Find Great Deals On Used Flooring At This Surprising Store

Choosing the best flooring options for your home is a major part of renovations. It's also a big expense — you can expect to spend an average of $1,530 to $4,861 for 500 square feet of new flooring, according to Angi. Carpeting, vinyl, and laminate are usually at the lower end of the price range while hardwood, stone, and tile are often pricier. One surprising way to keep your flooring costs lower is by shopping at secondhand stores like Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations.

Habitat ReStores accept many building materials, including flooring, which makes them a great option to keep your renovation budget low. Each location sets guidelines for donations, including what types of items they accept and the minimum amount of flooring they'll accept. For example, carpeting may need to be at least a minimum length and width or tile donations may need to cover a minimum square footage. This makes it easier to find large enough quantities to fit your project. You'll find lightly used and leftover building materials from individuals who completed renovations. The locations also typically accept new items from businesses that have a surplus.

Checking secondhand stores to save money on your home renovation also has other benefits. You can often find unique materials and decor pieces in the donated items at your local ReStore. Since the selection of flooring at ReStores is smaller than home improvement stores, the choice may be easier for you, and it might encourage you to choose something different than you would normally select. You're also saving flooring that would otherwise go unused, which makes it a sustainable way to change the look of your home.

The selection of items at ReStore locations changes frequently as the store receives and processes donations. That means the inventory you see one day could be completely different the next. The best day to visit the thrift store to find an optimal selection of flooring can vary by location, but ReStores typically add new products every day. You may need to make several trips to see the changing options until you find the perfect flooring for your project.

Before you head to your local ReStore or other secondhand shops for flooring, measure your room to determine how much flooring you need. Then, add in extra material to create a buffer to account for mistakes or flaws in the flooring. A general guideline is to add 10% to 15% to your total square footage. Since quantities are limited based on how much of the flooring is donated, not all options available at ReStores will work for your project.

It's a good idea to have a general type and color of flooring in mind, but because you're shopping secondhand, flexibility is key. You'll often find tile, laminate, hardwood, vinyl, carpet, and carpet squares in the secondhand shops. Knowing what you want helps you make a decision on the spot, since flooring materials often sell quickly. If you return later, you may discover the flooring is gone. ReStores are also a good spot to find the other supplies, tools, and materials you'll need to install your flooring. For instance, you might find grout, thinset, and notched trowels to help you install the tiles that you choose from ReStore.