Which flooring is the cheapest?

When it comes time to renovate a room or an entire house, budget is, quite rightly, a factor to consider. When it comes to choosing flooring, the question almost always arises: what is the cheapest flooring option without compromising on quality?

In Quebec, where climatic conditions vary greatly from season to season, it is essential to choose a material that is affordable, durable, and suitable for the space in question. With the continued rise in material costs , several options still allow for a balance between functionality and economy.

In this article, you will discover the most affordable floor coverings on the market, their average prices per square foot, their advantages, their limitations, as well as concrete recommendations according to your project.

Summary

• The most economical floor coverings
• Comparison of prices for budget floor coverings
• Total cost to expect: purchase and installation
• Which should you choose depending on your project?
• Conclusion
• FAQ

The most economical floor coverings

Certain types of flooring stand out for their excellent value. If your priority is to save money without sacrificing quality, here are five materials worth considering. They are affordable, easy to install in most cases, and suitable for a variety of applications.

Floating laminate: lowest price per square foot

Floating laminate flooring is one of the most economical floor coverings available on the residential market. This composite material, made of compressed wood fibers and covered with a decorative layer, imitates the appearance of wood, stone, or concrete at a low cost.

In 2025, the average price of laminate flooring is between $1.75/sq ft and $2.50/sq ft. Even with rising material costs, it remains the most affordable solution for covering large areas. This type of flooring is often installed as a floating floor, allowing it to be "clicked" into place without glue or nails. This greatly simplifies installation, even for occasional DIYers, and can represent significant savings on labor costs.

Laminate flooring is a good choice for dry rooms such as living rooms, bedrooms, or offices. However, caution is advised in rooms prone to humidity. If it is not specifically designed for these environments, it may swell or peel over time.

Floating vinyl: the versatile and affordable alternative

Floating vinyl flooring is increasingly popular with homeowners thanks to its unique combination of durability, ease of maintenance, and affordability. It's a synthetic flooring, often available in rigid planks or tiles, that can be installed without glue using a click-lock system.

Its price ranges from $2.75/sq ft to $3.75/sq ft on average. It is slightly more expensive than laminate, but floating vinyl offers a significant advantage: it is waterproof. This feature makes it an excellent choice for damp areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, or basements.

It is also suitable for active environments, thanks to its resistance to splashes, stains, and light impacts. Some models incorporate an acoustic underlay that improves walking comfort and reduces noise. To learn more about the myths surrounding floating floors, you can consult our article .

Vinyl flooring: a good price, but more demanding to install.

Like floating vinyl, glued vinyl is made from water-resistant synthetic materials. It is generally available in rolls or tiles, but unlike floating vinyl, it must be glued directly to the subfloor.

The average price ranges from $2.50/sq ft to $3.25/sq ft, making it competitive. Its good grip and stability make it a reliable choice for large spaces or high-traffic areas. However, its installation is more technical and requires a perfectly flat subfloor. This often results in higher installation costs.

It may be a good option for those planning a large area and wanting a durable floor at a low cost, provided they budget extra for professional installation.

Roll-up rugs: comfortable and affordable, but less durable

Roll carpet remains an affordable flooring solution, especially when looking to add a touch of comfort to a less frequently used room. It is commonly found in bedrooms, finished basements, or some rental properties.

On average, the price of entry-level carpet ranges from $3.00/sq ft to $4.50/sq ft, making it one of the most economical options in terms of initial cost. It is available in a variety of textures, patterns, and pile heights, allowing for a customized look without exceeding your budget.

One of its major advantages is its comfort underfoot and its ability to absorb sound, making it an attractive choice for rest areas or apartment buildings. Furthermore, installation can be done quite quickly, especially for larger rolls.

However, carpet has some significant limitations. It is more difficult to maintain than hard surfaces, easily accumulates dust and allergens, and can stain quickly. Its durability is also lower: after a few years, it can show visible wear, especially in high-traffic areas.

For small budgets or temporary projects, rolled carpet remains a valid option, provided that compromises on maintenance and longevity are accepted.

Linoleum: a natural, but more expensive option

Often confused with vinyl, linoleum is actually a natural flooring material made from a mixture of linseed oil, resins, wood flour, and mineral pigments. It is valued for its eco-friendly properties, durability, and unique matte finish.

Linoleum typically costs between $4.00/sq ft and $6.50/sq ft. This makes it a more expensive option than laminate, vinyl, or carpet, especially when considering installation costs, which can be higher.

However, it offers several notable advantages. Resistant to wear and stains, it can last up to 30 years with proper care. It also provides good acoustic and thermal insulation, contributing to the overall comfort of the room.

The main challenge with linoleum lies in its installation, which requires a perfectly smooth surface and precise expertise, especially when sold in rolls. This means that most projects involve professional installation, increasing the overall cost. However, it is also available in a modular version with a click system and a compressed wood fiber structure, which greatly simplifies installation.

In summary, linoleum is an excellent choice for those seeking a durable and environmentally friendly material, but it is not always suitable for projects where initial cost is a priority.

Comparison of prices for budget floor coverings

To help you quickly visualize the differences between affordable flooring options, here's a comparison chart of the most common choices. It shows average prices per square foot, ease of installation, moisture resistance, and typical lifespan under normal residential conditions.

Total cost to expect: purchase and installation

The price per square foot represents only part of the actual budget. To estimate the total cost of new flooring , you must also consider installation fees, additional materials (underlayment, adhesive, moldings) and the time required.

Here is an overview of typical costs for a 100 sq ft area , roughly the size of a small bedroom or office:

These amounts vary depending on the complexity of the room (shapes, cutouts, type of subfloor) and whether you do the work yourself or hire a professional.

If you want to reduce costs, opting for a floating floor is generally advantageous. This is the case with laminate and several vinyl flooring options, which can be installed without specialized tools.

In summary, while the price per square foot is a good indicator, the total cost depends heavily on the installation method and site conditions. The product's lifespan and annualized cost must also be considered.

Which should you choose depending on your project?

Choosing the most economical flooring isn't just about the purchase price. It also depends on the area to be covered, the ambient humidity, the amount of foot traffic, and the desired level of comfort. Here are some practical recommendations based on the most common scenarios.

For a living room, bedroom or office

Floating laminate flooring is generally the best choice. It's inexpensive, easy to install, and offers a beautiful wood look at a lower price. It's well-suited to dry rooms with minimal splashing.

For a kitchen, bathroom, or basement

Floating vinyl offers excellent water resistance while remaining affordable. It is better suited than laminate flooring in damp rooms and allows for quick and easy installation.

For temporary or budget accommodation

A roll of carpet can be suitable in certain situations, particularly for rental properties or rooms used only occasionally. It remains comfortable, but requires more maintenance and wears out more quickly.

For a sustainable and eco-responsible project

Linoleum is a good choice if you have a larger budget and are looking for a natural, durable, and easy-to-maintain material. It's ideal for living areas, provided you entrust the installation to a professional.

For large spaces on a tight budget

Glued vinyl flooring is often more economical to buy than floating vinyl. It can be cost-effective if you're comfortable with DIY projects or if you're planning a professional installation on a large, uniform surface.

Conclusion

If your priority is to optimize your budget without compromising the appearance or durability of your flooring, several economical options are available. Floating laminate remains the least expensive flooring on average , ideal for dry, low-traffic areas. For wet or multi-purpose areas, floating vinyl offers the best compromise between cost, durability, and ease of maintenance.

Each material has its advantages and limitations. The most important thing is to choose a coating that suits your intended use, your environment, and your installation capabilities . Visit us in store to discover the selection and samples available in our showroom.

FAQ