The first consideration when choosing flooring is budget. What is your budget? What are you willing to splurge on, and when should you save your money? Most people assume that saving money means opting for a low grade finish that looks and feels cheap, but the truth is you don’t need to give up your dream design to fit your budget. Lets go through a few ways to achieve your flooring design goals without sacrificing your budget.

1

LUXURY VINYL PLANK

               LVP is a great option for affordability and quality. A high quality vinyl can reach prices as low as $3 per sq ft, and offers durability, easy maintenance, and longevity. When looking for a cost-effective flooring, LVP is a great option that balances durability and appearance without the cost of natural materials.

• Vinyl can withstand water better than hardwood, and does not require refinishing, sealing, sanding, or waxing, which keeps down maintenance costs.
• Vinyl is a great way of achieving an expensive look at a lower cost as it can replicate materials such as oak, walnut, maple, and stone.
• Using a click and lock technique, Vinyl installation is fast, simple, and cheap, as it does not require nails or adhesives. Vinyl can also be installed below grade and in high traffic areas where hardwood would not be suitable.
• Choosing a textured finish adds perceived value and brings visual depth into the space, making it look more expensive and timeless.

2

ENGINEERED HARDWOOD

           If you have your mind set on a natural material, but still want an affordable price point, engineered hardwood can be a budget-friendly way to achieve a high-end design.

• Engineered hardwood uses a layered core with a thin piece of real hardwood veneer on top, rather than a solid piece of wood. This allows for flexibility while providing increased dimensional stability, which eliminates the concern for shrinking and expansion.
• Because it uses less natural material, engineered hardwood is produced at a lower cost, making it a more affordable option while preserving the natural look and feel of wood.
• Using a glue-down or floating installation which is faster and less labour intensive can also contribute to a cheaper total price, while still providing a strong professional install.
• The lifespan of engineered hardwood depends on the wear layer and how many times it is able to be refinished. Engineered hardwood has a higher price point, but a longer lifespan than LVP.

            As a general rule, buying mid-tier product from reputable suppliers will always be cheaper long term than buying builder-grade products that save a few dollars now, but need to be replaced in a few years. A mid to low range price from a trusted manufacturer often only costs slightly more, if not the same, and offers a dramatically better look and feel.

           The flooring you choose affects both the aesthetic and comfort of your home, so choosing the right product is important, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your budget. Luxury appearance comes from proportion, tone, and texture. Not price. Use these tips to help guide your next project and achieve both your budget and design goals.