Flooring Options for Every Budget: Tiles, Wood, Vinyl, and More

Choosing the right flooring is one of the biggest decisions you'll make in house interior design. You have to tick durability, comfort, cost, and how well it fits your lifestyle.

So if you're asking, “What are the different types of flooring, and which one should I choose?”, then you're in the right blog.

This guide will break down the most popular flooring options, how they perform, how they fit into different interior design styles, and most importantly, what they cost. There's something for every home, even on a tight budget or splurging spree.

1. Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles

Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, and high-moisture areas

What it is: Tiles made from clay, fired at high temperatures. Porcelain is denser and more water-resistant than ceramic.

Pros:

• Water-resistant and durable
• Easy to clean
• Comes in endless colors, shapes, and finishes
• Works well with modern, minimalist, or Mediterranean interior design

Cons:

• Cold and hard underfoot
• Installation can be pricey
• Grout may require maintenance

Budget range:

Low to High – From ₱45 to ₱300+ per tile, depending on style and brand

2. Vinyl Flooring (Plank or Sheet)

Best for: Bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, rental units

What it is: Synthetic flooring made to mimic the look of wood, tile, or stone. Comes in planks, tiles, or sheet rolls.

Pros:

• Extremely affordable
• Water-resistant and easy to install
• Softer underfoot than tile
• Great for casual or Scandinavian-inspired house interior design

Cons:

• Can look less natural compared to real wood
• May dent or scratch over time

Budget range:

Budget-Friendly – Starts at ₱250 per sqm and up

3. Laminate Flooring

Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, offices

What it is: A multi-layer synthetic flooring product fused with a photographic layer that mimics wood.

Pros:

• Cost-effective alternative to hardwood
• Easy to install (great for DIY)
• Scratch-resistant

Cons:

• Not waterproof, so avoid in bathrooms
• Can sound hollow without underlayment

Budget range:

Affordable – ₱300 to ₱700 per sqm

4. Natural Hardwood

Best for: Living rooms, dining areas, bedrooms

What it is: Real wood boards, typically made from oak, maple, or mahogany.

Pros:

• Timeless and adds real value to your home
• Can be sanded and refinished multiple times
• Warm and classic for any interior design style [from traditional to Japandi]

Cons:

• Expensive
• Not ideal for moisture-prone areas
• Requires maintenance

Budget range:

Premium – ₱1,500 to ₱3,000+ per sqm

5. Engineered Wood

Best for: Any room where you want the hardwood look, but with added durability

What it is: A thin layer of hardwood over a plywood core. Looks like solid wood but performs better in humidity.

Pros:

• More stable than natural wood
• Looks nearly identical to hardwood
• Great for condos and air-conditioned spaces

Cons:

• Limited refinishing potential
• Still on the pricey side

Budget range:

Mid to High – ₱1,200 to ₱2,500 per sqm

6. Polished Concrete

Best for: Lofts, modern minimalist homes, kitchens

What it is: Smooth, sealed concrete floors that reflect light and feel modern and industrial.

Pros:

• Incredibly durable
• Low maintenance
• Perfect for modern or industrial interior design

Cons:

• Hard and cold
• It can feel too stark in family spaces
• Requires a skilled installer

Budget range:

Midrange – ₱1,000 to ₱1,800 per sqm (including polishing)

7. Bamboo Flooring

Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, eco-conscious spaces

What it is: A sustainable wood alternative made from fast-growing bamboo grass.

Pros:

• Eco-friendly
• Durable and stylish
• Looks like hardwood, but is more affordable

Cons:

• Sensitive to moisture
• Limited style variety

Budget range:

Midrange – ₱800 to ₱1,800 per sqm

8. Carpet Tiles and Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

Best for: Bedrooms, playrooms, home offices

What it is: Soft, woven flooring that provides comfort and sound insulation.

Pros:

• Soft underfoot
• Reduces noise
• Carpet tiles are easy to replace when stained

Cons:

• Stains easily
• Not ideal for humid or high-traffic areas
• Requires regular vacuuming and cleaning

Budget range:

Low to Mid – ₱150 to ₱700 per sqm

Quick Comparison Table

Flooring Type	Best For	Price Range (Php/sqm)
Ceramic/Porcelain	Wet areas, kitchens	₱45 – ₱300+ per tile
Vinyl (Plank/Sheet)	All-around	budget ₱250 – ₱600
Laminate	Bedrooms, living rooms	₱300 – ₱700
Hardwood	Premium areas	₱1,500 – ₱3,000+
Engineered Wood	Mid to high-end homes	₱1,200 – ₱2,500
Polished Concrete	Modern, industrial homes	₱1,000 – ₱1,800
Bamboo	Eco-conscious homes	₱800 – ₱1,800
Carpet	Comfort zones	₱150 – ₱700

  

Which Flooring Is Right for You?

Ask yourself:

• What’s your budget?
• Do you need something kid or pet-friendly?
• Are you focused on style, function, or both?
• How long do you plan to stay in the home?
• What’s the overall house interior design look you’re going for?

Every home is different, and so is every homeowner. The good news? There's a flooring type out there that matches your budget, lifestyle, and aesthetic.