Doing-it-yourself (DIY) home flooring installations is a popular and cost-effective way to upgrade your home and make it look incredible. Flooring installations can be quite the undertaking, so having an ultimate guide to provide a step-by-step process is essential! Let’s dive in and get started so you can have beautiful new floors!
First, you need to decide what transformation you intend to make. Do you want to go for the traditional hardwood, or a modern, trendy laminate? Perhaps you’d like to add some tile or give your basement a rustic, cozy feel with vinyl plank. Thinking ahead and stocking up on necessary materials before starting the project saves time and money, so make sure to do your research.
Second, pre-planning is critical if you intend on successful DIY home flooring installation. Decide on a timeline and the order you’d like to do things in. For example, is it best to start with the subfloor, or the main surface area itself? Double-check how much tools and materials you will need and make sure the square footage is accurate.
Third, you will need assistance! It might be tempting to go it alone and install your own floor, but it’s often wiser and safer to enlist the help of someone else. Make sure to have everything you need prepared when your friend arrives and plan for how best to lend a hand.
Fourth, make sure to wear eye protection and respirators if you are using any harmful chemicals. This step is essential to avoid any negative effects from potentially hazardous materials. Also, leave yourself some extra time in case of any unexpected things that might come up.
Fifth, make sure your floor is completely clean and clear of any dirt or debris. To do this, use a broom, vacuum or mop to do a thorough sweep of the area. Make sure to lay out padding, underlayment, and plywood that will support your flooring material.
Sixth, the actual installation will now begin. Start in the farthest corner of the room and make sure to use appropriate nails or glue for the material you have chosen. Work your way towards the door and cut where necessary.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, take your time with the finishing touches. Measuring twice and cutting once is a good rule of thumb to avoid having to redo any part of your flooring. Use a leveling tool to ensure the surface remains even, and then grout, sand, or finish as necessary. Good luck and have fun!
Sixth, If you are looking to add hardwood flooring, make sure to acclimate the hardwood planks for a minimum of two weeks in the room they will be installed in. This will help make sure the planks don’t expand or contract abnormally due to temperature and humidity fluctuations. Make sure to inspect the planks before installing them as you may find some planks to have warping, knots, and discoloring.
Seventh, when installing laminate floor planks, make sure to use the most current technology and materials, such as locking mechanisms and glide sealant, that are designed for the installation and maintainance of laminate floors. Make sure to measure the appliance flanges and doorjambs carefully and allow for expansion.
Eighth, tile flooring requires precision when installing. Make sure everything is completely stable and level before you begin. Use spacers to ensure the tile is symmetrical and use high-quality setting materials for the best results.
Ninth, vinyl plank flooring is another popular DIY choice as it’s easier to install than hardwood or tiles. Start in the center of the room and make sure to finish at the edges. Use a utility knife to trim the excess. Once installed, use a roller to apply even pressure to the planks and make sure to use the correct adhesive to seal the edges.
Tenth, determine whether you are going to use loose-lay, glued-down or click-lock vinyl for the install. Loose-lay is temporarily installed and can easily be removed after some time if you would like to try a new flooring material. Glued-down vinyl is a more permanent solution and click-lock is the latest advance in Vinyl plank flooring.
Eleventh, make sure to pre-finish all your surfaces and materials before installing them. This is important in order to achieve the best results. Use sealers or wax to protect and nourish the floor and make sure to use quality brushes and rollers.
Twelfth, although installing flooring may sound complicated, don’t forget about the fun part: decorating your newly finished floor! Add rugs, pillows, and furniture to create the perfect space. Using DIY lighting, throw pillows, and wall art to bring your room to life.