Sprucing up your home on a tight budget can be challenging, but flooring can actually be a great place to start. Here are five tips to get you started:
1. Pick your materials carefully. While hardwood flooring may have a gorgeous finish, it’s often outside the budget for many people. Look for more affordable options such as laminate, vinyl, rubber, and even tiles – each with their own unique features and benefits, such as low-maintenance, moisture-resistance, and durability.
2. Don’t underestimate DIY. You don’t need to be an expert craftsman to get the job done. With the right tools and a little patience, it’s possible to transform your home with resurfaced floors. Tackling the project yourself can be a fun and rewarding experience, and you save on labor costs too.
3. Consider refinishing instead of replacement. Refinishing your floors is always an option when you want a refreshed look. With options such as sanding, staining and sealing it’s possible to get the highest quality results without the hefty price tag.
4. Shop around. Price isn’t everything. With literally thousands of options available, make sure you take the time to shop around for the right product at the right price. Peruse local stores and online to find the absolute best deals, and compare a few different vendors before making your decision.
5. Look at second-hand alternatives. You’d be surprised at what you can find when you delve into the second-hand market. With manufacturers winding down production of certain lines, or businesses going out of business, you could score a bargain on flooring that’s still in great condition.
From selecting the right materials, to taking on a DIY project, to refinishing your existing floors, there are plenty of ways to refresh your home on a budget. Then when you consider shopping around, and looking at second-hand alternatives, you really can make the most of your money. Whether it’s a surprise revamp for yourself, or you’re making changes to your house before selling it, these tips offer a way to pep-up any living space without blowing the budget.
One of the best ways to keep your home flooring looking nice is to prevent dirt, mud and debris from getting tracked in as much as possible. This can be done through strategically placed doormats and rugs. If necessary, a floor mat should be placed inside the entrance to your home and doormats should be a mandatory addition inside each door. Doormats will also help prevent feet and sneakers from tracking dirt, mud, and leaves indoors.
A second way to keep your floors in great condition is to opt for low-maintenance and durable materials such as vinyl and rubber floorings. Not only are these materials cost-effective, but they are also easy to clean and maintain. Furthermore, opt for a textured finish on your flooring to create visual appeal and to increase traction. With a textured surface, it will be much harder for mud and dirt to stick to the floor.
Regular cleaning and maintenance should also be a part of your routine when it comes to keeping your floors looking nice. All you really need is a mop, a bucket of warm soapy water, and some elbow grease. This will help to keep your floors looking nice and sparkling clean. You can add an additional layer of protection against staining and smudging by mopping up spills and splotches of water immediately.
You should also make sure to clean and maintain floors frequently. With this, it is much easier to keep away ground-in dirt and grime, so that nothing will accumulate too deep. Use a damp mop and gentle wood safe cleaner to give the flooring a good scrub. If any marks or blemishes appear, use a small amount of rubbing alcohol to remove them. Another great option is to have a dry mop available for use on high traffic areas. This will help pick up dust and dirt particles that become lodged in the flooring.
If you’re looking to give your home a makeover, flooring can be a great place to start. To keep on budget, look for second hand materials, opt for low-maintenance and durable solutions, or learn the DIY approach and do it yourself. And don’t forget to practice regular cleaning and maintenance to keep your floors looking in prime condition.
Wall-to-Wall Carpeting. Wall-to-wall carpeting is an ideal option for those looking for low-maintenance flooring for the home. Not only is the installation process relatively easy but wall-to-wall carpets also require minimal upkeep. The soft surface of carpeting makes it great for both bare feet and kids’ playtime. High-grade carpets also provide superior insulation and are naturally soundproof.
Area Rugs. For those looking for an additional layer of soil and protection, opt for area rugs. Area rugs add a unique layer of comfort to your home and can provide a different texture to a room. Rugs are also ideal for rooms which have temperature sensitive surfaces such as hardwood or tile floors. Simply lay down an area rug wherever you require an additional layer of insulation and filtration and change up the rug when you want a new look.
Vinyl Flooring. VInyl flooring is a great option if you want to make your home look sophisticated and modern. Not only is it durable and cost-effective but it is also a breeze to install. Vinyl flooring is one of the most popular flooring options and comes in a broad range of colors, styles and designs. What’s more, vinyl is water resistant, so it’s ideal for rooms which have water sources or are prone to dampness.
Tile Flooring. Tile flooring is a classic option for anyone looking for a neat and sophisticated look. Tiles are especially great for bathrooms and kitchens as they are easy to install and don’t require complete overhauls in order to be changed. Ceramic tiles are also low-maintenance and durable and are available in a broad range of colors and sizes.
Laminate Flooring. Laminate flooring is a great choice for anyone looking for a low-maintenance and durable alternative to hardwood. Laminate flooring is available in a variety of colors and textures that mimic the look of real wood. It also provides superior protection against scratches and is easy to clean and maintain.
From carpets to tiles to laminate flooring, there are a variety of flooring options for those looking to upgrade their homes on a budget. Wall-to-wall carpeting is a great option for low maintenance and soundproofing, area rugs provide a unique layer of insulation and filtration, vinyl flooring adds sophistication and modernity, tile flooring is a classic choice for your home, and laminate flooring is a cost-effective and durable stand-in for hardwood. So whether you’re looking to upgrade your home or add a special touch, there’s plenty of flooring options available.