Flooring Choices Can Double Renovation Budget: Experts Detail Costs and Options
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Choosing the right flooring can significantly impact renovation costs, with options ranging from floating floors to porcelain tiles.
- Floating floors, like vinyl or laminate, offer a quick, mess-free installation over existing surfaces, ideal for renters or fast makeovers.
- Ceramic and porcelain tiles are more durable but require extensive 'wet work,' including demolition, base preparation, and grouting, leading to higher material and labor costs.
When embarking on a home renovation, the choice of flooring is a critical decision that can dramatically influence both the aesthetic and the budget. Architect Eleonora Mendoza highlights the practical considerations, distinguishing between the swift, clean installation of floating floors and the more involved, durable nature of ceramic and porcelain tiles.
The fastest option is the floating floor, which does not require wet work. It is a renovation that generates practically no dirt and is the most chosen express solution.
Floating floors, such as vinyl or laminate with click systems, present an attractive option for those seeking speed and minimal disruption. Their ability to be laid directly over existing surfaces without demolition or wet work makes them ideal for renters, quick updates, or situations where avoiding debris is a priority. However, Mendoza cautions that while installation is straightforward and cost-effective, these floors generally have a shorter lifespan compared to porcelain and may not be the best fit for high-moisture areas like bathrooms.
The floating floor or vinyl with a click system is placed directly on the existing floor without demolishing or wetting. It is ideal for those who rent, for quick renovations, or when one does not have the time or desire to generate debris in the house.
In contrast, ceramic and porcelain tiles offer superior longevity and a premium finish, but at a higher cost and with a more complex installation process. This 'wet work' involves removing the old flooring, preparing the subfloor, applying adhesives, and grouting, all of which add to the expense and time commitment. Mendoza notes that prices for porcelain alone can start significantly higher, with additional costs for adhesives and other materials. The labor for tile installation is also generally more expensive due to the increased time and skill required. The current trend favors large-format porcelain tiles, a specialized job that commands a premium price, reflecting the growing demand for sophisticated and durable finishes in Argentine homes.
In April 2026, the material alone has a value that ranges between $35,000 and $50,000 per square meter, depending on the quality, thickness, and brand. To that, we must add the installation labor, which is relatively simple and more economical than in the case of ceramics.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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