Top 7 Budget-Friendly Options Instead of Hardwood Subfloors

23 Jul Top 7 Budget-Friendly Options Instead of Hardwood Subfloors

Looking for cheap flooring ideas that do not use hardwood? Here are the top 7 hardwood subfloor alternatives you should know:

1. Plywood

2. OSB (Oriented Strand Board)

3. MgO Subfloor

4. Particle Board

5. Cement Board

6. High-Density Fiberboard

7. Engineered Wood Panels

You might want hardwood subfloor alternatives because hardwood costs a lot. It can also be hard to put in. Many hardwood flooring alternatives resist water better. They are also easier for DIY projects. Cheap flooring options like bamboo or engineered wood can save you $4 to $12 per square foot. This is compared to traditional hardwood, as shown below:

Cheap flooring options help if you want to save money. They are also good if you want eco-friendly or easy-to-clean floors. Think about what your room needs and your lifestyle. This will help you pick the best hardwood floor alternatives and cheap flooring ideas.

Key Takeaways

• Plywood and OSB cost less and are strong. They work best in dry rooms. They are easy for people to install themselves.

• MgO and cement boards do not let water or mold in. This makes them good for wet places like bathrooms and kitchens.

• Particle board is very cheap but not strong. It does not stop water. Use it only in dry rooms with little use.

• Engineered wood panels and high-density fiberboard are stable. They do not let in much water. They are good for basements and living rooms.

• Pick your flooring and subfloor by thinking about moisture, how much people walk there, and your budget. This helps your floor last long and makes it easy to put in.

Hardwood Subfloor Alternatives

Plywood

Plywood is one of the most popular hardwood subfloor alternatives. You see it in many homes because it is strong, affordable, and easy to install. Plywood comes in different thicknesses, like 1/2″, 5/8″, and 3/4″. Thicker plywood works better if you have wide joist spacing or plan to use heavy flooring, such as tile or hardwood. Most people use 3/4″ tongue-and-groove panels for a solid, stable floor.

Key Benefits:

• Strong and stiff, so your floor feels solid.

• Easy to cut and install with screws, nails, or glue.

• Lasts a long time if kept dry.

• Works well under many types of finished flooring, including vinyl flooring.

Drawbacks:

• Not waterproof. If it gets wet, it can warp or grow mold.

• Costs a bit more than some other options.

Best Use Cases:

• Living rooms, bedrooms, and areas where you want a sturdy floor.

• Works great under carpet, vinyl flooring, or tile (with the right thickness).

Average Cost:

Tip: If you want to save money, you can install plywood yourself, but you need the right tools and some skill.

OSB

OSB, or Oriented Strand Board, is another common choice for hardwood subfloor alternatives. It is made from wood strands and adhesives, pressed into large sheets. OSB is usually less expensive than plywood and is easy to find at most hardware stores.

Key Benefits:

• Affordable and widely available.

• Strong enough for most home floors.

• Smooth surface for installing vinyl flooring or carpet.

Drawbacks:

• Absorbs water more than plywood, which can cause swelling at the edges.

• Takes longer to dry out if it gets wet.

• Not as good at holding nails or screws.

Best Use Cases:

• Good for dry areas like bedrooms or living rooms.

• Works under vinyl flooring and carpet, but not the best for bathrooms or kitchens.

Average Cost:

MgO Subfloor

MgO, or magnesium oxide board, is a newer type of subfloor. It is made from minerals, so it does not burn, rot, or grow mold. MgO boards are strong and safe, making them a smart choice for people who want something different from wood.

Key Benefits:

• Fireproof and does not give off toxic smoke.

• Does not absorb water, so it will not swell or rot.

• Stops mold and mildew from growing.

• Eco-friendly and recyclable.

• Easy to cut and install with regular tools.

Drawbacks:

• Costs more up front than plywood or OSB.

• Not every contractor knows how to install it.

• Heavier than some other boards.

Best Use Cases:

• Perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms where water is a problem.

• Great for homes where fire safety is important.

• Works well under vinyl flooring and luxury vinyl plank.

Average Cost:

Note: MgO boards last a long time and need little maintenance, so you may save money over the years.

