Why Install Your Own Floors?
Many people have very successfully installed their own floors. For replacing old flooring or for new construction, do-it-yourself homeowners or business owners have good reasons to do the project themselves. Several types of floors can be laid without much experience. However, different materials have their own special requirements, and it is important to thoroughly understand what works best, and what to avoid. This information can be obtained from the flooring distributor, or a building supply store that carries books and instructions on home projects.
Price is a huge factor in installing a floor yourself. Paying a professional to do what you have the time, energy and knowledge to do, is not necessary. Various patterns within the flooring material allows the do-it-yourself installer to more carefully select those pieces which will look best when laid next to each other. This is especially true with wood plank flooring, patterned tile, or vinyl. Creative ideas can often be carried out more effectively when someone else is not installing the floor. Often, the owner of the property is not around while the work is being done by someone else, and it is too late to make changes after completion of the project.
Many flooring materials need a low-moisture environment. This is very true for wood planking. New construction often has water or sub-flooring moisture issues, and if materials are not stored properly prior to installation, the flooring can be damaged. Contractors sometimes overlook potential problems such as this. It is reassuring to know exactly when the flooring will be delivered, and have control over each phase of the installation process.
Wood floors, whether solid hardwood floor or engineered hardwood, offer an opportunity for the homeowner to choose pattern layout. Some types of wood have distinct and varying colors, patterns and lengths. A contractor may do random installation without consulting the owner. This does not always produce the best effect. Also, stain choices and coverage can be adjusted to suit if doing it yourself. Installation of hardwood flooring, such as exotic hardwoods or hickory may, however, present a problem for those who do not have the tools necessary to cut these very hard woods. Inexperience, or inadequate tools, can result in damaged wood, damaged tools, or injury. Sub-flooring requirements for wood plank floors is quite specific for laying flooring in basements or other areas where moisture or direct sunlight might be a problem. Knowledge of appropriate flooring sites is required.
Ceramic or other hard tile floors require knowlege of materials, sub-flooring requirements, and specialized tools for cutting and fitting. This may indicate additional purchases for the novice. However, with care and instructions, tile is fairly easy to install, and if small mistakes are made, they can be corrected quickly. If you are considering installing tile yourself, it is important to obtain the opinions of the distributor in terms of tile size, colors and care. Tile installation is not as simple as it would appear, as tile must be laid in certain ways in order for the finished project to look balanced. If done incorrectly, a tile floor may appear sloppy or amateurish.
Vinyl sheet flooring also has special needs, and while many people do install their own, if not done properly, the result can be undesirable. Vinyl installation requires a very smooth surface, either from the sub-flooring or a created surface. Imperfections in sub-flooring materials can ruin the appearance of a vinyl floor, and these are very difficult to correct. The novice would do well to consult with the vinyl distributor, and even pay to have an expert inspect the floor prior to installation.
Most floors can, with care and knowledge, be installed by the property owner. However, many people do not take the necessary time or effort to properly prepare and equip themselves with the needed tools for the materials with which they will be working. This can result in unexpected expense. On the other hand, when floors are installed properly by the property owner, the savings can be significant.