Your Guide to 8 Budget-Friendly Flooring Materials
Learn about the strengths, shortcomings and costs of some affordable flooring materials to make an informed choice
Flooring forms one of the major expenses of home renovation. It is advisable to select a flooring material that is cost-effective, is of good quality and enhances the overall look of the home.
2. Ceramic tiles
Ceramic tiles are manufactured from red or brown clay but, unlike porcelain, these tiles are not fired under high temperatures.
Pros
Ceramic tiles start at ₹40 per square foot.
Ceramic vs Porcelain Tiles
Ceramic tiles are manufactured from red or brown clay but, unlike porcelain, these tiles are not fired under high temperatures.
Pros
- Ceramic tiles are available in a variety of patterns, colours and sizes in glazed and unglazed finishes.
- Ceramic tiles are very easy to maintain.
- Unglazed ceramic tiles are very porous and have the tendency to absorb moisture, which makes them prone to staining.
- Ceramic tiles are fragile and may crack over a period of time. Hence, ceramic tiles are only suitable for low- or medium-traffic areas.
Ceramic tiles start at ₹40 per square foot.
Ceramic vs Porcelain Tiles
3. Vitrified tiles
Vitrified tiles are one of the most popular flooring materials in Indian homes.
Pros
The price for vitrified tiles from premium brands starts at ₹65 per square foot.
Shop for tiles on Houzz products
Vitrified tiles are one of the most popular flooring materials in Indian homes.
Pros
- Vitrified tiles are hard, dense and very strong. The tiles are resistant to stains, scratches and acids.
- These tiles are available in different colours, designs and sizes. The different types of vitrified tiles include glazed vitrified tiles, full body vitrified tiles and double charged vitrified tiles.
- Vitrified tiles can withstand heavy foot traffic.
- Vitrified tiles are extremely slippery, especially when wet.
The price for vitrified tiles from premium brands starts at ₹65 per square foot.
Shop for tiles on Houzz products
4. Laminated flooring
Laminated floors are a great way to enhance the look of your home and are used as a popular substitute for wooden flooring.
Pros
Laminated flooring starts at ₹75 per square foot.
See the floors of these beautiful living rooms
Laminated floors are a great way to enhance the look of your home and are used as a popular substitute for wooden flooring.
Pros
- Laminated floor planks are light in weight and are easy to install over a concrete surface or an existing flooring.
- This flooring material is available in multiple colours that resemble different types of wood such as oak, maple, rosewood, walnut and so on.
- Laminated flooring is easy to maintain, it is resistant to scratches or fading from exposure to UV rays.
- Laminated floors are not recommended in moisture-laden areas, as the material may disintegrate in the presence of stagnant water. Note that once the flooring is damaged it cannot be repaired but will have to be replaced.
- Laminated flooring makes a hollow sound when walked upon.
Laminated flooring starts at ₹75 per square foot.
See the floors of these beautiful living rooms
5. Pre-polished marble tiles
Do you love the look of marble flooring but are worried about the high cost? In that case, consider pre-polished marble tiles for the flooring of your home.
Pros
The different types of Indian marble tiles include Morwad white marble, Statuario marble and Dungri marble, to name a few. The cost of these tiles is ₹50–100 per square foot.
Do you love the look of marble flooring but are worried about the high cost? In that case, consider pre-polished marble tiles for the flooring of your home.
Pros
- The natural grain of marble gives the flooring a unique look.
- Marble is available in a wide variety of colours and natural grain patterns.
- Marble is a highly porous material which has the tendency to get stained and scratched.
- Marble requires a lot of maintenance and needs to be polished and sealed periodically.
- Marble feels cold underfoot, especially in the winter season.
The different types of Indian marble tiles include Morwad white marble, Statuario marble and Dungri marble, to name a few. The cost of these tiles is ₹50–100 per square foot.
6. Kota stone
Kota stone is a natural form of limestone that is sourced from Kota, Rajasthan.
Pros
The cost of good-quality semi-polished Kota stone starts at ₹35 per square foot. Note that you can purchase Kota stone in bulk directly from the quarries, which will turn out much cheaper.
Kota stone is a natural form of limestone that is sourced from Kota, Rajasthan.
Pros
- Kota stone is a very strong and durable flooring material that can last a lifetime.
- Kota stone tiles are resistant to water and have very good anti-slip properties.
- Kota stone is a very good reflector of heat and is comfortable to walk on.
- This material is available in shades of bluish-green, beige or brown and can be re-polished to freshen up its look.
- Kota stone is prone to staining.
- Unlike other natural stone materials such as marble and granite, Kota stone does not have a lustrous finish.
The cost of good-quality semi-polished Kota stone starts at ₹35 per square foot. Note that you can purchase Kota stone in bulk directly from the quarries, which will turn out much cheaper.
7. Vinyl Floor Tiles
Vinyl flooring is factory-manufactured and is made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride).
Pros
These tiles start at ₹75 per square foot.
Vinyl flooring is factory-manufactured and is made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride).
Pros
- Vinyl flooring is a highly durable material and can last for at least 10 years.
- Vinyl flooring is resistant to water and stains and has good anti-slip properties.
- This flooring material is very easy to maintain.
- Vinyl flooring is available in multiple colours and designs. Here, in this example, the vinyl flooring replicates the look of wood.
- Vinyl flooring may release some VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
- It may get damaged by the moving of furniture, chemicals or sharp objects and may fade or turn yellowish in the presence of UV rays.
- Vinyl flooring may give a plasticky look and is not biodegradable.
These tiles start at ₹75 per square foot.
8. Terracotta tiles
How about infusing an organic warmth into your home or weekend home with terracotta floor tiles?
Pros
Terracotta floor tiles start at ₹50 per square foot.
Read more:
Tile Installation Tips: How to Have Flawless Floors
What to Know Before You Buy New Floor Tiles
Tell us:
Which flooring material do you recommend and why? Share in Comments below.
How about infusing an organic warmth into your home or weekend home with terracotta floor tiles?
Pros
- Terracotta floor tiles are highly durable, long-lasting and scratch-resistant.
- They do not fade in the presence of sunlight and UV rays.
- These tiles are handmade, with a slightly faded look and are available in various shapes.
- They are composed of natural materials, which makes them a more eco-friendly flooring option.
- Terracotta tiles require periodic maintenance and need to be sealed properly.
- These tiles are highly porous and tend to absorb water and other liquids.
Terracotta floor tiles start at ₹50 per square foot.
Read more:
Tile Installation Tips: How to Have Flawless Floors
What to Know Before You Buy New Floor Tiles
Tell us:
Which flooring material do you recommend and why? Share in Comments below.
Porcelain tiles are made of natural clay; these are baked at a very high temperature and are subjected to high pressure.
Pros
- Porcelain tiles are very strong, sturdy, durable and long-lasting.
- These tiles are non-porous, which makes them resistant to stains and scratches.
- Porcelain tiles are available in a variety of colours, textures and patterns. They are also available in designs that replicate the look of natural stone and wood.
- They are easy to maintain.
Cons- Porcelain tiles are a very dense and hard flooring material, which makes it very heavy.
CostGood-quality porcelain tiles start at ₹65 per square foot.
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