When it comes to your new floors, choosing whether to do it yourself or hire a professional is a big decision. Thinking about DIY or don’t DIY: laminate flooring comes with a lot of big decisions. Installing new flooring yourself requires time, research, and lots of potential stress. Hiring a professional can save you time, trouble, and — believe it or not — money.
Professionals are equipped with all the tools for flooring projects and are prepared for the obstacles that lie ahead. So, deciding which is best can be a major decision. We are here to help guide you in the right direction when it comes to installation of laminate or tile flooring.
Installing new floors can increase the value of your home tremendously when done correctly. Choosing to DIY your next floors can seem like a budget-friendly option when you know what you’re doing. DIY flooring can be risky and more costly if not done correctly, though.
Since flooring is a fixture of your home for years to come, it needs to be installed properly. Here are a few tips so you can avoid any problems before, during, and after installation.
Laminate flooring is a common flooring option that homeowners might choose to install themselves. Laminate comes in planks that snap together easily, and they’re made to mimic a variety of hardwood flooring. Laminate consists of four layers: wear layer, pattern layer, core/substrate layer, and backing layer.
The pattern layer has realistic visuals with an image that is printed from film onto a thin pattern or decorative layer, which is then treated with a wear layer. There are a variety of patterns and textures available, ranging from wood grain and tile to stone patterns. To learn more about Laminate flooring, click here to read our blog “All About Laminate.“
If you have a little experience in construction or handiwork, installing laminate can be done on your own. But if you don’t have adequate time for the job and feel unsure about what you’re doing, hiring a professional contractor at Dalton Floor Tailor might be the best option.
If you choose to DIY your laminate floors, you should determine the direction of the flooring before you start, and make sure that your subfloor is prepared, level, and structurally sound. You should not install laminate on uneven subfloors, any floors with a drain, or areas exposed to dampness or humidity. Inspect your planks for any visible damage before installing and be sure to use a laminate installation kit to assist in the process.
Be sure to keep the area clean before installation; to avoid excess debris, don’t cut the planks in the installation area. You should leave a .25” expansion gap around the perimeter and .5” for larger areas. This leaves room for molding, which you should affix to the wall with room underneath for the floor to expand and contract. And, don’t use nails.
When choosing to DIY your new flooring, remember that it can be done! However, a professional install will include details like adding trim and leveling the subfloor. So, for more complicated projects, the extra money spent will be worth the time and energy saved. Our experts at Floor Tailor are here to help you with any project you are considering so make your appointment with us today!
