DIY home flooring can be a great way to update your home, without breaking the bank. Many people think of remodeling their homes and updated flooring as a huge expense, but if you’re willing to put in a little work and research, you can get that same look for much less. Here’s how:
1. Research your options. What kinds of materials and styles of flooring will give you the look you’re after? Check out online resources and magazines to narrow down your choices, and then read up on the individual products to make sure they fit both your needs and your budget.
2. Account for long-term costs. Even if you’re on a tight budget, don’t forget to factor in the cost of materials, tools and supplies you’ll need to take on this project. Taking the time to figure out the total costs upfront before you start will save you time and money in the long run.
3. Shop around. Check out multiple stores and even online resources to compare prices and make sure you’re getting the best deal. It can be tempting to grab the item right away, but taking the time to shop around for the best price can save you a lot of money.
4. Consider the climate. Make sure you’re choosing the right kind of flooring for your climate. Flooring materials that work well in the sun or rain will ultimately last longer and save you money down the line.
5. Take on some of the work yourself. Installing flooring yourself isn’t always easy, but if you’re up for the challenge, there are a lot of resources available to guide you through the process. Plus, the labor cost you save by doing it yourself can make a huge difference.
6. Measure twice, order once. Never trust your eyeball to determine the size of your flooring. Always measure to ensure that you have the right size, as ordering too much in the wrong size could cost you money.
7. Deep clean. Before you install, thoroughly vacuum, dust and clean the area to ensure that the flooring material will adhere properly. Taking this extra step will help your flooring last longer and reduce the amount of maintenance you’ll have to do down the line.
At the same time, many homeowners discount the invaluable work of professionals and underestimate the complexities of home flooring projects. Before you dive in, consider the full scope of the project and whether or not you have the skill set, tools and resources to complete it. It’s always wiser in the long run to have the job done correctly the first time.
Make sure you have all the tools and supplies you need before you get started. Many DIY projects require items such as easy to use measuring tapes, saws, or staple guns to be bought separately. Consider renting rather than buying professional-grade tools if you don’t need them later for future DIY projects.
Back up your project with the right flooring accessories. Invest in underlayment, edging, and even adhesive-specific products to give further support to your flooring for a longer life.
Don’t be afraid of getting creative. Take on the task of repairs, mixing and matching flooring materials to reduce costs without compromising on the aesthetics. You can also repurpose old flooring materials as accents for a unique and fun look.
It’s always worthwhile researching the right flooring for your space. Consider the “lifestyle” of a room – foot traffic, humidity, and the type of environment it will be exposed to. Start by identifying your needs and doing your research for the most suitable and cost-effective flooring for your home.
Lastly, choose a long-lasting, high-quality installation for a job well done. Cheap flooring materials aren’t always the best option, as they can risk deteriorating quickly and costing you even more over time. Weigh out the pros and cons of the different options and decide on the right one for your home and your budget.
Finally, be smart about how you choose the right products. Different flooring materials have different thicknesses and levels of durability, and the cheapest may not be the most substitute. Take into consideration the care required, fade and stain resistant qualities, warranties, and review product reviews to find the right flooring options.
Be brave and explore the courage to be a little creative with your DIY home flooring transformation. Try swapping materials between rooms to create a singularized look throughout your home and consider mixing and matching patterns, colors, or textures to create a unique look. With a little bit of creativity and some basic tools, an entire home remodel can be achieved at a fraction of the cost.
When it comes to transforming a space, floors often come to mind first, as they offer a wide range of possibilities. Take time to discover cheaper, underutilized, and uniquely sustainable flooring materials that can help you save on installation costs, like cork or bamboo.
Sometimes, cheaper flooring materials such as laminate can end up being more expensive than initially planned, due to factoring in installation and extra ventilation and insulation. Also, think about the kind of floor pattern you want – a big, bold, graphic statement or a subtle, more classic look.
At the same time, consider the scale of your room and how it would look with certain flooring. Some floors can make your room look bigger or smaller than it actually is. So take time to browse and find the right fit for your space.
You may not be able to buy the most contemporary, popular flooring styles, but you can still purchase high-quality, reliable flooring and often receive discount incentives for repeat purchases. Bulk buying from a supplier can sometimes save you a significant amount of money.
Finally, remember that it’s essential to uphold the quality of the floor. Do regular maintenance on the floor’s surface, and make sure to clean any spills or dirt as soon as they appear. Although this will often extend the life of your flooring, be proactive – as replacing flooring can be a lengthy and expensive process.
Seek out materials that are built to last and less susceptible to wear and tear. Consider the durability of wood versus tile. Natural wood is harder wearing and won’t react to environmental conditions such as humidity or sunlight.
Ultimately, DIYing your flooring can be a great way to save money and get the look you’re after, without sacrificing too much time or money. So with a little bit of hard work, and a good game plan, you can completely overhaul your home’s flooring and get the look you’ve been dreaming of.