Particle Board

Particle board is made from small wood pieces and glue, pressed into sheets. It is one of the cheapest hardwood subfloor alternatives, but it comes with some big downsides.

Key Benefits:

• Very affordable.

• Easy to cut and install.

• Smooth surface for vinyl flooring.

Drawbacks:

• Soaks up water fast, which makes it swell and fall apart.

• Weak structure, so it can crack or sag under heavy weight.

• Short lifespan, especially in damp places.

Best Use Cases:

• Only use in dry rooms, like bedrooms.

• Works under carpet or vinyl flooring, but not recommended for kitchens or bathrooms.

Warning: Even a small water leak can ruin a particle board subfloor.

Cement Board

Cement board is a tough, water-resistant option. It is made from cement and fibers, so it does not rot or warp. Many people use cement board under tile, but it also works as a subfloor for other types of flooring.

Key Benefits:

• Does not absorb water, so it will not swell or break down.

• Stops mold and mildew.

• Very strong and stable, even if the floor moves a little.

• Great for wet areas.

Drawbacks:

• Heavier than wood boards.

• Can be harder to cut and install.

• Costs a bit more than particle board.

Best Use Cases:

• Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, or anywhere water is a problem.

• Works well under tile, vinyl flooring, or even carpet.

Average Cost:

• About $2.09 to $2.29 per square foot installed.

High-Density Fiberboard

High-density fiberboard (HDF) is made from wood fibers pressed together at high pressure. It is denser and stronger than regular particle board, but it still has some limits.

Key Benefits:

• Smooth and even surface, perfect for vinyl flooring.

• Stronger and more durable than regular particle board.

• Good for making floors feel solid.

Drawbacks:

• Not very water-resistant. Needs sealing to avoid swelling.

• Heavy and can be hard to handle.

• Can chip or crack if you are not careful during installation.

• Costs more than regular plywood or MDF.

Best Use Cases:

• Dry rooms like bedrooms or living rooms.

• Works under vinyl flooring or carpet, but not for bathrooms or kitchens unless sealed well.

Engineered Wood Panels

Engineered wood panels are made by gluing layers of wood together. They are designed to be stable and resist changes from moisture or temperature. These panels are a modern choice for hardwood subfloor alternatives.

Key Benefits:

• More stable than solid wood, so less warping or shrinking.

• Easier to install, often with click-lock or floating systems.

• Good for DIY projects.

• Works well over concrete or in basements.

Drawbacks:

• Can only be refinished a few times, unlike solid hardwood.

• Costs more than OSB or particle board.

• Some types may not be as strong as plywood.

Best Use Cases:

• Basements, condos, or places with changing temperatures.

• Works under vinyl flooring, carpet, or even as a base for luxury vinyl plank.

If you want a floor that is easy to install and handles moisture better than hardwood, engineered wood panels are a smart pick.

Comparison Table

Subfloor Options Compared

Picking the right subfloor helps your floor last longer. It also makes your floor feel better when you walk on it. Here is a quick look at how the top seven budget-friendly subfloor alternatives compare:

Tip: Always check your room for moisture before you choose a subfloor. Water can damage some boards very quickly!

Keep these things in mind:

• Plywood and OSB are good for dry rooms. You can install them yourself.

• MgO and cement board work best where there is water. Use them in bathrooms or kitchens.

• Particle board is cheap but only works in dry, quiet rooms.

• Engineered wood panels and HDF make a strong base for many floors. They are great for basements or condos.

A flat subfloor stops your finished floor from getting damaged. If you want your floor to last, pick a subfloor that fits your room and your budget. Sometimes, you should call a pro, especially for wet rooms or heavy tile.

Choosing Cheaper Hardwood Flooring

Budget Considerations

Your budget is very important when picking flooring. Some cheap flooring is easy to buy but may break faster. Other types cost more at first but last longer and need less fixing. Look at this chart to see how much it costs to install each subfloor material:

You can save money by using OSB or plywood in dry rooms. For wet places, pick panels that keep out water. Cheap flooring that stops water can help you avoid repairs.

