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Give Your DIY Flooring Installation a Professional Finish

It’s amazing how upgrading the floor can completely change your perspective of a home. If you have been in your Ripple Creek home for a while and feel it’s time to refresh your home, we want to help you out. We know that installing new flooring can transform a room, adding value, style, and comfort to your home. Whether you’re considering hardwood, tile, laminate, or carpet, proper installation is key to ensuring a polished, lasting look. You want to DIY but not look like it right? Well, here are some essential tips to guide you through the process of flooring installation, from prep to final touches.

Choose the Right Type of Flooring

Not all flooring is suitable for every room. High-moisture areas, like bathrooms and basements, typically require waterproof or water-resistant options, such as tile or vinyl. For living rooms and bedrooms, hardwood, laminate, or carpeting may be better suited. Assess each room’s needs and select flooring that meets the demands of its environment.

Prepare Your Subfloor

A smooth, clean, and even subfloor is essential for successful installation. Before laying down any new material, inspect your subfloor for cracks, dips, or bumps, as these can affect the look and longevity of your flooring. For hardwood or tile, consider adding a layer of underlayment, which helps improve durability and offers insulation. Laminate and vinyl often come with built-in underlayment but may still need smoothing out.

Gather the Right Tools

Having the right tools on hand ensures a seamless installation process. Basic tools include a tape measure, utility knife, level, hammer, and nails or screws, depending on your flooring type. For hardwood or laminate, a saw and spacers are also essential. Tile installation requires a tile cutter, grout, and spacers, while carpet installation will need a knee kicker and carpet stretcher. Investing in quality tools can make the process easier and prevent damage to your flooring.

Allow Flooring to Acclimate

Many people aren’t aware of the fact that some flooring materials, particularly hardwood and laminate, need to adjust to your home’s humidity and temperature before installation. Let your flooring acclimate by keeping it in the room where it will be installed for 48-72 hours. This helps prevent warping, gaps, or expansion issues after installation.

Plan Your Layout

Take time to plan your layout before you begin laying down planks, tiles, or carpet. For wood and laminate, avoid lining up seams in a straight line, as this can weaken the structure and cause visible seams. Tile patterns, like a herringbone or staggered layout, can add style but require precise planning. Always start from the center of the room to ensure even spacing.

Use Spacers to Account for Expansion

Materials like hardwood and laminate naturally expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. Use spacers between the flooring and wall to leave an expansion gap, which prevents buckling over time. Typically, a ¼-inch gap around the room’s perimeter works well.

Finish with Trim and Molding

To achieve a professional finish, take your time and check that each row is level before continuing. Once your flooring is down, add trim or molding to cover the expansion gap around the room’s perimeter. This step is essential for giving your new flooring a polished, finished look. Baseboards or quarter-round trim work well to cover gaps, while transition strips help bridge different types of flooring in doorways and hallways.

Just imagine how you’ll feel as you walk across the very floor you installed. We know that installing flooring is a rewarding project that can enhance your Ripple Creek home’s appearance. By choosing the right materials, taking time to prep, and paying attention to details, you can achieve a professional, long-lasting finish. So don’t be afraid to DIY, these tips will ensure your new floor is both beautiful and built to last.

By Ripple Creek Homes Staff 11-1-2024