Inexpensive Flooring Choices That Actually Look Really Really Good

If you’ve ever embarked upon (or even have just priced out) a remodel, you’ll realize that flooring is one of those things that seems like not much of a big deal but can actually add up to a whole, whole lot of money. So today we’re taking a look at inexpensive flooring choices: ones that initially may not seem particularly glamorous, but might actually wind up looking really great — and saving you a lot of money in the process.

Laminate flooring
Laminate wood flooring has come a long way, and some of it is pretty much indistinguishable from the real thing. The images above, from Woonblog, are of Quick-Step Impressive Ultra, a plank laminate floor system. This particular collection looks to not be available in the US, but some similar products are.

VCT
VCT, or vinyl composite tile, is pretty ubiquitous in public buildings for one very good reason: it’s one of the cheapest flooring choices out there. It’s also incredibly durable, and easier underfoot than traditional ceramic tile. In a kitchen from Canadian Living, vinyl tiles are arranged in a traditional black-and-white checkerboard, for a high-end look at a fraction of the price.

In Erin’s Los Angeles home, vinyl tiles make a colorful pattern on the dining roo

Carpet tile
Carpet tile is a lower-pile, more sophisticated alternative to traditional wall-to-wall, and you can use the tiles to create all kinds of interesting patterns.

This colorful setup is from carpet tile manufacturer Flor, via The Mirror and the Drape.

Linoleum
Linoleum floors have come a long, long way since the dated designs of the 60s and 70s. This design, from CarpetRight. gives the look of cement tile for a fraction of the price.

This gray linoleum from Farbo Marmoleum, seen in VT Wonen, is a solid but polished flooring that works well in a variety of spaces. It’s also warmer than similar-looking concrete, but still very affordable.