy to install.
Laminate is durable, as it’s resistant to wear and tear, stains, and scratches. It can also sustain extreme impacts. Therefore, it’s a good option for high-traffic areas. There are different options ranging from distressed to high gloss.
Benefits of laminate flooring
- It’s inexpensive and easy to install.
- It’s durable and resistant to extreme impact.
- A good option for high-traffic areas.
- Variety of options.
So, what’s the best option for your remodeling project? Familiarize yourself with the benefits of each option and decide which one will best suit your needs. And although these are all easy to install floors, why not contact us to help this project come to life.