Whether one is planning to buy a new property or is just redoing the floors because they are outdated or worn out, their cost is one of the first things that comes to mind.
Flooring in Calgary can be an expensive proposition, especially when you don’t know the wide variety of options available in the market today, besides hardwood floors. Thanks to advancements in technology, there are some great material options available now, especially for those renovating on a budget.
Here are our top picks of affordable flooring options for you to choose from:
Cork
Cork flooring is one of the best options when you are looking for something that’s affordable yet durable and aesthetic. Harvested from cork tree bark, it is naturally resistant to termites and mould due to its anti-microbial properties. This is one of the few materials that doesn’t shed fibres and doesn’t affect the air quality of your house. It gives a plush and comfortable underfoot and is a natural insulator. Since it has great acoustic properties, the rooms where you install cork floors are naturally calmer and quieter.
One of the best advantages of cork is that it doesn’t absorb gases and liquids. So, if there’s an indentation due to a spillage, your cork floor will reshape itself. Another great plus is that it is an eco-friendly and bio-degradable material that doesn’t clog the landfills or pollute the environment. Since cork floors cannot tolerate high humidity levels, we advise that you use a dehumidifier. This will help in prolonging the life of your flooring.
Laminate
Laminate flooring is ideal for homeowners who want floors looking like real wood but without a hefty price tag. This is a synthetic flooring material that is made up of multiple layers including fibreboard and melamine resin. One reason why laminate is preferred so much is that it can realistically mimic the look of applique, stone, hardwood, or other natural materials.
Since it is resistant to moisture and staining, laminate floors are ideal for spaces with high foot traffic including bathrooms and kitchens. Laminate floors are easy to install as a DIY project, saving you monies that you would have otherwise spent on installations. They are low maintenance and can be easily cleaned with a vacuum or broom. We advise installing non-toxic laminate floors that don’t release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and are safer for health.
Luxury Vinyl Tiles and Planks
For years, luxury vinyl planks and tiles have been the best choice for people who want beautiful stone, ceramic, or wood-like floors but at half the price of real wood. LVT is made up of six to eight layers of materials that not just make it aesthetically appealing but also extremely comfortable and durable. Made of waterproof material, these floors are water-resistant and easy to maintain.
An important advantage of luxury vinyl floors is that they can be installed easily, even as a DIY project. All you need to do is to click and interlock their edges together. While they can tolerate normal heat, they tend to wear down under extremely hot temperature. We advise not to use these planks where you have direct sunlight or beneath a furnace or water heater. One downside of LVT is that it is not an eco-friendly option and may end up in a landfill when you discard it.
Ceramic Tiles
It is often said that you cannot really go wrong with ceramic tile flooring. Tiles are no longer just for bathrooms and kitchens. They look quite aesthetic when installed in living areas, bedrooms, and hallways. When maintained properly, tiles can last for centuries. They are extremely resistant to heat and water, making them the perfect choice for active households.
Tiles are super easy to clean. All you need is a damp mop and a shop vacuum and a regular cleaning schedule to keep them looking new. While they have many advantages, tile floors may need experts to install them. They feel cold and firm to the touch and may not give a plush underfoot feeling.
These are some of the best flooring options that allow you to redecorate without breaking your budget. A little bit of creativity and imagination will make your space look stylish and inviting. Home Floors, one of the best flooring stores in Calgary, stocks hundreds of designs of flooring materials and provides installation services. Call us at (403) 984-4100 to meet our experienced flooring specialists. Visit our store at 423, 58th Avenue S.E., Calgary, Alberta, T2H 0P5.
