Budget-Friendly Hardwood Flooring Alternatives
Get the hardwood look without the high hardwood price.
Known for its durability and attractive appearance, hardwood is one of the most coveted flooring materials out there. Unfortunately, its benefits can come at a cost – hardwood flooring tends to be one of the most expensive flooring options available. If you want to get the look of hardwood without breaking the bank, you're in luck! From vinyl to tile, there are several hardwood floor alternatives that provide the appearance and benefits of hardwood at much lower prices. Learn more about budget-friendly hardwood flooring alternatives below.
Engineered Wood
Vinyl
Tile
Laminate Flooring
Cork
Bamboo
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood is made of thin layers of fused wood, offering the classic hardwood look without the steep up-front investment. Available in either planks or strips, this hardwood floor alternative can be installed at any level of your home (including the basement) and on a variety of existing surfaces (including concrete). Like real hardwood, engineered wood can be sanded and refinished more than once if it is thick enough. Some types of engineered hardwood are susceptible to moisture and shouldn't be installed in damp locations, while others are protected with a moisture-resistant seal.
Tip!
Learn more about engineered vs. solid wood flooring by checking out our Everything You Should Know About Wood Flooring Types guide.
Vinyl
Affordable and available in designs made to look like real wood, vinyl flooring is one of the best hardwood flooring alternatives if you're on a tight budget. Its ease of installation means you'll save money without having to hire a professional to install it for you. Vinyl flooring is scratch- and dent-resistant and can handle moisture even better than hardwood can. Despite its affordable cost, vinyl flooring can withstand the test of time.
Tip!
Check out our vinyl flooring buying guide for more information about the benefits, materials, and installation types of vinyl flooring.
Tile
Because it does not warp over time and resists moisture, tile is much more durable than hardwood in damp areas. Tile comes in a variety of materials including ceramic, stone, marble, and porcelain, giving you a myriad of options to customize your home. Imitation-hardwood tiles are great for rooms like the bathroom and kitchen, where water normally poses a danger to hardwood floors. Though tile flooring can be a process to install, replacing a single damaged tile is much easier than replacing an entire room of damaged hardwood flooring.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is one of the easiest to install and most budget friendly of all the hardwood floor alternatives. Equipped with a thick, protective wear layer, laminate flooring can stand up to scratches and dents very well, despite its low cost. This tough layer also renders laminate flooring easy to clean and fade-resistant. A high-definition print layer gives wood look laminate the realistic appearance of hardwood. Laminate is not very moisture-resistant, so it shouldn't be installed in areas that are exposed to water.
Tip!
Need more info about laminate flooring? Our laminate flooring buying guide should be able to answer any of your lingering questions.
Cork
Cork is one of the most sustainable and durable hardwood alternatives available. Derived from the bark of trees, the naturally spongy material is soft and comfortable underfoot. Raw cork material is dyed to create a spectrum of hues from cream to dark brown. Mahogany and pine colors are popular, as they have the closest appearance to real hardwood.
Bamboo
Even though bamboo is a type of grass, bamboo flooring is one of the best alternatives to hardwood flooring available. Bamboo flooring is sustainable, durable, easy to clean, and available in a wide spectrum of realistic wood shades. Bamboo flooring can cost more than synthetic flooring options (such as vinyl and laminate), but it is excellent for homes with pets and is certainly a worthwhile investment.
Tip!
If you're still unsure what flooring type is the best for you, our ultimate guide to flooring options provides a comprehensive look at each flooring type's strengths and weaknesses in different areas of the home. If you have pets, take a look at our guide on the best pet-friendly flooring for help choosing flooring that can withstand their activity.
