Alternatives to laminate & linoleum?

Question

Are their any unique modern materials that are in the same price range of linoleum/laminate but better looking?

I just really hate how they both look but for 110k ARV we don't want to over upgrade...

Roy N. · Answer

Patrick,
There is still lots of linoleum around.   There are boutique manufacturers of linoleum and some of the big players Armstrong/Shaw/Forbo all have lines of linoleum ... Forbo has a huge range of product under the branding of Marmolleum.

It is still extensively used in commercial applications (hospitals, daycares, etc) and still finds its way into residential properties.

Granted, it is usually pricier than vinyl, but if you were looking to finish a higher end rental - or were building "green", you might well use linoleum.

Craig S. · Answer

I would recommend a vinyl plank. It comes in vinyl strips that stick to each other, but don't stick to the floor, hence it's name "floating floor". Super easy to lay down and comes in many varieties. I used a version that looks like hardwood flooring. I bought it at Home Depot for $1.78 per sq ft I believe. Resists water well and is also durable.

Jamie Sandford · Answer

Roy beat me to it! There's LOADS of Linoleum!

http://www.armstrong.com/flooring/products/linoleum

Adrian Tilley · Answer

I'm a big fan of ceramic tile.  For just about everything.  While remodeling our house, I put tile in 2 bathrooms, on the bathroom counters, slate in the entryway, and travertine in the laundry.  Never done tile before that.  It's not that hard, and the only equipment needed is really and $80 tile saw.  The material supplies are pretty cheap.  Doing a floor can be a 3 day weekend project.

ETA: ceramic tile is extremely durable, so if this is a fix and hold, you will be good for a long time.

Lou Rob · Answer

I second James Vermillion and Craig Sturgill - the vinyl stirpwood is made by "Allure Flooring".  I can't testify that it's great  for 110K rehab, but we use it in rentals.  We're not using carpet anymore.

I think it exclusive to home depot.  Most people will lay it for 1.00 sq. ft.  
It comes in many colors.  Some good colors - Lime Oak, Bamboo, Cork, Dark Oak and Light Oak.

Roy N. · Answer

Beth D.

1) Concrete

2) Ceasar stone

3) Corian {I'm not a fan}

4) resin impregnated wood pulp

5)  There are a few countertops out there made from recycled materials (glass, cement, wood fibre) that look like stone, but can be cut with your table saw.   I saw one at a home-show last year that looked like soapstone ... I'll go looking for the information and send you a PM if I find it.

Beth D. · Answer

Thank you everyone for your feedback!

What about for countertops? Any affordable yet quality alternatives to laminate?

James Vermillion · Answer

I second the vinyl plank floors.  They make it that looks like hardwood or tile.  It is cheap, very easy to install, is not damaged by water and can last a long time.  I think it would work well for your ARV range.

Bryan L. · Answer

I recently used something called Luxury Vinyl Tile in a 119 ARV that I rehabbed and flipped.  It is vinyl, but comes in 12" X 12" square "tiles" that you glue down.  Looks close to the look of ceramic tile.  One advantage is that it is not cold when you walk on it.

Darren Looker · Answer

Look up brown paper flooring. It's inexpensive and looks much better than it sounds. You can also put a different floor over it later instead of ripping it up. 
I've also seen stained plywood done nicely.

Alternatives to laminate & linoleum?

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