H·FLOR  SILVERY MOON from PRESTG SPC Collection
H·FLOR  SILVERY MOON from PRESTG SPC Collection

If you are remodeling your kitchen and need the most economical flooring option, you’ll want to do some homework, starting with this article. Due to innovations in manufacturing and design, many options are available for beautiful and durable floors at a reasonable price. This article covers the average cost and installation of the five most budget-friendly options, including vinyl, laminate, ceramic tile, cork, and linoleum flooring.

Which flooring option is most economical?

When you begin your kitchen floor remodeling, you may have a long list of desires. You’ll want something attractive and durable to withstand daily wear and tear, including accidental spills. If you’re on a budget, you may start the process by looking for inexpensive materials. However, there’s another way to keep costs down. If you’re at all handy, you may be able to install the floors yourself, saving you a lot of money on your overall project. To help you better understand material costs and which floors are relatively easy for a do-it-yourself (DIY) installation, we’ve done some homework for you. Please note the prices provided here are averages and are subject to change.

1. Is Vinyl Flooring Economical?

When you choose your flooring, consider care and cleaning
When you choose your flooring, consider care and cleaning

Vinyl flooring is durable and attractive and is the easiest kitchen floor to install on your own. It comes in sheets, tiles, and luxury vinyl planks. Assuming your subfloor is in good condition, you can install it without worrying about a new underlayment.

Price

Low-cost vinyl sheets start around $.50 per square foot, and standard tiles typically run $1.50 to $2.00 per square foot. High-quality luxury vinyl tiles or planks can cost between $3.00 and $4.00 per square foot.

Installation

The best do-it-yourself option is luxury vinyl tile or luxury vinyl plank, which clicks together quickly and is usually thicker than standard vinyl. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) are easy to work with, come in various natural-looking styles, and provide a strong, durable floor. Less expensive vinyl typically comes in peel-and-stick planks or sheets. Peel-and-stick planks aren’t as durable and are better suited for temporary installation, while vinyl sheets are challenging to install and may require professional installation.
 

2. Is Laminate Flooring Economical?

Laminate flooring is affordable, but it's not the most durable nor waterproof
Laminate flooring is affordable, but it’s not the most durable nor waterproof

Laminate flooring is one of the most popular options for budget-conscious remodelers, but it is not the most durable nor waterproof. If you don’t mind spending more, you can find a more water-resistant option. If you want to install it yourself, plan to spend the entire day.

Price

Prices for standard laminate flooring start at around $0.50 per square foot. For water-resistant laminate, plan to spend approximately $2 per square foot; name-brand laminate seldom costs more than $3 per square foot.

Installation 

Installing your own laminate floor in the kitchen is possible. It’s essential to plan the layout ahead of time, so you don’t end up with a short piece at the end of a row or a thin strip at either side of the room. Plank edges can break easily, so be very careful.

 

3. Is Ceramic Tile Flooring Economical?

Ceramic floor is excellent option for kitchen flooring
Ceramic floor is excellent option for kitchen flooring

Ceramic floor tile is an excellent option because it is durable and easy to clean. If you are comfortable with DIY projects, you can install it yourself, saving you a lot of money as professional installers can charge up to $14 per square foot.

Price

Ceramic tile prices start at around $0.50 per square foot for solid, plain tile, and high-quality tiles can begin at about $3.00 per square foot. Don’t forget the additional costs for grout, thin-set adhesive, underlayment, and the necessary tools.

Installation 

Installing ceramic tile flooring is relatively easy for an experienced DIYer. You must plan the layout to ensure the final result is attractive and what you were expecting. To prevent cracking, lay the tile over a layer of cement board.

4. Is Cork Flooring Economical?

Cork flooring is on the higher end of economical kitchen flooring options
Cork flooring is on the higher end of economical kitchen flooring options

Cork flooring is comfortable and attractive but is on the higher end of economical kitchen flooring options. Cork typically comes in planks or tiles that snap together, making it a great choice for those who want to do it themselves but don’t have much experience.

Price

Cork flooring prices start at around $3.00 per square foot. Higher-end cork flooring usually costs approximately $8 per square foot.

Installation 

Installing cork floors is easy if you plan your layout ahead of time. That way, you won’t have narrow strips or short pieces on your floor. Make sure to use a block of cork to hammer the pieces in to minimize breaking.

5. Is Linoleum Flooring Economical?

Linoleum flooring is long-lasting and versatile
Linoleum flooring is long-lasting and versatile

Linoleum flooring is a popular choice among those who want a kitchen floor that is long-lasting and versatile. Most linoleum requires professional installation, but that installation cost is more affordable than other flooring installations.

Price

Linoleum is more expensive than vinyl and requires professional installation, so include those costs in your budget. Sheet linoleum usually costs around $2.00 to $2.50 per square foot, and tiles are about $3.50 to $5.00 per square foot installed. 

Installation 

Installing linoleum usually requires a professional since the sheets are tricky to cut and handle. One must apply the sheets using a glue-down bond and weld the  seams together, which can be challenging for the less experienced. Some newer linoleum flooring materials come in tile and plank formats better suited for DIY installation.

Contact US

LX HausysHFLOR luxury vinyl flooring offers incredible freedom and creativity both in terms of design capabilities and installation methods.If you need help finding the easiest and most economical kitchen flooring to install, contact us today and one of our helpful professionals will be in touch soon.