How to Prepare for Installing Your Own Flooring Like an Expert
Ready to take your home’s interior up a notch? Installing your own new flooring can be a rewarding and cost-effective DIY project. However, to achieve professional-looking results, proper preparation is essential, and will make the experience much better overall.
When you choose Nice Floors for beautiful new flooring, you’re ready to get going with a little advance preparation. Of course, hiring a professional flooring installer is always an option—but why not save a lot on your budget AND learn a new skill?
In this guide to prepping for flooring installation, we walk you through the step-by-step process of preparing for flooring installation just like an expert. Because preparing your floors and the overall space is so important, you want to make short cuts. We also will address common errors and mistakes to help you avoid pitfalls and achieve the best possible outcome in installing your new flooring!
Assessing the Room
Before diving into your flooring project, it’s crucial to assess the room thoroughly. Measure the space accurately, accounting for any irregularities or obstacles. One common mistake is underestimating the amount of flooring needed. Taking accurate measurements will ensure you purchase enough material for the job. Additionally, don’t overlook checking for moisture issues, as failing to address them can lead to problems down the line. For help with measuring and the ordering process, reach out to us for guidance and recommendations.
Removing Furniture and Clearing the Space
To create a clear workspace, remove furniture from the room. Take care to handle and store your furniture safely to avoid any damage. If you need assistance with moving heavy furniture and other items, be sure to reserve money in your budget to hire outside help. Many local moving companies offer this service. A common error in this step is not clearing the space adequately, or leaving obstructions that hinder the installation process, which can increase the risk of accidents and affect end results.
Removing Trim and Baseboards
Before installing new flooring, be sure to remove trim and baseboards. Many homeowners skip this step. Doing so allows for a cleaner and more professional-looking finish in the end. Safely remove the trim, taking care not to damage the walls or existing flooring. You will replace it when your flooring project is complete. It’s also important to label each trim piece for reinstallation. Neglecting to label trim pieces is a common mistake that can cause confusion during the reassembly process. The ‘puzzle pieces’ may not all fit if you forget to do this!
Addressing Subfloor Issues
A stable and level subfloor is crucial for a successful flooring installation, whether professional or DIY. Inspect the subfloor for squeaks, unevenness, or moisture problems. Addressing these issues upfront will prevent future headaches. Neglecting subfloor issues is a common error that can lead to unsatisfactory results and potential damage to the new flooring. Take some time upfront to give attention to the subfloor and you will be glad you did!
Cleaning and Preparing the Subfloor
A clean subfloor that is free of debris is essential for any optimal flooring installation. Thoroughly clean the subfloor, removing any residue or adhesive from previous flooring. Failing to adequately clean the subfloor is a common mistake that can compromise the integrity of the new flooring and affect its longevity.
Acclimating the New Flooring
Different types of flooring, such as natural hardwood, laminate, and luxury vinyl plank, require acclimation to the surroundings before the installation process begins. This means it is important for the flooring product to be exposed for a time period to elements like surrounding humidity, temperatures, and other factors. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure proper acclimation. Skipping this step or not allowing sufficient time for the flooring to adjust to the room’s conditions is a common error that can lead to issues such as warping or buckling.
Gathering the Right Tools and Materials
Having the right tools and materials is crucial for a smooth, hassle-free installation process. Create a checklist of essential items required for the job, including specific tools and materials for your chosen flooring type. Using incorrect tools or not having all the necessary materials on hand is a common mistake that can slow down the project or compromise the quality of the installation.
Level the Floor If Needed with a Leveling Compound or Ardex
Be sure to check if an underlayment or moisture barrier is required. Leveling the floor is essential before installing wood flooring. It provides stability, durability, and a smooth surface for the flooring. A level floor prevents warping and cracking of the wood planks, ensures even weight distribution, and helps manage moisture. Most wood installations require Aquabar or an equivalent over subfloor and most waterproof floors require a 6 millimeter plastic over concrete.
Go Over Manufacturer Instructions Ahead of Time
Before installing your flooring, review the manufacturer’s instructions. It ensures proper installation, boosts durability, and safeguards your warranty coverage. Manufacturers typically tie their warranty coverage to specific installation guidelines, and by adhering to these instructions, you ensure that your flooring qualifies for the full warranty protection. Skipping this crucial step may result in a voided warranty, leaving you responsible for any potential repairs or replacements down the line. Manufacturer instructions also outline crucial preparatory measures such as subfloor requirements, acclimation periods, and moisture testing. Plus, some flooring materials, like luxury vinyl planks, may have unique installation requirements. So be sure to take a few moments to follow their guidelines and protect your investment for years to come.
Other Common DIY Flooring Errors
In addition to the above, let’s address a few more common DIY flooring errors specific to each flooring type.
For hardwood flooring, failing to acclimate the material properly or neglecting to use appropriate underlayment can lead to problems such as gaps or buckling. This can be costly to repair.
With laminate flooring, common mistakes include improper underlayment installation, not leaving the recommended expansion gap, or using excessive moisture during cleaning.
When installing luxury vinyl flooring, errors such as inadequate surface preparation, improper adhesive application, or not following the manufacturer’s guidelines for subfloor condition can affect the durability and appearance of the floor.
By following these expert flooring preparation tips and avoiding common DIY flooring errors and mistakes, you can ensure a successful flooring installation project—no matter what type of flooring you choose!
