David Lupberger: Hi, I am David Lupberger, Home Improvement Expert for ServiceMagic. I am talking about floor finish options available for under $1,500 when renovating your kitchen. There are range of floor products available, such as Vinyl, Laminates, which include Pad and the actual Wood Laminate, Hardwood both pre-finished and unfinished.

Pre-finished is the most simple to install, because your floor is finished upon installation. If you want a range of color choices, you can also stain and seal unfinished hardwood. Here are some samples, as you can see there are ranges of color choices. A custom floor finish like this can highlight freshly painted cabinets or walls. Now with tile or slate, plan for a subfloor installation of one half inch plywood to prevent tile cracking.

The subfloor is usually glued and screwed to give the floor rigidity. This will prevent cracking of the tile by eliminating flux within the floor. I don't recommend carpet in the kitchen for all the reason you can imagine, but it is an option if you choose to use it. When installing a new floor, be aware that they are with wood laminates hardwood and tile, you're raising the floor by one half to three quarters of an inch or more.

Be aware of the rise in floor height, so that your dishwasher will fit in the remaining allowable space. Most dishwashers have adjustable legs, but check to be sure. These flooring materials are usually sold on a cost per square foot basis. Cost, again, are all over the board, but there are exceptions. Be sure to check with numerous floor and suppliers and distributors, and ask about discounted and close-out materials and discontinued lines.

Ask to see what they have, so that you can get the best selection. Remember, there are always discounts; you just have to take the time to look. You're trading your time to save money by acting as your own material preparer, because you're providing all the materials and hiring an independent installer to complete the installation for you.

In addition there are many service providers that will tell you what kind of prep work you can do to keep your expenses as low as possible. Use these pros as a resource to both acquire the materials and for assistance in getting the project completed. They will help you, when you win, they win.