Flooring is a key element to consider while designing your home. Since it is a major chunk of the design and visual aesthetic, it is very important to keep it modern as well as functional. Since the flooring is exposed to constant wear and tear and sometimes, rough usage, it also needs to stand the test of time. While you just cannot compromise on the quality, can you cover the expenses of high-quality flooring options available in the market? Here are some of the budget-friendly floor tiles for your home that will give you the look and feel of a luxurious space, while providing you with durability and longevity.

1.     Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are both quite popular as “low-price tiles for home flooring” owing to their strong and long-lasting properties. They are pretty similar to each other, except that porcelain tiles are much stronger than ceramic ones due to being fired at higher temperatures. Both are stain-resistant, can handle decent foot traffic and come in a variety of colours and patterns for you to choose from. So, if

you are looking for a low budget floor tile, one of these or both of these are your best options.

   2. Vitrified Tiles

Vitrified tiles are nothing but ceramic tiles that undergo a process known as vitrification. This process makes the tiles even stronger than they are and renders them non-porous. Non-porous tiles can sustain extended water or moisture exposure, making them a suitable choice for bathrooms and lounging areas around swimming pools. They are easy to maintain, stain resistant, and can withstand heavy foot traffic without showing obvious signs of wear and tear. 

3.     Terracotta Tiles

Terracotta tiles are one of the oldest designs of ceramic tiles. The word “terracotta” literally translates to ‘baked earth’. These tiles impart a very rustic and earthy look to the spaces they are installed in. Terracotta tiles are also known for maintaining temperature, which means these will remain warm in winters and cool in summers, providing you with the perfect underfoot. However, you must ensure that you do not drop heavy items on the floor as these tiles can crack and get damaged.

4.     Kota Stone

Kota stone is a fine-grained variety of the naturally available limestone which is quarried in Rajasthan’s Kota area. However, better than just plain kota stone is the full body tile variant of the same that gives it more durability and longevity. It is suitable for use in areas with heavy foot traffic, it has stain resistance (which means it is also suitable for use in areas like kitchens and bathrooms), chemical resistance (applicable when used commercially but not so much residentially), low water absorption and slip resistance. These are some of the sparkling qualities of kota stone that stand out in comparison with other low budget floor tiles options. Additionally, there are multiple kota stone designs that you can choose from.

5.     Natural Stone Tiles

If you want your space to look natural and timeless, but at a low cost, natural stone tiles are the way to go. They are incredibly durable, especially when it comes to using them in spaces with heavy foot traffic and reportedly can last for as long as 50 years depending on usage and treatment. You will need a professional to install the tiles to get that professional look and feel, however an avid and experienced DIY-er may also be able to do a good job. Popular designs in natural stone tiles include marble, slate, and granite that you can

consider.

6.     Laminate

If you have a low budget you can opt for laminate flooring. It will give you the look and feel of a stone or a hardwood flooring thanks to the high-quality embossed images over them. However, they are not as durable as vinyl sheets and must be used with care. They are also not as long lasting as tiles, but with delicate usage, they can be used for longer periods of time. In high-moisture areas like the kitchens, bathrooms, toilets, or even basements for that matter, avoid installing laminate flooring as they are not that water resistant and can erode and fade quite easily.

7.     Vinyl Tiles

Vinyl flooring is highly durable and hence, a steal when it comes to considering low-cost floor tiles. If maintained and

installed correctly, they can last you for a very long time. They are available in peel-and-stick variants also, which even negates installation costs, making the overall cost a lot less. However, one major drawback is that they cannot resist UV light, which means they cannot sustain extended sunlight exposure and can fade over time.

8.     Pre-Polished Marble Tiles

Marble gives a very luxurious and opulent ambience to any space they are installed in. Pre-polished marble tiles are a lower budget option of marble flooring. They retain the natural grain of marble flooring tiles and are available in a variety of colours and patterns. As opposed to the natural marble flooring, pre-polished marble tiles are cheaper, but pack in the same punch.

9.     Sheet Vinyl

Sheet vinyl is available in cut-to-length options and needs professional installation. They come in a variety of designs, textures, patterns and price ranges so you can easily choose the one that fits in your budget and works well with the design scheme of your space.

Flooring is a key element while doing up your home and it needs to be durable to prevent accidents. Invest in low cost floor tiles that are durable, functional and provide you with the required aesthetic. Take into consideration the space and evaluate its size, foot traffic, and budget among other important factors to decide which floor tile fits best in your space, design and budget restrictions.

Author Bio:

Isha Tandon has worked within the architecture and interior design industry as a flooring consultant expert – specializing in types of tiles, stones, and terrazzo. She has worked with Orientbell Limited, a leading tile manufacturer in India, as a product development manager in the design team and has recently joined the marketing team as their digital content expert. Her experience comes in handy in understanding the audience as she creates value-driven functional & informational content for the readers. She creates lifestyle pieces that focus on interior design products, trends, and processes. She loves to travel to historic places with rich architecture.