Inexpensive Ways to Give Floors a Wood or Stone Look

by Allison E. Beatty

Natural wood and stone floors have become a popular fashion statement in many homes, but they can be costly. The good news is that there are many new products that can create the same look without breaking the bank. Here are some budget-friendly flooring choices:

Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is one such option. These floors are made in a wide variety of patterns--and many resemble marble, limestone, or other stone products. Vinyl makes it easy to bring the natural and unstructured look of stone to your floors without paying a premium. Vinyl flooring is sold in sheets that are cut to fit the layout of the floor or in 12-inch squares that resemble traditional tile flooring. Both styles have a wide range of colors, from earth tones and neutrals to bold greens and yellows. Vinyl flooring often is 20 to 30 percent less costly than ceramic or porcelain tile flooring.

Laminate
Laminate flooring is another popular alternative, as it is made to resemble natural woods, such as oak and maple. One key benefit is the scratch resistant nature of laminate. Natural wood can scratch easily, particularly when furniture or pets skid across it. Laminate flooring also is easy to install, with products produced in sections that lock into place with a tongue and groove style assembly. Maintenance is another benefit of laminate flooring, as a laminate covering makes floors easy to clean with household products. Laminate flooring also does not require special cutting tools as stone does.

Cost Savings and Easy Care
When pondering the best floors for your home, consider all the options--including the budge choices. While natural woods and stone are beautiful products, they are not only costly but also require maintenance. Porous stones, such as marble, make stain removal challenging. There are many ways to bring the beauty of wood and stone to your home without spending a fortune. After walking through a flooring showroom, you'll quickly see how easy it is to mimic the look of the more expensive products with low maintenance laminates or vinyl.

About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer who has been writing home improvement columns for 15 years.