Need to refresh your tile, linoleum or wood floors? Try one of these cheap flooring ideas that won't break the bank!
You know how sometimes one small update to a room makes it look completely different? I always thought paint was the single biggest update you could make to a room (short of a major structural change), but lately I've realized something else can make an even bigger impact… flooring!
It's true that flooring does cost more than a single can of paint. However, you might be surprised how affordably you can change your floors without them looking cheap!
DIY Cheap Flooring Ideas (That Don't Look Cheap)
Believe me, you don't have to live with floors you can't stand until you've saved up thousands of dollars. Instead, give some of these DIY flooring ideas a try. Every one on this list is budget-friendly and can be done yourself. Here are some of my favorite DIY cheap flooring ideas out there.
1. Makeovers with Cheap Vinyl Floor Stickers
I just had to start with this section, since I recently finished my own budget makeover on tile flooring! If you missed the post, I tried peel-and-stick vinyl tiles cut to size to fit over my builder-beige tiles. I love the patterned cement tile trend you see everywhere right now, but I didn't want to rip out my existing tile or pay the hefty price tag, so I went the peel-and-stick route.
It's worth clicking over to the post to read the full story, see how the room turned out and find out exactly what I'd change next time. But spoiler alert: all in all, I LOVE them.
See what I mean? How gorgeous are those vinyl stickers? They look so realistic! If you want to see even more DIY peel-and-stick tile flooring options, check out my post with my favorite tile sticker options. You wouldn't believe how many styles are out there.
DIY Peel & Stick Vinyl Floor Tiles
These peel & stick vinyl floor tiles are more durable than the stickers I mentioned earlier. They are made of a rigid material, and you can stick them on top of any level surface. I used them in my laundry room, and I LOVE them! See the full tutorial here.
Sheet Vinyl Rolled Over Tile
This option fascinates me! Did you know you can buy a sheet of patterned vinyl flooring, cut it to fit your room, and simply roll it right over the existing floor? I had no idea. You don't need any adhesive or nails to hold it down. It sits just under the baseboard and is held in place by nothing else.
I love the pattern Lauren at Bless'er House chose. That marble hex tile is the perfect blend of modern and vintage. Check out her cheap flooring solution right here.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (that can be grouted)
If you want an even higher-end look on a budget, consider luxury vinyl tile, a thicker tile that can be grouted. I've seen it in person, and you cannot tell it's vinyl, even if you get right down on the floor and inspect it. It's so realistic!
This tutorial from Chris Loves Julia will give you everything you need to get a high-end look for less!
2. Ideas for Cheap Hardwood Floors
If you don't like the look of tile, you may feel that hardwood floors are out of your price range. Genuinely cheap hardwood is pretty rare, but you can recreate the look of wood floors for a fraction of the price! Here's how to get affordable flooring that looks like hardwood.
Laminate Flooring
One option is to skip hardwood and go with laminate flooring instead. You can find some very affordable laminate options, and most are easy to install yourself. Designer Trapped has a great post detailing her experience with laminate and why she chose it over hardwood.
DIY Plywood Flooring
Want something a little different? Another cheap flooring idea is installing plywood floors. Yes, the same sheets of plywood you see at the home improvement store. You'll be amazed at how gorgeous this cheap flooring from House Seven turned out. I even loved how it looked before it was painted!
DIY Cheap Flooring: Painted Floors
Have worn-out, damaged wood floors? Paint them! The great thing is that they can be virtually any color you choose. I love the creamy white Liz Marie chose for her unfinished wood floors. Plus, it's only about $0.10 per square foot!
Faux Wood Paper Bag Floors
You won't believe it, but yes, these floors are made from brown paper bags! They give the look of hardwood without the cost. Plus, this cheap flooring tutorial from Remodelaholic means you can stain your floors in the color you prefer.
3. Other Cheap Flooring Ideas
If you're looking for something a bit different, these cheap flooring ideas are excellent options. There truly is something here for everyone!
Paint over Your Existing Vinyl or Tile with a Stencil
As I mentioned before, the patterned cement tile look is super popular right now, but it isn't necessarily budget-friendly. If you don't want to go the peel-and-stick route, you can use paint and a stencil to get a similar look! I think I'd like to try this in my laundry room, since it's a high-traffic area.
Kayla at Plum Pretty Decor & Design even made her own stencil for this job! I love how it turned out!
Use Wallpaper to Cover Your Floor
This idea completely blows my mind. I never thought of using wallpaper on the floor, but now I want to! You can create a stenciled look or anything else you like, since there are so many great wallpaper styles out there. This idea from Grillo Designs is also a great cheap flooring option for renters.
DIY Penny Floor
Okay, now you have a great reason to save up those pennies! Common cents says if you have a big jar of old pennies, put them to use with this one-of-a-kind cheap flooring that will literally cost you pennies, thanks to Pretty Purple Door.
Painted Linoleum Floors
For just $30 in "porch & floor" paint and a little time, Tasha painted her linoleum floors in a classic gray and white stripe that completely transformed her laundry room. You can't get much cheaper or easier than that!
Install New Tile Right Over Your Old Tile
This idea blew my mind too. I had never heard of anyone installing new tile right on top of old tile. Ripping out old tile is extremely physical work, and therefore quite expensive if you hire it out.
However, if you're looking for cheap floor tiles, ceramic tile is affordable and comes in a wide variety of patterns. Check out the full tutorial from Family Handyman.
Aren't all of these ideas awesome? I know I'm partial to my peel-and-stick tile, but I love so many of these other cheap flooring ideas too! Which is your favorite?
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