There are so many flooring options available right now that it
can be difficult to choose which one might be the best for you. If you’re
planning on installing your own floor, the flooring option that is the
easiest to install may be the favorite.
Installation can
often require specialized tools or materials that increase the cost and
difficulty of installation. For gorgeous flooring that requires none of that,
floating hardwood options are the best. Available in several different styles
and colors, engineered floating hardwood planks are cut with a tongue and
groove pattern on the edges. This pattern makes installation literally a
snap. Simply lay the tongue of one side into the groove of the next and click
together. No special tools or adhesives are necessary, and it can be
installed over the top of most flooring as long a thin foam-rubber
underlayment is laid down first. Laminate flooring is similar in installation
to engineered floating hardwood but is a bit more scratch-resistant.
Floating
vinyl sheets are another good choice for easy DIY installation. Simply remove
the shoe molding from around the base of your walls and make a template of
the floor using paper or cardboard. Lay this template down on top of the
vinyl sheet and use a utility knife to make cuts according to the template.
Lay the vinyl down over the top of the existing floor and replace the shoe
molding. The molding holds the flooring in place, eliminating the need for
glue or troweling.
If you really want carpeting in your
room, the best option for DIYers is carpet squares. Using squares eliminates
the need for so many intricate cuts that can potentially destroy a whole
roll. Squares are also easier to get into a room. Manipulating a giant roll
of carpet is no easy task. The squares are secured to each other by adhesive
dots, and the whole floor floats on the subfloor. No additional adhesives are
necessary, and if a piece becomes stained, it is easily replaced.
Installing
a floor yourself can save thousands of dollars, and choosing one of the
options above can save money, time, and potential headache of
self-installation.