Room & Lifestyle Fit

Think about how you use each room in your home. Busy rooms need strong floors that do not scratch easily. If you have kids or pets, pick floors that are easy to clean. Vinyl flooring is a good choice for busy spaces. Bedrooms need floors that feel soft and warm. Kitchens and bathrooms need floors that do not get ruined by water. Vinyl flooring and engineered wood panels work for many people.

• Entryways and hallways: Choose tough, simple-to-clean floors.

• Bedrooms: Pick soft and quiet flooring.

• Basements: Use cheap floors that can handle water.

Installation Tips

Many cheap flooring types are easy to put in yourself. Make sure your subfloor is flat and dry before you start. Use screws or glue to keep the floor tight. Always read the instructions for your flooring. Peel-and-stick tiles are easy for DIY projects. If your flooring needs special tools, you may want to hire a pro.

Tip: Always check for water before you start. A dry, flat base helps your floor last longer.

Moisture & Climate Factors

Water can damage cheap flooring very fast. In wet rooms or places, use water barriers or water-safe subfloors. Keep your home’s air between 30% and 50% humidity. If you live where it is damp, do not use wood subfloors unless they are sealed. Vinyl flooring and engineered panels work better with water than regular wood.

If you want your floor to last, pick flooring that matches your room’s climate and how you use it.

Best Hardwood Floor Alternatives for Different Needs

High-Traffic Areas

Floors in busy places need to be strong. They should not wear out fast. Some materials are better for lots of walking or rolling chairs. Here are some good choices:

Tip: Luxury vinyl tile and carpet tiles are simple to clean. You can swap out damaged tiles easily. These floors are comfy and tough for busy spots.

Wet Areas

Rooms like bathrooms and basements get wet a lot. You need floors that do not get ruined by water. Here are some smart picks:

• Concrete panels and magnesium oxide boards do not let water in. They also stop mold and mildew.

• Plywood can work if you seal it well. It handles changing humidity better that way.

• Always put a vapor barrier under concrete. This keeps water from coming up.

• MgO boards stay flat and safe, even when wet.

• Concrete panels make a strong base for heavy tile or stone.

Note: Good installation and air flow help floors last longer in wet rooms.

Eco-Friendly Choices

You can pick floors that are good for the earth. These options help nature and your home:

• Linoleum is made from natural stuff and breaks down over time.

• HempWood uses fast-growing hemp and plant glue.

• Cork comes from trees but does not hurt them.

• Resinous flooring goes on top of old floors, so you make less trash.

• FSC-certified hardwood floor alternatives help keep forests healthy.

Picking eco-friendly floors gives you a safe home and helps the planet.

DIY-Friendly Options

You can save money by putting in your own floor. Some floors are easy for beginners:

You do not need special skills for peel-and-stick vinyl or carpet tiles. Just follow the steps and take your time.

You have lots of budget-friendly subfloor and flooring choices. Some, like plywood planks and peel-and-stick tiles, are easy to install and cost less. Others, like engineered hardwood and vinyl plank, give you a strong, stylish floor that lasts. Check out this quick guide:

Think about your room, your budget, and how much work you want to do. For tricky jobs, ask a pro. Most options are DIY-friendly, so you can save money and still get a great floor!

FAQ

What is the cheapest subfloor material I can use?

You can use OSB or particle board for the lowest cost. OSB works well in dry rooms. Particle board is even cheaper, but it does not last long if it gets wet.

Can I install a subfloor by myself?

Yes, you can! Many subfloor materials like plywood, OSB, and HDF are DIY-friendly. Just make sure your floor is flat and dry before you start. Always follow the instructions on the product.

Which subfloor works best in wet areas?

MgO board and cement board handle water the best. They do not swell or rot. You can use them in bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms. Always check for leaks before you install.

How do I know if my subfloor is level?

Place a long level or straight board on your floor. If you see gaps or the level moves, your floor is not flat. Fix low spots with leveling compound before you install new flooring.

Are eco-friendly subfloor options available?

Yes! MgO boards and some engineered wood panels use recycled materials. You can also look for FSC-certified wood. These choices help the planet and give you a safe, strong floor.