May 26, 2022

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Many homeowners would expect replacing home flooring to be a costly exercise, but thankfully with today’s innovative technology, there are many inexpensive flooring options available. This allows homeowners like you and me more variety to work with that fits our set budgets. As cheap as they may be, these flooring ideas and options also mimic the look and feel of their expensive counterparts. These include laminate, vinyl tiles and many more which have been rated some of the top flooring choices of 2022

Oftentimes, most would think cheap flooring would not have the same qualities of expensive flooring but cheap flooring options too have their perks and qualities. Some might even argue that they are even better which makes affordable yet modern flooring solutions for all homeowners to enjoy. 

What is the most cost-effective flooring in Australia?

Laminate flooring is one, if not, the most cost-effective flooring in Australia as of today! Simply put, laminate flooring is a multi-layered synthetic floor fused together through a lamination process. It mimics the look and feel of hardwood flooring, and is sure to elevate your space to a whole new level of style and comfort.

While classics such as hardwood may still be a want for homeowners, it may be too expensive for most, with hardwood flooring costs beginning at $75 to $130 per square metre. Laminate flooring, on the other hand, begins with an estimated cost of $20 to $80 per square metre including installation. Additionally, it can be seen as DIY floorboards, making this a well-loved option for many DIY-preferred homeowners out there.

  • What are the best flooring options? 

Although laminate flooring may be the most popular flooring option, there are other floor covering options to choose from which are equally as good and durable.  

Luxury Vinyl Tiles

An estimated cost of $30 to $90 per square metre including installation. 

Pros Cons
DurableShorter life span compared to wood flooring
Easy to maintain May be difficult to remove once glued down
Easy to install 
Aesthetically pleasing 
Variety

Vinyl Planks

An estimated cost beginning as low as $16 to as high as $60 per square metre including installation due to its quality. 

Pros Cons
Easy to installCan get labour intensive and time consuming to remove once glued or locked down
Easy to maintainAesthetic and quality may vary from different manufacturers 
Water-resistant
Stain-resistant 
Variety

Vinyl Sheet

An estimated cost of $40 per square metre including installation.

Pros Cons
DurableMay fade or discolour over time when exposed to sunlight but high quality vinyl are able to resist this
Easily to install May have subfloor damage but it can be easily prevented if the subfloor is dry and is cleaned of dirt and grains 
Easy to maintain
Comfortable to walk on
Variety 

Carpet

An estimated cost of $25 to $45 per square metre including installation

Pros Cons
Quiet Shows wear and tear over time 
Soft and comfortable May need daily to weekly maintenance, varies individually
Easy to install and remove
Variety

Concrete

An estimated cost beginning as low as $25 to as high as $50 per square metre including installation. Honed polished concrete flooring may cost about $75 per square metre while mechanically polished concrete floors can go up to $100 per square metre. 

Pros Cons
DurableHard underfoot that may make it uncomfortable for some to walk on
Low maintenance May have cracks over time
Eco-friendly Moisture from below may damage the surface. Hence, proper sealing is necessary
Variety 
Aesthetically pleasing 

Tiles

Tiles cost an estimate of about $30 per square metre including installation. 

Pros Cons
DurableCan be cold 
Easy to maintainCan get slippery 
Water resistant Due to its heavy nature, it can get difficult to install 
Stain resistant 

What is the easiest floor to maintain?

Vinyl flooring. Not only is vinyl flooring an affordable flooring option for homeowners to consider, it is one of the easy floors to maintain. It is highly resistant to wear and tear for years to come. Additionally, there are various styles and designs to choose from which allows homeowners yourselves to pick a vinyl option that best suits your aesthetic and needs.

What is the longest lasting type of flooring?

The longest lasting type of flooring would definitely be hardwood flooring. However, it may not be the cheapest flooring option for most homeowners. Therefore, our next best flooring choice would be laminate or vinyl.

  • Is laminate or vinyl cheaper?

They are both similar in cost and are both inexpensive compared to other flooring options such as hardwood or porcelain tiles. Ultimately, it depends on the quality you are looking for. The higher and better the quality, the more you would have to pay.

Despite the price, how do you choose the right flooring for you?

Now, price may be one of the main factors that will ultimately decide the right flooring for you but there are other factors you should be aware of. Specifically, five others: 

  • Space or Location
  • Style
  • Traffic 
  • Maintenance 
  • Climate

Where can you purchase your flooring?

Here at Jupps Flooring, our friendly flooring experts are ready to consult you on your next flooring needs. From luxury carpets to cheap vinyl flooring, we have a large variety of flooring choices in both style and budget for you to choose from. If you’re unsure where to begin, we would be more than happy to provide flooring ideas to help you get started. Come on over to one of our outlets or send over an enquiry here.