DIY-Flooring-installation

Whether you’re looking to update your home’s look or you’re designing a new layout, installing new flooring can make a huge difference. But with so many different types of flooring available, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this article, we’ll go over the different types of flooring, which ones you can install yourself and which should be left to experts, as well as a step-by-step guide for installing each type of DIY-friendly flooring.

Types of Flooring

There are many different types of flooring available on the market today, and each type comes with its own set of pros and cons. While some types of flooring can be installed by DIYers, others are best left to the experts. Generally, more complex installations, like tile or concrete flooring, are best handled by professionals.

Here are some of the most popular types of flooring and what you should know about each one:

Hardwood Flooring

hardwood-flooring
Hardwood flooring is a classic and durable flooring option that can last for many years. Depending on the type of wood (maple, oak, walnut, or cherry) you choose, this flooring can be pricey, with costs ranging from $5 to $15 per square foot. One of the more DIY-friendly options, hardwood flooring is best suited for traditional or rustic interior design styles.

Laminate Flooring

laminate-flooring
Laminate flooring is a budget-friendly option that can mimic the look of hardwood or other materials. It is typically easier to install than hardwood, with costs ranging from $3 to $7 per square foot. Laminate flooring is versatile and can work well in both modern and traditional interior design styles. Although it may take a few hours and will need the right equipment, it can still be handled by beginners.

Vinyl Flooring

vinyl-flooring
Vinyl flooring is also budget-friendly and DIY-suited. It is a waterproof and durable option that comes in a variety of styles and colors. Costs are typically between $1 and $5 per square foot. Vinyl flooring is made of plastic and comes in plank, sheet, and tile configurations.

Tile Flooring

tile-flooring
Tile flooring is a durable and easy-to-clean option that is ideal for high-traffic and moisture-prone areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. It can be expensive, with costs ranging from $3 per square foot for ceramic tile, and $3 to $10 for porcelain tile. Tile flooring is best suited for modern or Mediterranean interior design styles.

This one is best left to the experts. Installing tile floors involves several steps, including preparing the subfloor, laying out the tiles, cutting the tiles to fit around corners and edges, and grouting. It’s easy for beginners to fumble any of these steps because they don’t have the necessary expertise or equipment. Improper installation can lead to cracked or loose tiles, which can be expensive to repair.

Concrete flooring

Concrete-flooring
Concrete flooring is a modern and sleek option that can add an industrial or minimalist aesthetic to any room. The average cost for basic concrete flooring ranges from $2 to $6 per square foot, while stamped or stained concrete can cost up to $15 per square foot. Concrete floors are best suited for contemporary and industrial interior designs. Like tile floors, they are not very DIY-friendly, and they are one of the most complicated flooring options to install.

The curing time for concrete can take up to 30 days, and the floor needs to be treated with care during this time to prevent cracking or damage. Because of the complexity of the installation process, it’s best to leave concrete flooring to professional concrete contractors. These experts have the necessary tools and experience to pour and level the concrete, as well as ensure proper curing and finishing.

Flooring Options You Can Install Yourself, and How to Install Them

If you’re handy and comfortable with DIY projects, there are several types of flooring you can install yourself. Let’s take a closer look at them, along with step-by-step instructions on how to install each type of flooring:

Hardwood Flooring

To install hardwood flooring, you’ll need the following materials:

  • Hardwood flooring
  • Underlayment paper
  • Flooring stapler/nailer
  • Hammer
  • Saw
  • Tape measure
  • Pry bar

Step-by-Step Instructions:

To install hardwood flooring, you’ll need the following materials:

  • Measure the room and determine how much flooring you’ll need. Add 10% to account for waste.
  • Remove the existing flooring and any baseboards or molding.
  • Lay down the underlayment paper.
  • Begin laying the hardwood planks, starting in a corner of the room and working your way out.
  • Use the stapler/nailer to secure the planks in place, making sure to leave space for expansion.
  • Continue laying the planks until the entire room is covered.
  • Install molding around the perimeter of the room where the new floor meets the baseboard.

Laminate Flooring

To install laminate flooring, you’ll need the following materials:

  • Laminate flooring
  • Underlayment foam
  • Tape measure
  • Saw
  • Spacers

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Measure the room and determine how much flooring you’ll need. Add 10% to account for waste.
  • Remove the existing flooring and any baseboards or molding.
  • Lay down the underlayment foam.
  • Start in a corner of the room and lay the first row of laminate planks, using spacers to create a gap between the planks and the wall.
  • Continue laying the planks, making sure to stagger the joints.
  • Use the saw to cut planks to fit around obstacles like doorways.
  • Install molding around the room perimeter.

Vinyl Flooring

To install vinyl flooring, you’ll need the following materials:

  • Vinyl flooring
  • Underlayment
  • Utility knife
  • Tape measure
  • Adhesive
  • Floor roller

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Measure the room and determine how much flooring you’ll need. Add 10% to account for waste.
  • Remove the existing flooring and any baseboards or molding.
  • Lay down the underlayment.
  • Cut the vinyl flooring to size using a utility knife.
  • If you’re using self-stick vinyl, applying it is straightforward, and there are usually instructions for application.
  • For glue-down vinyl, spread the adhesive across the underlayment in several sections and press down the vinyl using a floor roller.

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