When it comes to updating rental units, flooring is one of the most important—and costly—decisions a landlord can make. If you’re asking, “What’s the cheapest flooring for a rental property?” the answer depends on more than just the sticker price. You have to consider durability, maintenance, tenant turnover, and long-term ROI. Here’s a breakdown of your top choices and why luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) may be the better option—even if it’s not the cheapest upfront. Budget-Friendly Carpet Options Carpet is often considered the cheapest flooring on a per-square-foot basis, making it appealing for large-scale apartment flips. Two popular, cost-conscious options from Giant Floor include: Stony Brook CarpetA neutral-toned classic that’s soft underfoot and great for bedrooms or lower-traffic living areas. Electric City GV33 CarpetA budget carpet option with subtle texture—easy to match with most interiors. Why Carpet Might Work: Lower upfront cost Softer and warmer feel for tenants Quicker installation in smaller spaces The Downside? Stains easily and holds odors Requires replacement more often—especially with pets or smokers Can look worn after just 1-2 tenants The Smarter Investment: Luxury Vinyl Flooring If you’re managing apartments, you know tenant wear and tear adds up fast. That’s where Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVF) shines. Two options from Giant Floor’s NEPA inventory are standout examples: Audrey Dawn Luxury VinylA warm, wood-look vinyl with waterproof protection and built-in durability—perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas. Anthracite 5000 Luxury VinylA bold and modern design with ultra-tough wear layers that resist scratching and moisture. Why Vinyl Wins for Rentals:Waterproof and pet-proof – ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and anywhere spills happenEasy to clean – no carpet shampooing neededLonger lifespan – often lasts through multiple tenantsHigher-end appearance – gives your unit a premium look without the premium priceResistant to stains, scratches, and dents Price vs. Value Flooring Type Avg. Cost per Sq. Ft. Lifespan Maintenance Tenant Appeal Carpet $1–$2.50 3–5 years High Medium Luxury Vinyl $2–$4 10–15 years Low High While carpet is technically cheaper upfront, luxury vinyl pays for itself over time. Fewer replacements, less cleaning, and fewer tenant complaints make it the real cost-saving choice. Final Take: Choose Smart, Not Just Cheap If you're still asking “What’s the cheapest flooring for a rental property?” consider this: The smartest flooring is the one that lasts longer, looks better, and requires less upkeep. For rental properties, luxury vinyl flooring checks all the boxes. Explore vinyl options like Audrey Dawn or Anthracite 5000 today at Giant Floor and give your units the durability and style that today’s renters expect—without blowing your budget.

  Taking on a DIY flooring installation project can be a smart way to save money while transforming the look of your home. Whether you're tackling a single room or your whole house, it's important to be prepared with the right tools, materials, and know-how—especially if you're in Scranton or Wilkes-Barre, where seasons, humidity, and flooring preferences can vary. At Giant Floor, we’ve helped countless local homeowners start their DIY flooring journeys with confidence. Here are the top 10 questions we hear most often, plus expert tips to help your project go smoothly.   1. What type of flooring is best for DIY installation? Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and laminate flooring are among the easiest options for DIYers. These “floating floors” click together without glue or nails and offer excellent durability. For high-traffic areas or moisture-prone zones like basements, we recommend vinyl flooring for its water resistance and resilience. 2. Do I need to remove my old flooring? Yes—especially if your existing floor is carpet or damaged tile. Some floors can be installed over older surfaces, but removing old layers ensures a smooth, level base and better long-term results. If you’re unsure, stop by your nearest Giant Floor showroom in Scranton or Wilkes-Barre for personalized guidance. 3. What tools do I need for a DIY install? Utility knife Tapping block Spacers Rubber mallet Measuring tape Flooring cutter (or table saw for complex jobs) Ask our team about DIY flooring tool kits available for purchase or rent. 4. How do I measure my space? Measure the length and width of each room and multiply to get square footage. Always add 10% extra to account for cuts and waste. Need help estimating? Use our in-store flooring calculator or bring your room measurements into the store. 5. Do I need underlayment? Yes—most floating floors require underlayment to provide cushioning, reduce sound, and protect against moisture. Some products come with attached underlayment, but be sure to confirm with our experts before skipping this step. 6. Can I install flooring in the winter? Absolutely. Just let your flooring acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity for 48 hours before installation. This is especially important during northeast Pennsylvania’s cold winters, which can impact material expansion. 7. Where should I start the first row? Begin along the longest, straightest wall, ideally in a more visible part of the room. Use spacers to maintain a ¼-inch expansion gap between the flooring and the wall. 8. What if I make a mistake? Mistakes happen—especially on your first project. Fortunately, most floating floors can be popped up and re-clicked into place. For trickier situations, our team is always available with DIY support and recommendations. 9. How long does a project take? Most single-room projects (200–300 sq. ft.) can be completed in a day or weekend. Allocate more time for larger spaces or if you need to remove and dispose of old flooring. 10. Where can I get materials locally? That’s where we come in. At Giant Floor, we stock a massive selection of in-stock flooring options ready for pickup or delivery. Whether you're in Scranton or Wilkes-Barre, our showrooms are here to support your DIY goals from start to finish. Explore our full range of laminate flooring, carpet tiles, and DIY-friendly flooring solutions online or in-store. Ready to Start Your DIY Flooring Project? Whether it’s your first project or your fifth, Giant Floor is your local partner for DIY flooring installation in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Stop by today, talk with our flooring experts, and take home the tools and materials you need to succeed.

