Five Cheapest Flooring Options You Can Install Yourself
Updating your floors can completely change the feel of your space, and new flooring, which is easier to clean and maintain, is also more practical. While replacing your flooring is a good way to update your home and make it more functional, flooring can quickly become more expensive. Here’s a guide to the cheapest flooring options you can install yourself on a budget.
Vinyl plank flooring
Vinyl plank flooring is water-resistant and easy to clean, making it a good option for a kitchen or bathroom. This type of flooring costs between $2 and $7 per square foot, making it less expensive than hardwood and carpet. Vinyl plank flooring is relatively easy to install, even for a beginner, and typically clicks together without the need for adhesive. Here’s a tutorial video to get an idea of how to install it. In some cases you will have to use underlayment , but if you already have a level and sealed floor, you can simply lay it on top of the existing floor. You will need a tape measure , a utility knife and a square ; A jigsaw and miter saw will also come in handy. To make sure the boards are firmly in place, you can use a rubber mallet .
Sheet Vinyl Flooring
Sheet vinyl flooring is an easy flooring option and is cheap, costing $1 to $2 per square foot. However, if you don’t have a flat, level surface to start with, this probably won’t work because the material is very flexible. Sheet vinyl comes in a variety of prints and patterns. To install sheet vinyl, you will need a straight edge , a floor roller , a tape measure , and a utility knife . This tutorial will give you some tips on how to apply sheet vinyl.
Tear-off and stick-on tiles
Peel tiles are a good option for budget-friendly floor renovations. They cost between $1 and $5 per square foot and are an affordable DIY option. You will need a utility knife , tape measure , chalk or pencil for marking, a putty knife in case you need to move tiles that have already been glued, and a small floor roller . Tear and stick tile installation is a DIY project for beginners, and you can check out this helpful tutorial to get an idea of the basics.
Stencil onto existing tiles
One of the most inexpensive ways to update your floors is to stencil the existing tiles. This method works best with vinyl, but if you prime the surface first, you can apply the stencil to almost any type of floor. For this project you will need a base coat of paint, which you can find in the kit. This paint costs between $0.61 and $0.81 per square foot, making it a very economical option. In addition to the base coat, you’ll need a stencil , which will cost between $10 and $60, and a stencil color, between $15 and $35. In general, you can plan to redo your floor this way for $1 to $2 per square foot, and it’s an affordable project for beginners. Here’s a video tutorial that can give you the basics.
Bamboo floor
If you prefer a natural material, bamboo flooring is an affordable option that is also one of the most environmentally friendly flooring types. Bamboo flooring costs between $3 and $6 per square foot and is available in a variety of finish colors. Before installation, you will need to apply adhesive to the seams and lay down the backing . To install this type of flooring yourself, you will need a rubber mallet , a block , a flat rod , a miter saw , a tape measure , a pencil, and a chalk line . It’s a little more difficult than installing some other types of flooring, but it can be done if you have basic DIY skills. You can watch a video tutorial to get an idea of the basics of installing bamboo flooring.