Running a hotel or resort isn't just about providing a bed and a view—it's about creating experiences that make guests feel welcome, comfortable, and eager to return. But here's the thing: those experiences shouldn't come with a price tag that breaks the bank, especially when it comes to one of the most high-traffic, high-impact elements of your space: the flooring. From the moment a guest steps into your lobby to the second they sink their feet into the carpet of their suite, flooring sets the tone for their stay. And if you're managing a hospitality project, you know the struggle all too well: how do you balance cost, durability, style, and sustainability without compromising on any?
That's where we come in. As a commercial building materials supplier with decades of experience serving hotels, resorts, and hospitality venues across the Middle East and beyond, we've seen firsthand the challenges project managers face. You need flooring that can withstand scuffing from luggage, spills from poolside bars, and the constant foot traffic of busy hallways—all while looking fresh, stylish, and aligned with your brand's vibe. And yes, you need it to fit within a budget that leaves room for other guest-pleasing upgrades, from luxury linens to state-of-the-art amenities.
In this guide, we're breaking down the most cost-effective flooring solutions for hospitality projects, sharing insights from our work with clients in Saudi Arabia and globally, and showing you how to stretch your budget further without sacrificing quality. Whether you're renovating a boutique hotel in Riyadh, building a beachfront resort in Jeddah, or upgrading a business hotel in Dubai, we've got you covered. Let's dive in.
Let's start with the obvious: hospitality projects are expensive. Between construction, furniture, staffing, and marketing, every dirham counts. Flooring alone can account for 15-20% of your interior renovation budget—if you're not careful. But here's the mistake many project managers make: choosing the cheapest option upfront, only to pay more later. A low-quality floor might save you money today, but when it starts peeling in the lobby after six months or staining in guest rooms after the first rainy season, you'll be hit with replacement costs that dwarf your initial savings.
We recently worked with a mid-range hotel in Dammam that had this exact issue. They opted for budget vinyl flooring in their corridors to cut costs, but within a year, the seams were lifting, and the finish was scuffed beyond repair. The total cost to replace it? Three times what they'd saved by choosing the cheaper option. That's why "cheap" shouldn't mean "low-quality"—it should mean "smart value." The best flooring for hospitality projects is the kind that delivers long-term durability, easy maintenance, and timeless style at a price that fits your budget from day one.
Cost is critical, but it's not the only player in the game. Let's break down the other must-haves for hospitality flooring:
Now that we've covered the "why," let's get to the "what." Below are our top picks for budget-friendly flooring that checks all the boxes: durability, style, sustainability, and easy maintenance. Each option is tried-and-tested in hospitality settings, and yes—they're all available through our one-stop architectural solution provider services, so you can source everything from flooring to fixtures without juggling multiple suppliers.
| Flooring Type | Average Cost (per sqm) | Durability Rating | Best For | Sustainability Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WPC Flooring | $25–$45 | Excellent (5–10 year lifespan) | Lobbies, corridors, pool areas | Recyclable core, low VOC emissions |
| Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) | $20–$35 | Very Good (7–15 year lifespan) | Guest rooms, restaurants, lounges | Phthalate-free, some recycled content |
| Terrazzo Tile | $30–$50 | Exceptional (20+ year lifespan) | Lobbies, ballrooms, high-end areas | Up to 70% recycled aggregates |
| Laminate Flooring | $15–$30 | Good (5–8 year lifespan) | Guest rooms, offices, staff areas | Certified by FSC, low formaldehyde |
| Carpet Tiles | $12–$25 | Moderate (3–7 year lifespan) | Bedrooms, meeting rooms, corridors | Recyclable, made from post-consumer plastic |
If we had to pick one flooring type that "does it all" for hospitality, it would be Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) flooring. Made from a blend of wood fibers, plastic, and a stabilizing agent, WPC is built to handle the chaos of hotel life—and it does it at a fraction of the cost of hardwood or natural stone.
Waterproofing is where WPC truly shines. Unlike hardwood, which warps when wet, or traditional vinyl, which can peel at the seams, WPC has a 100% waterproof core. That makes it perfect for pool decks, bathrooms, and beachfront resorts where sand and water are constant companions. We installed WPC flooring at a coastal hotel in Yanbu last year, and after 12 months of saltwater splashes and sandy feet, the floors still look brand new.
