The Hidden Costs of Cheap Flooring (And How to Avoid Them)

Cheap flooring might initially seem like a good deal. When you pay less upfront for the flooring you need and can save some money, what’s not to like? Unfortunately, you’re likely to face several problems when you use cheap flooring, which can actually increase your costs and eat away at what you’ve saved. Is cheap flooring worth it? There are many factors to consider.

Common Downsides to Cheap Flooring

Does cheap flooring really amount to savings? Chances are that in the long term, you could actually end up paying more for a low-quality product than you would if you invested in high-quality flooring from the start.

Repair Needs

Lower-quality flooring generally has greater repair and maintenance needs than a higher-quality product. Cheap flooring is often made of less durable materials, so you have to deal with the effects of wear and tear more often.

For example, if you chose a high-quality modular tile, you would probably be working with a product crafted from quality materials and designed to be durable. The interlocking system would be precisely made to securely hold the tiles together during use. If you choose a cheaper modular tile, the product quality won’t be the same. You might find that a lower-quality plastic becomes brittle with time, and the tiles start to break. Plus, the interlocking system might not create a secure hold, so you’ll have to frequently reconnect or reposition the tiles.

In some cases, it might make more sense to replace the flooring than it does to continue to repair it. You’ll need to weigh the replacement vs. repair flooring cost in these scenarios to determine which solution is financially smart.

Cheap flooring can cost you more in time and finances to maintain. If you’re looking for minimal repairs and maintenance needs, you’ll want to pay a little more for a quality product.

Early Replacement Costs

Cheap flooring usually doesn’t pay off in the long run because of its lower durability and shorter lifespan. Quality flooring is often backed by manufacturer warranties of five or even 10 years, but cheaper products usually have much shorter warranties.

Since cheaper products may be manufactured with lower-quality materials, they don’t tend to last as long as other flooring products. While you might save on the initial purchase with a cheap flooring product, you may find that you need to replace the flooring much sooner. Replacing flooring is no small expense, especially if you need to pay for a professional installation. Remember that in addition to buying new flooring, you’ll face other costs, including the purchase of installation materials like underlayment and adhesive, as well as the cost of disposing of the old flooring.

An investment in quality flooring can help avoid the hidden cost of having to replace the flooring early on. When you choose flooring, carefully review its manufacturer's warranty and its expected lifespan. Carefully following the manufacturer’s installation instructions and recommendations for care and maintenance can also help extend the lifespan of your flooring, avoiding the need for an early replacement.

Downtime Expenses

If you’re experiencing issues with cheap flooring, you’ll also face downtime expenses. Whether you’re taking time to repair or replace the flooring, your space will be unusable for a period of time. And if you’re installing a whole room of new flooring, the room might be unusable for days until you complete that installation.

That downtime might be a convenience when you’re working with a space in your home, but it could cost you money in a commercial installation. If your space is unusable, you could miss out on income, and you could be inconveniencing clients or customers. That inconvenience can amount to lost business or lost opportunities, which can mean repeated lost income.

Choose Greatmats for Flooring for Every Budget

At Greatmats, we work hard to carry an excellent assortment of high-quality flooring products suitable for a variety of budgets. We never want to offer cheap, low-quality flooring; rather, we carefully select products that offer quality and reliable performance at varying price points. In addition to products that are intended to be professionally installed, we stock a great selection of modular flooring products that you can install yourself for additional savings.


Is cheap flooring worth it? Usually, the answer to that question is no. It might be tempting to buy the cheapest flooring products you can find, but unless you only need the product for a very brief use, chances are you’ll be disappointed and will pay more for the flooring in the long run. Contact the Greatmats customer service team today; we’d be happy to help you find a quality flooring product that’s right for your needs and that’s within your budget.