5 (Common) Cost-Saving Alternatives to Premium Renovation Materials

Premium look, affordable price.

A few hundred dollars here, a thousand dollars there — added together, seemingly slight cost differences in material choices for each feature in your home’s renovation can mount up to a significant sum.

But being on a tight budget doesn’t mean forgoing the aesthetic you’re after. Instead, consider these common alternatives that look almost as good as their premium counterparts, but at a much friendlier price point:

(Note: Images in this article are for illustrative purposes only.)

1. Homogeneous or stone-look porcelain tiles instead of natural stone

Strictly speaking, homogenous tiles refer to tiles — usually porcelain — that have a uniform composition throughout their entire thickness. This means that even if the surface chips, the damage wouldn’t be obvious because the undersurface looks identical.

However, the term is also often loosely used to describe porcelain tiles in general. Since designs are printed on the top surface as a glaze, porcelain tiles come in an infinite number of finishes, including those that resemble natural stone.

Either way, both make great alternatives to natural stone because they offer a similarly luxe aesthetic but require less upkeep (since they’re not porous and don’t require repeated sealing) — all at a lower price point.

Tip: For a seamless natural stone look, consider large format tiles that result in fewer grout lines.

2. Vinyl instead of hardwood flooring (e.g. parquet)

Vinyl is a budget-friendly engineered material that closely mimics the timeless look of hardwood. And because it can be laid over most existing flooring, opting for vinyl flooring can also save you thousands in labour costs, since no prior hacking or re-levelling is required.

With good resistance to scratches, humidity, spills and termite infestations, it’s equally practical from a maintenance standpoint too.

However, compared to hardwood floors like parquet, vinyl does feel softer underfoot. This may be considered a drawback or a benefit, as some homeowners feel that it lacks the solidity of actual wood, while households with kids/elderly may appreciate the gentler impact in the event of a fall.

Nonetheless, vinyl has become one of the most popular flooring options in Singapore’s homes, which suggests that cost and maintenance concerns trump the want for a solid hardwood feel.

3. Quartz instead of sintered stone countertops

If you’ve spoken to an ID or anyone who has renovated lately, chances are, you’d have heard them talk about choosing between quartz and sintered stone.

To the untrained eye, both engineered materials look like natural stone and offer excellent durability against chips, scratches and spills. However, sintered stone has superior heat and UV resistance. Case in point: unlike quartz, placing a hot pan/pot directly on sintered stone will not result in marring/burn marks.

That added performance comes at a premium, though. A standard 5-foot slab of sintered stone 600mm in depth costs between $650 and $1,200, while a similar-sized quartz slab can go as low as $350. Multiply that by the total surface area you need covered, and the difference will easily be in the thousands.

Tip: If you’re looking for ways to cut down on your renovation spending, reserve sintered stone for high-heat areas like your kitchen countertop/island. Then, use quartz in other areas like your bathroom vanity or dry pantry — it’ll get the job done just as well!

4. Limewash/microcement-look wallpapers/laminates instead of actual limewash/microcement

With homeowners gravitating towards spaces that feel warmer, softer, and more organic, limewash and microcement have become increasingly sought-after finishes.

However, applying limewash or microcrement is an extremely laborious (and therefore expensive) process. Due to their porosity, they’re also prone to mould and stains, making them unsuitable as cabinet finishes or for moisture-rich areas like the bathroom.

Because of this, homeowners have increasingly turned to ‘dupes’ like wallpapers and laminates that have a similar look, but are much cheaper to install and easier to maintain.

As a middleground, you could clad your walls in limewash or microcement, then use laminates with a similar look and feel on surrounding cabinets, resulting in a visually cohesive interior.

5. Reeded acrylic instead of fluted glass

Lastly, another material that has been gaining traction in Singapore’s homes is that of fluted glass. It lends a hotel-luxe aesthetic, and allows light to pass through while maintaining privacy — what’s not to love?

Well, for one, glass isn’t cheap. For another, glass is heavy and has a risk of shattering, making it less ideal for households with elderly or rambunctious young kids who love running around.

As an alternative, consider reeded acrylic panels that are not only more affordable, but lighter and much more impact-resistant. In the event that acrylic does break from extreme force, it tends to fragment into large, dull-edged pieces as opposed to sharp shards, making it a safer option.

More ways to get the same look and feel for less

Ultimately, creating a beautiful home doesn’t necessitate choosing the most expensive materials. The key is knowing which compromises are worth making to stay within your budget while achieving the same look and feel.

And that’s where an experienced interior designer can make a real difference — to recommend practical material swaps that suit your priorities, lifestyle needs, and budget. Click on the button below to get started today!