Durability? WPC's wear layer (measured in mils) can range from 6 to 20 mils; for high-traffic areas like lobbies, we recommend 12+ mils. This layer resists scratches, scuffs, and stains—even from wine spills or shoe polish. And because it's rigid, it won't dent under heavy furniture, which is a huge plus for hotel rooms with king-sized beds and dressers.
Cost-wise, WPC sits in the mid-range ($25–$45 per sqm), but its longevity means you won't be replacing it every 3–5 years like cheaper vinyl. Plus, it installs quickly—often over existing flooring, which cuts down on labor costs. For a 100-room hotel, that could mean saving weeks of construction time (and thousands in labor bills).
Our WPC collection isn't just "one-size-fits-all." We offer over 50 wood, stone, and tile-inspired designs, from warm oak tones for cozy mountain resorts to cool gray marbles for modern city hotels. We even have slip-resistant options for wet areas like pool decks and shower rooms. And because we're a commercial building materials supplier with local stock in Saudi Arabia, you won't have to wait months for shipments—we can deliver within 2–3 weeks of your order.
Want the look of travertine in your lobby or teak in your guest rooms—without paying travertine or teak prices? Enter Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT). LVT uses high-definition printing to replicate natural materials so accurately, most guests won't be able to tell the difference. And at $20–$35 per sqm, it's a fraction of the cost of the real thing.
LVT comes in planks (for wood looks) and tiles (for stone or ceramic looks), and the design options are endless. For a luxury resort in Abha, we used LVT that mimics Italian marble in the lobby—guests raved about the "opulent" feel, and the owners loved that they paid 70% less than they would have for real marble. In another project, a boutique hotel in Riyadh opted for herringbone-patterned LVT planks in their restaurant, creating a "Parisian bistro" vibe on a tight budget.
Time is money, especially when you're renovating an active hotel. LVT installs with a click-lock system, meaning no messy glue or long drying times. A typical guest room (25 sqm) can be floored in under 2 hours by a professional team. For a 50-room renovation, that's just 5 days of flooring work—compared to 2–3 weeks for natural stone. Less downtime means you can welcome guests back sooner, boosting your revenue.
Terrazzo has been around for centuries, and for good reason: it's durable, customizable, and surprisingly eco-friendly. Made from chips of marble, granite, or glass set in a cement or epoxy binder, terrazzo is a sustainable choice that adds a touch of old-world charm to modern spaces.
Up to 70% of terrazzo's content can be recycled, making it a star player in sustainable building solutions . We source our terrazzo from manufacturers who use post-industrial waste glass and stone offcuts, reducing the need for new mining. For hotels aiming to meet Saudi Arabia's 2030 sustainability targets, this is a huge win—plus, it's a great story to share with guests in your marketing materials.
Terrazzo is sealed with a high-gloss finish that repels stains and bacteria, making it ideal for restaurants and food service areas. Spills wipe up with a damp cloth, and unlike grout lines in tile floors, terrazzo has minimal seams—so there's nowhere for dirt or mold to hide. A hotel in Mecca that installed terrazzo in their dining hall reported a 40% reduction in cleaning time for that area alone.
Cost-wise, terrazzo is pricier upfront ($30–$50 per sqm), but its lifespan is 20+ years with proper care. That's a long-term investment that pays off, especially for high-end resorts looking to create a timeless aesthetic.
Laminate is a classic for a reason: it's affordable, durable, and comes in hundreds of styles. At $15–$30 per sqm, it's one of the cheapest options on this list, making it perfect for budget-conscious projects or areas where style matters less than function (think staff quarters, back-of-house corridors, or economy guest rooms).
Not all laminate is created equal. Look for the AC (Abrasion Class) rating: AC1 is for light residential use, while AC5 is for heavy commercial use. For hotels, we recommend AC4 or AC5 for guest rooms and corridors (high traffic) and AC3 for lounges or meeting rooms (moderate traffic). Our laminate collection includes AC5 options with aluminum oxide coatings that resist scratches from furniture and luggage.
Gone are the days of "fake-looking" laminate. Our latest lines feature embossed textures that mimic the grain of real wood, and the color range includes everything from light ash to dark walnut. For a budget hotel chain in Jeddah, we used gray wash laminate in their standard rooms—guests noted the "clean, modern" feel, and the chain saved over $100,000 on flooring costs compared to using hardwood.
