How can I inexpensively cover my plywood base floors?

by Debbie King

Answered

I live in a mobile home and have carpet in my living room and dinning room. The carpet has these reoccurring black stains. What would be least expensive way to cover my plywood base floors? Is carpet less than vinyl?

3 answers

Kelli L. Milligan on Jan 21, 2019

Usually but not as good. Go for the solid vinyl wood look strips. Will outlast carpet, cleans easier and you can install yourself.

1 marked as helpful Reply
- Debbie King on Jan 21, 2019
  
  Thanks, I thought about these, but not sure if I am capable enough to install myself. :l
  
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Naomie Moore aka baileyanddaisey, Castaic CA on Jan 21, 2019

Cheap carpet can be less than vinyl, but I don't recommend that at all. Visit local flooring showrooms, other than big box home improvement centers. Vinyl has come a long way since the 50's and 60's - you will be pleasantly surprised.

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- Debbie King on Jan 21, 2019
  
  Interesting! I would have used a big box store, but after your suggestion, I'll check some locals....thanks!
  
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- Naomie Moore aka baileyanddaisey, Castaic CA on Jan 21, 2019
  
  You are most welcome Debbie! Flooring is important as you will live with it for 20 years or more, unless you have an unlimited decorating budget. Worth a morning or afternoon to visit the local shops to explore your options. Just be wary of some of their financing options, the interest rates are unreasonable, not to mention outrageous. Don't fall in a trap with that. Several of the shops in my area are one year interest free. That's doable if you don't have all the cash up front, provided you can pay it off within that time frame. If you can't, you are better off getting a home improvement loan or line of credit at your local banking establishment. Interest rates are far more reasonable. And tax deductible.
  
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Dwp7470b on Jan 21, 2019

Carpet and Vinyl materials and DIY Installation costs are about the same. The difference is in long Term energy efficiency costs.
If you go Vinyl it gets cold fast. So you will yet need a Carpet or insulation anyway. Plus you will likely need some sort of underlayment of subflooring of paste if it is not level.
If you go carpet only you may yet need some plywood or sheet masonite or foam padding to keep the floor free of drafts and level if atall it is expected to cave in in the 20 years lifespan of the carpet.
Either way it is not just Vinyl vs. Carpet in any long term installation.
Installation that bears in mind energy efficiency as a Cost, you are better off with Carpet with an underlayment or a foam pad.

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- Debbie King on Jan 21, 2019
  
  You make some good valid points...thanks!
  
  1 marked as helpful
- Dwp7470b on Jan 21, 2019
  
  You're Welcome Debbie. Keep us up to date on the project.
  
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