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4 cost-effective flooring alternatives you can install yourself

You don’t need to break the bank if your floors have become depressing to look at or require some updating. Revamp your flooring by taking a creative approach to traditional flooring options. There’s no need for skill, money, or hours of labor to take your flooring to the next level when you can do it yourself! These are our favorite and cost-effective flooring alternatives that will elevate your space and make your floors the talk of any dinner party.

feet resting on black and white vinyl tile floor
Africa Studio / Shutterstock

Try out a patterned vinyl tile

Pattern has slowly been working its way back into home design. Interior designers have been experimenting with new and vibrant prints that will become the focal point of a space. If you’re looking to change up any room’s look, patterned vinyl tile is the way to go.

Vinyl tile is more durable and long-lasting than traditional ceramic tiles, and tiles come in a variety of styles, patterns, and colors. Add a black and white patterned tile to your kitchen or bathroom to create an elegant look, or use a bright vinyl tile to brighten a mudroom or laundry room.

Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash

Utilize modern sheet linoleum

Similar to vinyl floor tiles, you can opt for a modern sheet linoleum to amp up the appeal of your space. This is a fantastic idea for living rooms and bedrooms that need a bit of TLC. Sheet linoleum is easy to install and is often water-resistant; all you need to do to install it is peel and stick the sheet to the existing flooring and trim the edges.

There are many options of sheet linoleum that allow you to transform your home. You can go for a natural wood tone and create a faux hardwood appearance, or aim for a rustic shiplap appeal. The best part about using sheet linoleum is that it is ultra-affordable – one square foot typically costs less than three dollars, so you’re guaranteed not to empty your wallet.

Erica Indriana / Unsplash

Give your space a concrete overlay

As homes implement industrial styles with metal piping and rough, wooden shelves, it’s no wonder that concrete flooring has become a big statement in this aesthetic. Concrete has an industrial feel to it that you cannot express with traditional flooring.

If you’re looking to create a New York industrial loft vibe or want to add a unique flooring alternative to your mudroom, laundry room, or bathroom, you can easily add concrete over the existing subflooring and let it sit overnight. For a more polished look, add a unique finish or stain to enhance the natural appeal. Using a concrete stone polisher is another fantastic way to ensure your floors are smooth and stunning.

checkered living room floor tile
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Put wallpaper on your floors

This may sound unorthodox, but adding wallpaper to your floors can be a cost-effective alternative to other patterned flooring options. While not ideal for bathrooms or kitchens where moisture may accumulate, you shouldn’t shrug off this option just yet!

Wallpaper flooring is an excellent option for non-carpeted bedrooms. They can be a plain color, patterned, geometric, or faux traditional flooring. The opportunities are nearly limitless, which allows you to experiment with unique and sophisticated designs.

No matter which route you take when changing your existing flooring, it’s always great to keep an open mind regarding pattern, color, and texture. These cost-effective solutions won’t break the bank while allowing you the opportunity to play around with new styles. What are you waiting for? Your next room refresh awaits.

Vacuum packing clothes: Does it really save storage space?
Here are the pros and cons of vacuum sealing your clothing
Man holding vacuum-sealed clothing

Regardless of the size of your space, it often feels as if you'll never have enough room for storage. That's why it's crucial to maximize your storage areas with a few space-saving solutions so your garage, attic, or closet can stay tidy and organized. When packing away seasonal items, one of the most popular methods is to vacuum pack clothes. Vacuum sealing your clothing can create additional space in your closet and make it easier to transition your wardrobe for the seasons. That being said, this strategy isn't without its drawbacks, and it might not be the best way to tackle every organizing project.

Today, we're answering some vital questions about this storage method. After all, you want to protect and preserve your clothing items. So, before pulling out the heavy-duty storage bags, read through these pros and cons of vacuum packing to determine if this storage hack is a fit for you.
How does vacuum sealing work?

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Should you regrout your bathroom? What to consider first
Regrout, reglaze, or replace? What you need to know
Classic white subway tile in shower

If your bathroom tile grout is stained, dirty, or otherwise looking old, it's not only unsightly, but it can make it difficult to sell your home. You may be wondering if you should regrout the shower or other tiled areas of the bathroom. Sometimes grout staining occurs no matter how much you clean it, and the result is tile that looks dirty even though it isn't.

Luckily, there are a few different ways you can freshen up your grout without remodeling your bathroom, and they include some affordable, do-it-yourself options.

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The best time to sell your home, according to Zillow
Zillow shares that some seasons are better for selling than others. Here’s what you need to know
Red house with for sale sign in the front yard

Are you considering selling your home this year? Before listing your house on the market or tackling renovations to see a higher ROI, you might want to know when the best time to sell your home is. Thankfully, Zillow has the answers and the data to prove that some seasons are better for home selling than others. Here’s what you need to know.
What is the best time of year to list your home?

Typically, the best time of year to sell your house is when the buyers are shopping. Homebuyers usually purchase a new home in the warmer months between March and November. While home buying can happen during the holiday season, many house hunters avoid perusing the market while their attention is divided among family gatherings.

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