Carpet might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think "durable," but carpet tiles are a game-changer for hospitality. Unlike wall-to-wall carpet, which requires full replacement if a section is stained or damaged, carpet tiles can be swapped out individually—saving you big on maintenance costs.
Imagine a guest spills red wine on the carpet in their room. With wall-to-wall carpet, you'd have to replace the entire room's carpet (costing $200–$300). With carpet tiles? Just pop out the stained tile and replace it ($20–$30). For a hotel with 200 rooms, that could mean saving $10,000+ per year in maintenance. Plus, carpet tiles are easy to install and can be mixed and matched to create custom patterns—great for adding branding elements (like your hotel logo) in lobbies or lounges.
Hotels are noisy places—guests talking, doors slamming, luggage rolling. Carpet tiles absorb sound, reducing noise transfer between rooms and creating a quieter, more relaxing environment for guests. We recently installed carpet tiles in a family-friendly resort in Al Ula, and the feedback was clear: parents loved that their kids' playful running didn't disturb neighboring rooms, and overall guest satisfaction scores rose by 15%.
Choosing the right flooring is important, but it's just one piece of the puzzle. As a one-stop architectural solution provider , we're here to make your hospitality project run smoother, cost less, and deliver better results—from start to finish. Here's how we add value beyond just supplying flooring:
Juggling multiple suppliers for flooring, lighting, fixtures, and furniture is a recipe for delays, miscommunications, and inflated costs. With our one-stop service, you can source everything you need for your project from a single partner. Need WPC flooring for corridors, LVT for guest rooms, and terrazzo for the lobby? We've got it all. Plus, you'll work with a dedicated account manager who understands your project timeline and budget, so you're never left chasing updates.
We've been operating in Saudi Arabia for over 30 years, so we know the local market inside out. We understand the unique challenges of hospitality projects here—from extreme temperature fluctuations (which can affect flooring installation) to compliance with Saudi building codes. Our team includes Arabic-speaking project managers who can liaise with local contractors, and we keep stock in Riyadh and Jeddah to ensure fast deliveries, even during peak construction seasons.
But don't mistake "local" for "limited." We partner with global manufacturers to bring you the latest innovations in flooring and building materials, all backed by international quality certifications (ISO, CE, etc.). It's the best of both worlds: local support with global standards.
We believe sustainable building solutions shouldn't be a luxury—and that's why all the flooring options listed above come with eco-friendly features at no extra cost. Our WPC and LVT are low-VOC, our terrazzo is high in recycled content, and even our carpet tiles are made from post-consumer plastic bottles. Plus, we offer carbon-neutral delivery options for local projects, helping you reduce your project's overall footprint.
For clients aiming to align with Saudi Arabia's 2030 Vision, we also provide documentation to support LEED or Estidama certification applications. It's our way of helping you build a hotel that's not just profitable, but also responsible.
Still not convinced that budget-friendly flooring can deliver luxury results? Let's walk through a real-life example. Last year, we partnered with a 200-room resort in Al Khobar that was undergoing a full renovation. Their goal: update the flooring in lobbies, corridors, guest rooms, and pool areas while staying under $500,000. Here's how we did it:
The resort's original flooring was 15 years old: marble in the lobby (beautiful but cracked and stained), hardwood in corridors (warped from humidity), and wall-to-wall carpet in guest rooms (stained beyond cleaning). Their initial quote from another supplier was $620,000—$120,000 over budget.
Total cost: $480,000—$120,000 under budget. The resort opened on time, and guest feedback was overwhelmingly positive: 92% of reviewers mentioned the "fresh, modern" flooring. Best of all, their maintenance team reports spending 50% less time on flooring upkeep, freeing them to focus on other guest-facing tasks.
At the end of the day, the "cheapest" flooring isn't the one with the lowest upfront cost—it's the one that delivers the best value over time. By choosing durable, stylish, and easy-to-maintain options like WPC, LVT, or terrazzo, you'll save money on replacements and maintenance, keep guests happy, and align with sustainability goals.
And when you partner with us, you're not just getting flooring—you're getting a team that understands hospitality, local markets, and the art of balancing budget with quality. Whether you're building a new resort or renovating an existing hotel, we're here to help you create spaces that guests love—without breaking the bank.
Ready to start your project? Reach out to our hospitality flooring experts today. We'll walk you through samples, provide a free quote, and show you how our one-stop architectural solution provider services can make your next project a success.
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