The 8 Best Cheap Flooring of 2023

Best Overall

Pergo Outlast+ 7.48 in. W Graceland Oak Waterproof Laminate Wood Flooring

4.8

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Our top option is the Pergo Outlast+ Waterproof Laminate Wood Flooring, because it is simple to install anywhere in the house and does not call for an underlayment layer. Laminate flooring like this one can be found in several variations, all of which give the impression of wood flooring without the hefty price tag.

The Outlast+ design makes this laminate flooring resistant to water and scratches from kids or pets. It can be wet-mopped for large messes, and it is also approved for steam mopping. For this reason, we recommend installing this flooring in the house's kitchen, bathroom, and other high-traffic rooms. Unlike traditional wood flooring, the wood finish won’t fade or wear away over time. The patented Uniclic joint in this flooring prevents the planks from falling as the room's temperature and humidity fluctuate. Installing it is a breeze if you're familiar with laying the laminate flooring, but if you'd rather have a pro do it, that's also an option. A 10-year commercial guarantee and a lifetime residential warranty are both available.

Laminate flooring, in contrast to wood flooring, cannot be refinished. The entire floor will need to be replaced if there is any damage. However, this flooring type is still our favorite choice for a low-cost option resembling wood floors.

Price at time of publish: $51

_{Type: Laminate | Intended Room: All | Segment Dimensions: 54.33 x 7.48 inches}

Best for Vinyl

MSI Woodland Alpine Mountain Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

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Although the word "luxury" might make you think of spending a small fortune, a budget option like MSI Woodland Alpine Mountain Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring can give your home a sophisticated appearance for less than $3 per square foot. With over 50 different finish options to choose from, you can match just about any flooring already in your home. There are also two thickness options, 12 and 20 mil, so you can find the one that works best with your underlayment or subfloor for a quiet underfoot. The vinyl planks are 100% waterproof, so they are perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and other wet areas in your home.

This luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP) is easy to install, thanks to its patented click-lock system. The built-in underlayment works with minor imperfections, but any uneven spots in your home may impact how well it stays in place. When in doubt, hire a professional to help you lay the flooring or level the subfloor.

Price at time of publish: $58

_{Type: Vinyl | Intended Room: All | Segment Dimensions: 48.03 x 7.13 x 0.55 inches}

Best Hardwood

Bruce 3-1/4-inch Prefinished Oak or Maple Flooring

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This red oak hardwood flooring is proof that hardwood doesn’t have to be astronomically expensive. The planks have just enough character to give your floor a clean, uniform appearance. With a Janka hardness rating of 1290, this flooring can withstand everyday traffic. Unlike vinyl flooring, you will need to nail the planks down and have some specialized tools to install them properly. They are 3/4 inch thick and can be refinished up to three times, significantly extending their life and making them even more cost-effective. Refinishing a hardwood floor can save time and money compared to installing new flooring. Thanks to the limited lifetime warranty and EverGuard finish protection, you'll love your floors for years to come.  

There are a number of different finishes and types of wood to pick from, but we think the natural red oak is a timeless option that works well with many different styles. To help you cover more ground, the floor also comes in three different plank widths: 2.2 inches, 3.2 inches, and 5 inches. 

Price at time of publish: $98

_{Type: Hardwood | Intended Room: All | Segment Dimensions: 2.25 x various x ¾ inches}

Best for Tile

Marazzi Travisano Trevi Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile

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If you're on a tight budget and looking for an option for rooms that are prone to water spillage, check out these low-cost porcelain tiles from Marazzi. Each measuring 18 by 18 inches, these tiles can pass for travertine, but they won’t break the bank. To give these tiles a realistic appearance, they rely on inkjet technology, which captures a detailed image of the stone and is recreated on the tile.

Depending on your room’s layout, you may need to cut tiles, which requires a wet saw. However, there will be less grouting and spacing required, due to the larger size of the tiles. If you wish to create a more intricate pattern, you can choose from the 6 x 6-inch or 12 x 12-inch options in the same finish. You can even make a design using different sizes if you're feeling particularly ambitious.

They are resistant to stains and chips, as well as waterproof, so you won't have to worry about your floor expanding as a result of puddles left from your tub or kitchen sink. Best of all, this product is also suitable for both floor and wall applications.

Price at time of publish: $36

_{Type: Tile | Intended Room: Kitchens, bathrooms, and others | Segment Dimensions: 18 x 18 inches}

Best for Kitchen

Shaw Trendsetter Aberdeen Click Lock Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

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Kitchens that see a lot of foot traffic will benefit greatly from the durability of the Shaw Trendsetter Aberdeen flooring. This high-quality luxury vinyl option can hold up to spills, messes, dirty shoes, and pets without showing any signs of wear. It has a low gloss textured finish that looks like hardwood with a lower price tag and better durability.

You can install it directly over a concrete or wood subfloor, but you should add an underlayment layer if you want the best noise reduction. There is a built-in pad, but it doesn't do much beyond the essentials of keeping it in place and working. Fortunately, installation is pretty easy, so adding one additional step isn’t too confusing, even for a DIYer.

LVP flooring is great in culinary spaces, since it is water-resistant, so the boards won't expand when subjected to the moisture found in the kitchen or when washing dishes. Even though other inexpensive flooring options, like tile, are also waterproof, LVP makes it less likely that a dropped dish will break.

Price at time of publish: $44

_{Type: Vinyl | Intended Room: All | Segment Dimensions: 42 x 7 x 3/16 inches}

Best Laminate

TrafficMaster Laminate Wood Flooring

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Another low-cost choice that is simple to install, and can handle high foot traffic without displaying signs of wear and tear, is laminate flooring. Those who like the traditional appearance of hardwood floors but don't want to pay the price can benefit greatly from the gray oak laminate flooring offered by TrafficMaster. These planks have a width of 8 inches, giving them a look comparable to modern wide-plank flooring, but unlike with hardwood, you won't have to worry about the floor getting scratched or dented.

It is possible to install TrafficMASTER laminate flooring over nearly any existing floor, including vinyl, tile, and sheet flooring. Instead of being held together by an adhesive, the planks have click-lock joints that allow them to interlock with one another and provide a secure fit. This flooring does not have an underlayment, so you must purchase one separately. Even with the underlayment, TrafficMaster laminate is likely still less expensive than most other options. Like our best overall pick, this flooring can't be sanded or refinished like real wood flooring, so when it gets worn out or scratched, it will need to be replaced.

Price at time of publish: $24

_{Type: Laminate | Intended Room: All | Segment Dimensions: 47.64 x 8.03 x 0.7 inches}

Best Bamboo

Cali Bamboo Click Bamboo Engineered Hardwood Flooring

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Bamboo flooring is gaining popularity as a low-cost alternative to more conventional hardwood floors because of its longevity, sustainability, and low investment. This engineered bamboo flooring from Cali Bamboo has a Janka hardness value of 5,000, which makes it very hard to dent. Its surface is resistant to scratches and appropriate for high foot traffic, thanks to seven layers of protective coating. 

You can use various installation methods, including glue, floating over an underlayment, or nails. This is great if you have some experience with the floor installation and know what method is easiest for you and your specific situation. If you are new to floor installation or DIY projects, you might want to get the help of a pro to make sure that you choose the best method for long-term performance in your home.

All of their stained bamboo flooring selections are appealing, but the java stain is our favorite due to its warm appearance. What's more, the flooring is backed with a 50-year residential warranty.

Price at time of publish: $123

_{Type: Bamboo | Intended Room: All | Segment Dimensions: 72.875 x 5.3125 x 0.56 inches}