Cheapest Flooring Options for Every Home

Everyone wants a nice floor, but not everyone wants to spend a fortune. The good news is there are plenty of flooring choices that look good and cost little. Below you’ll find the top low‑cost materials, where to buy them, and how to keep the total spend down.

Top Low‑Cost Flooring Materials

Laminate tops the list for price and ease of installation. Modern laminates mimic hardwood, stone and even tile, but they’re made from pressed wood chips and a clear wear layer. You can find good quality laminate for as little as £8 per square metre at big DIY stores.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is another budget champion. It’s waterproof, durable and looks a lot like real wood. Prices range from £10‑£15 per square metre, and because it’s click‑lock, you can do it yourself in a weekend.

Carpet tiles let you cover a room quickly and replace only the damaged squares later. Basic nylon or polyester tiles start around £6 per square metre, and they’re soft underfoot – great for bedrooms.

Engineered wood can be cheaper than solid hardwood, especially when you pick a thin veneer over a plywood core. Look for sales; you’ll often see deals under £20 per square metre.

Peel‑and‑stick tiles are perfect for a quick makeover in a bathroom or pantry. They’re thin, cheap (about £5 per square metre) and you just stick them on a clean, flat surface.

How to Save Money When Installing

Buy in bulk. Measure the room accurately, add a 5‑10% waste factor, and order the exact amount. Over‑ordering means extra material you’ll never use.

Shop sales and clearance sections. Many suppliers mark down last‑season stock dramatically. Online marketplaces also list surplus rolls at rock‑bottom prices.

Consider DIY. Most cheap flooring systems are designed for homeowners. Watch a few YouTube tutorials, gather the right tools (a rubber mallet, spacers and a tapping block), and you’ll avoid labour charges that can double the cost.Prep the subfloor properly. A smooth, level base prevents squeaks and extra under‑layment layers, saving both time and money.

Reuse what you can. If you’re replacing an old laminate, you might be able to reuse the underlay for the new floor, cutting down on material costs.

Don’t forget the small stuff. Buying trim, transition strips and adhesive in bulk can shave off a few pounds per room, and it gives a finished look.

In short, the cheapest flooring isn’t about cutting corners on quality – it’s about choosing the right material, buying smart and doing a bit of the work yourself. With laminate, LVP or carpet tiles you can upgrade any room for under £15 per square metre and still end up with a floor that looks great and lasts years. Ready to start your budget floor project? Grab a tape measure, check local store flyers, and you’ll be on your way to a fresh look without blowing your budget.