5 Affordable Ways to Redo Your Outdated Kitchen Floor
Is your kitchen floor looking worn out and dated? Replacing the flooring can totally transform the look of your kitchen, but many options come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, there are clever ways to give your floor a fresh, new appearance on a budget.
Revive Your Old Vinyl Floor
If you have an older sheet vinyl floor, you may be able to restore it to look like new with some simple resurfacing techniques.
Supplies needed include a good vinyl floor cleaner, sandpaper, vinyl sealer, and paint brushes. Thoroughly clean the floors, then lightly sand to rough up the surface. Apply two coats of vinyl sealer, allowing drying time between coats. The sealer will hide scratches and give a fresh glossy finish.
The cost for supplies is around $50-100. Hiring a pro to do the work typically runs $3-5 per square foot.
Self-Adhesive Vinyl Tiles
Peel-and-stick vinyl tiles allow for easy do-it-yourself installation right over existing floors. With loads of styles and patterns to choose from, you can customize the look you want.
Be sure to start with a clean, smooth subfloor. Measure the floor area and map out your tile layout. Use a utility knife to cut any tiles needed. Then simply peel off the backing and press the tiles in place.
Costs range from $1-3 per square foot, making it an ultra budget-friendly solution.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring imitates the look of real wood or stone, but it’s 100% waterproof. Interlocking planks click together easily without glue or nails. It’s a great upgrade over vinyl tile and better able to stand up to heavy use.
For installation, remove baseboards or undercut them with an oscillating tool. Arrange the planks and click together. Reinstall trim or use quarter round. Typical costs range from $3-8 per square foot installed.
Peel-and-Stick Vinyl Planks
If LVP flooring is outside your budget, peel-and-stick vinyl plank provides a lower cost alternative. Just peel off the pre-attached adhesive backing and stick planks directly to the floor. With realistic wood and tile looks, it can give a high-end appearance on the cheap.
Be sure the subfloor is level and clean before starting. Stagger planks for best visual results and use a razor blade to trim planks as needed. Pricing runs around $1-3 per square foot.
Stained Concrete Floor
For a dramatic change, consider turning your drab concrete floor into an eye-catching focal point. Acid-base stains create beautiful, natural-looking faux finishes in different colors. It’s a fraction of the cost of replacing the floor entirely.
The process involves cleaning and etching the concrete, applying stain color(s), then sealing with a protective water-based sealer. Professionally installed stained concrete averages $2-4 per square foot.
Giving your outdated kitchen floor a makeover doesn’t have to drain your wallet. As we covered, vinyl resurfacing, adhesive vinyl tiles or planks, and stained concrete are all clever and affordable ways to refresh your floor. Consider your lifestyle, budget and style preference to choose the best DIY-friendly option for your home and family.
We hope these kitchen floor makeover ideas have inspired you to take on an easy weekend upgrade project. Please share any experiences or tips in the comments below!