  Creative DIY Flooring Ideas for Scranton & Wilkes-Barre Homes Looking to upgrade your space with a little personality? DIY flooring is more than just practical—it's a chance to show off your style, save money, and have fun doing it. At Giant Floor, we’re seeing more and more homeowners in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre turn to creative DIY flooring ideas to add bold flair, comfort, and function to their homes. Whether you're redoing a playroom, basement, home office, or just want a weekend project that transforms a space, we’ve got some inspiring ideas to get you started. 1. Foam Tiles for Playrooms & Colorful Spaces As seen in the image above, interlocking foam tiles are perfect for children’s play areas or anywhere you want soft, padded flooring. They come in tons of vibrant colors and can be arranged in checkerboard or custom mosaic patterns. Best of all, they’re easy to install, affordable, and safe for kids. Great for: Playrooms, nurseries, basements 2. Peel-and-Stick Vinyl Patterns Peel-and-stick vinyl tiles are a classic go-to for renters and DIYers who want a fast, flexible solution. Mix and match patterns, create borders, or use bold colors to mimic geometric art on your floor. It’s easier than wallpaper—and a lot more forgiving! Great for: Kitchens, laundry rooms, mudrooms 3. Painted Plywood Floors On a tight budget? If you’ve got exposed plywood subfloors, consider painting them with porch paint or stencils for a rustic-chic effect. Seal it with polyurethane for durability, and you've got a unique, artistic floor that costs next to nothing. Great for: Workshops, garages, attics 4. Mix Flooring Materials Get creative by combining different flooring types in the same space. Blend laminate wood planks with tile or use a carpet tile border around a vinyl core. This approach can add zones to open floor plans while keeping things functional and stylish. Great for: Open living/dining areas, creative studios 5. Stained Concrete with DIY Designs If you’re working with a concrete floor, turn it into a showpiece! You can stain it, use painter’s tape to make graphic patterns, or even polish and stencil it. Add rugs for warmth or pair it with industrial lighting for a loft vibe. Great for: Basements, patios, home gyms 6. Removable Carpet Tiles Want a warmer feel without committing to full carpeting? Removable carpet tiles let you mix colors and patterns for a fully custom look. They're perfect for anyone who loves to rearrange or decorate seasonally. Great for: Home offices, rental units, temporary spaces DIY Tip: Don’t Be Afraid to Get Bold Your floors don’t have to be neutral. Use color, contrast, and unexpected textures to bring joy and identity to your space. DIY flooring gives you the freedom to experiment—whether it’s bright checkerboards, wood-look vinyl planks, or stenciled concrete mandalas. Start Your DIY Project at Giant Floor At Giant Floor, we carry all the materials, inspiration, and expert advice you need to bring your creative flooring ideas to life. Our showrooms in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre have thousands of in-stock options perfect for DIYers of all experience levels. DIY-friendly vinyl flooring Durable laminate options Flexible carpet tile collections Browse our in-stock flooring Have a question or idea? Stop by, chat with our experts, and get started on your next flooring masterpiece. Your home deserves floors that reflect your creativity. Let’s make it happen — the DIY way.