Usually, people say ‘lino flooring’ when they actually mean ‘vinyl flooring’. But technically, they’re not the same flooring type as our vinyl vs lino guide shows. First produced in the late 19th century, cheap lino flooring replaced wooden floorboards, stone floors and floorcloths. Made from linseed oil, cheap lino was an affordable and durable flooring option for busy spaces in the home. Cheap vinyl flooring, made from PVC, appeared in the 1950s and gradually replaced lino because of its range of fashionable designs, built-in water resistance, and lower cost.
When trying to pick affordable flooring, our cheap vinyl flooring collection is a great place to start as it offers stylish options that can fit your budget. If you’re struggling to pick the right one, just browse the various styles on offer such as marble effect vinyl, wood effect vinyl, and tile effect vinyl. Still unsure? Read our vinyl buying guide for more inspiration.
The most important thing to look for when buying cheap vinyl flooring is that it suits the intended purpose of your home, and the people in it. If you’re also installing your vinyl in the bathroom or kitchen, you should check it’s water resistant and can cope with spills or splashes. If you have older adults or pets in your home, look for slip resistant options, and if you have young children, stain resistance is always an added bonus!
Though it lacks the same level of durability as premium products, such as LVT (luxury vinyl tiles), budget vinyl offers decent a more affordable alternative while still providing good durability. Depending on the product’s wear layer, some options may be better suited to lower traffic areas of the home.