What Are the Best Value Flooring Materials for DIY Projects?

The best value flooring materials for DIY projects are luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT), laminate, carpet tile and peel-and-stick vinyl. These are all durable, affordable and easy to install. LVP is a favorite flooring material because it's water-resistant, making it great for kitchens and bathrooms. Laminate is favored for its natural wood aesthetic and scratch resistance.

How Do Value DIY Flooring Materials Compare?

Here's how these affordable DIY flooring materials compare:

• Luxury vinyl plank and tile: These can be the best DIY options, both being waterproof, durable and featuring an easy click-together installation. You can often find affordable ones in attractive, high-end wood or stone looks. They're best for kitchens and bathrooms since they're water-resistant. 
• Laminate flooring: Laminate can be very budget-friendly as well as durable, scratch-resistant and easy for beginners to install. This type of flooring does well in living areas and bedrooms, as it can mimic the beautiful look of natural hardwood.
• Peel-and-stick vinyl tiles: These are extremely affordable and easy for beginners to cut and place. They're best for quick, low-cost room renovations. 
• Sheet vinyl: Known for being the most affordable option, sheet vinyl is durable, waterproof and perfect for basements or areas with a lot of moisture. 
• Carpet tile: Carpet tile is easy to install, durable and comfortable. It's a durable and long-lasting choice as well, making it more cost-effective than traditional carpet rolls.   

How Do You Install DIY Flooring?

Installing your DIY flooring like LVT and laminate involves preparing your subfloor, letting materials acclimate to the room and then clicking and locking them into place. Follow these steps:

1. Prepare Your Subfloor

First, clean your subfloor, removing any debris and making sure it's dry and level. Small imperfections can cause problems later, so spending enough time on this step can make sure you get a smooth, attractive result. 

2. Acclimate Your Materials

Before installing your LVT or laminate flooring, you'll need to acclimate it to your home. Let the materials sit in the room where you'll be installing them for at least 48 hours. When they're acclimated, they won't warp or gap after you install them. You can make sure the materials stay in place and that your floor looks its best.  

3. Click and Lock

LVT and laminate often have click-and-lock systems. To install them, plan out your layout and then start with a straight wall, making sure to leave small gaps for the material to expand around the room's perimeter. Click the planks or tiles together using a rubber mallet and tapping block. Use a utility knife for LVT or a jigsaw for laminate for precise cuts around obstacles. Finally, trim the edges for a clean and professional look. 

Why Choose Carpet & Tile Mart for Your DIY Flooring?

Tackle your DIY flooring project by partnering with experts for your materials. At Carpet & Tile Mart, we offer the full experience of value, convenience and peace of mind. Choose from our vast flooring selection, with competitive pricing — backed by our 150% in-store price-match guarantee — and the decades of experience our long-term employees bring. We offer laminate, vinyl, tile and numerous other flooring options to make sure your final space looks great. For those who prefer not to tackle the installation themselves, we also offer professional installation services to ensure a perfect finish.

Visit a store near you to see our flooring in person or contact us today to learn more about our affordable options.