7 Easy Ways to save Money On Your Flooring

Once you have an idea of which colours, textures and vibes you want in your home, you can then start to look at ways to save money on your purchase. Having a clear idea of what you want before you even pick up a tape measure saves you money by getting rid of any indecisiveness and changes of heart through the process.

1. Have you thought about creating a mood board? A mood board is a fantastic way to visualise exactly what you want to achieve in your home's style. The easiest way to do this is to use a cork board, or a space in your home (like a spare wall), and collect pictures and images of the things you want to choose for your home. Use flooring samples to help you decide on your perfect floor. Many companies offer free flooring samples so you can save your money in the initial selection process. Do not pay for flooring samples. Find pictures and images that compliment the theme that you’re going for. Try experimenting with images of colours, textures, and different furniture. You can find these easily in interiors magazines, brochures, and if you want to do it digitally, you can always use Pinterest.

2. Know your budget, and consider alternatives if your favourite look is out of reach. If you love the look of porcelain stone tiles but not the price tag, research luxury vinyl tiles in stone print instead. These are not only astronomically cheaper but can offer you an authentic looking faux stone floor with natural dents and colours. Luxury vinyl tiles are easier to clean, scratch-resistant, and warm underfoot which means you can also save money on your heating bill.

3. Look at less-expensive options for solid wood flooring. Consider laminate flooring or engineered wood planks instead of solid wood floors. Solid wood floors are the most expensive type of flooring. There are some incredibly convincing alternatives to solid wood flooring; engineered wood flooring features a 'wear-layer' which replicates the look and feel of solid wood planks. Engineered wood flooring is typically cheaper. Laminate flooring is usually cheaper also, and it's come a long way in its design and manufacturing process. Consider either of these options for a budget renovation.

4. Shop the seasonal sales. The best times of the year to save money on flooring are on Black Friday, the Easter holidays, and the January sales. Discounts are usually given to bulk orders too.

5. Buy extra flooring. When you do purchase your flooring, make sure that you order enough flooring to allow for cuts and mistakes. An extra 10% of your floor's total area in m2 is recommended. Allowing for mistakes initially means that costs can be kept down. Forgetting to buy the correct quantity of flooring can cost you money in delivery costs, installation and labour charges.

6. Find a flooring wholesaler and save serious cash. There are companies who sell flooring at trade prices directly to the customer. Do not become a victim of price fixing- avoid this by price comparing your chosen flooring to see the manufacturer's competitor's quotes.

7. Don't buy flooring from homebuilders. If you’re in the process of choosing your home flooring for your new build home, you should be aware that home builders do charge a premium for 'moving-in' packages on fixtures and fittings. Buying directly from a wholesaler or flooring retailer is often proved to be a cheaper way to furnish your home.