The Complete Flooring Checklist For A Frugal Lifestyle

There are many amongst us who want to embrace a simpler, frugal lifestyle thanks to the growing wave of minimalism. If you are all about living meaningfully with less or are simply thrifty by nature, it would be wise to go for floors that allow you to do just that.

One of the most prominent investments you will ever make in your home is flooring. So the starting point, of course, is to compare your possible monthly expenditure with various flooring options. It would be prudent to replace a pricey floor with one that doesn’t let you overspend.

Remember to check for the following:

Cost of installation

Look for floors that are easy to install and ideally do not require professional help. Some floor coverings require you to either remove the sub-floor or prep it to start installation. As you might have guessed, this is a labourious, time-consuming and expensive affair.

Certain floors, like tiles and real wood are extremely costly to install and it’s best to steer clear of those options. However, if you are in love with the look of natural materials, you don’t have to lose heart. Luxury vinyl flooring offers you the exact look of these materials at a fraction of the price.

Floating floors are your best bet since they can be easily placed over an existing floor. Pro-Tek™, in fact, has the distinct advantage of the Uniclic Click Lock System – which simply means you click the planks or tiles in place and you are good to go. You are saved the cost and mess of adhesives and additional tools as well. It can easily be laid over your existing floor without any prep or additional underlayment needed. Saving you both time and money.

Cost of maintenance

Remember to look at long-term expenses when it comes to flooring. Some options that can be purchased cheap will cost you a lot more on repairs and maintenance. Don’t be fooled by low price tags and looks alone. We would recommend doing adequate research into the durability and wear layers of your flooring options – so that they last longer with minimal maintenance.

For instance, engineered wood, while being a cheaper alternative to real wood, is not always a great idea in places prone to moisture. Any kind of spill or damp will cause serious damage over time. Real wood, of course is a no-go zone with constant polishing and waxing required to retain its good looks. Any damage involves ripping out entire floorboards – an expense you could do without.

Tiles would have you scrubbing away at grimy grout lines every week. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to invest in a floor that requires just a simple sweeping and swabbing with everyday cleaning tools – to look good for years. No waxing, sanding down, scrubbing or spending on expensive cleaning and maintenance products is your ultimate goal.

Cost of repairs and replacement

In case you do land up damaging your floor, you shouldn’t have to spend a fortune to get it repaired or replaced. Luxury vinyl flooring, in this regard too, is a wonderfully hassle-free floor. In most cases of small tears, dents or holes, a simple DIY job will do the trick. For more on fixing minor damage on your LV floor, click here.

In case the damage is way too big to handle on your own, Pro-Tek™ luxury vinyl is super easy and inexpensive to replace – unlike the arduous process with other flooring options.

It would also be wise to shop for a floor that is long-lasting and able to withstand everyday challenges. Consider options that prevent colours from fading in sunlight and come with an anti-scratch finish that increase the lifespan of the floors.

Thankfully, Pro-Tek™ floors offer a Lifetime Residential Warranty. So you can enjoy the beauty of your floors longer and at much lesser overall cost.

Sustainability

This is a key consideration for most people who want to live a frugal lifestyle. After all, true frugality has sustainable living at its core. Consider floors that are 100% recyclable and phthalate-free to ensure you minimise your impact on the planet.

Should I forgo the aesthetics?

Not at all. Even if you wish to live frugally, that doesn’t mean your home should lack personality. In fact, Pro-Tek™ offers an exhaustive selection of designs, colours and finishes to ensure there’s something for every taste and budget.

If you are looking for quality floors that’s just right for your thrifty lifestyle – we would be happy to help.