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There is simply no way to avoid replacing a worn-out floor because it is unsafe to walk on. A broken or uneven floor in a room like a kitchen can even be dangerous with hot pans and sharp knives.
However, changing a floor does not require spending a fortune on actual hardwood or stone. While less expensive kitchen flooring solutions might need a little more creativity and know-how than marble, they can provide you with a similar look and outstanding endurance.
Be astonished by how much can be accomplished with these straightforward, low-cost flooring ideas. To add your own flair, save money, and revitalize your space, try these do-it-yourself flooring ideas in one room or throughout your entire home.
1) Peel and Stick Tiles
Peel-and-stick tiles — essentially vinyl tile stickers — will save you a lot of money and time because they are self-adhesive and already coated for a watertight surface.
In addition, they will show if your existing floor is uneven and might need to be leveled first. They can be adhered to a concrete subfloor or laid directly on top of your original flooring.
2) Plank Vinyl
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Plank vinyl is the least expensive option for matching the appearance of more expensive flooring if you’re seeking a realistic hardwood or stone substitute. In addition, planks are smaller in size than sheet vinyl, simplifying the installation process.
Vinyl planks can be installed using a click-and-lock, peel-and-stick, or glue-down method. Even for people who may be inexperienced with home improvement projects, installation is typically simple to complete.
3) Laminate
Thanks to an embossed photographic image on its surface, laminate, which is comprised of a composite of materials, imitates the appearance of stone or hardwood. Although laminate costs about the same as vinyl sheets, it is not as strong. It isn’t waterproof, shouldn’t be subjected to heat, and only lasts up to ten years.
4) Painted Subfloor
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Can’t afford to cover your plywood subfloor? Paint it! A painted subfloor can look great, and it’s a great DIY solution when you can’t afford fancy flooring.
For an extra special look, consider using a stencil. Use some painter’s tape to secure your stencil and go for it. Apply multiple layers of sealant to the floor after the paint has dried.
5) Plywood Faux Plank Flooring
Plywood faux plank flooring is less expensive and more durable than real hardwood flooring. Although it is a viable alternative for dry spaces, it should not be used in kitchens or bathrooms.
6) Cork
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Though you’ve probably never heard of it, this inexpensive kitchen floor idea is rather ingenious. Adding a soft, natural touch to modern kitchens or merging in with the charm of a country kitchen, cork is a sustainable, natural material that will look fantastic in various kitchen decor schemes.
7) Floating Vinyl Sheet
For kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, resilient vinyl sheet flooring has been around for a while and is still a popular and cost-effective alternative. The product has improved over time to become incredibly DIY-friendly.
Compared to traditional vinyl, these modern, simple-to-install floating vinyl sheets are far thicker and more robust, resulting in a floor that lasts longer and offers a nice walking surface.
8) Carpet Squares
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Even DIY beginners can quickly and easily cover a room if carpet squares are used. Each of these precut pieces is almost 20 inches square. They are attached using one-sided adhesive “dots” that adhere to the subfloor.
In addition to being simpler to install, carpet squares have the advantage that if the flooring becomes severely soiled, you can simply replace the damaged section without taking up the entire floor.
9) Painted Wood Floors
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Your hardwood floors can be given an entirely new look with a tiny budget by painting them. You can complete one room at a time, whether you choose a white farmhouse theme or a splash of color.
Consider adding a stencil if you find a solidly painted wood floor to be a little monotonous. You can paint the hardwood first and then stencil on it. To ensure that the paint lasts, don’t forget to seal it after you’re done.
10) Unusual Flooring Options
Wallpaper Floor
This is wacky but can be a really great idea. Wallpaper isn’t just for walls, despite what it might sound like; you can also use it to cover wood, vinyl, and linoleum floors. Wallpaper is not the ideal choice for high-traffic floors, but it can give a unique touch to a bedroom, home office, laundry room, or powder room.
It would be best if you prepared the floor before putting up the wallpaper. Use a two-part automotive repair compound or wood filler to cover blemishes for vinyl or linoleum floors. The final layer is a hard epoxy coating poured on to protect it.
Penny Inlay Floor
This one is a little unconventional, but the result is rather lovely. Consider this a complicated yet affordable flooring option if you have years’ worth of pennies stashed away in a jar. The size of your floor will, of course, determine the quantity of pennies needed.
You should first modify your floor if it isn’t level or if you don’t like the color of it (which will slightly show through the little gaps in the penny lineup). Then, be prepared for the penny gluing to take several days.
Once dry, the pennies are then covered in a thick layer of two-part epoxy resin which is water sealed and easy to clean.
Concrete Overlay Floor
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Concrete flooring might be your jam if an industrial aesthetic appeals to you. It can also be polished to offer a more finished appearance after being poured directly over the subfloor.
Conclusion
The ten options above are destined to spruce up any room you choose. They can completely transform the floors of your home or small business with a bit of creativity and a relatively small budget.
So take on the challenge and maybe even enlist a few friends to complete your project. Let your DIY flooring adventure begin today!
