If you have been considering installing new flooring in your home, now is the time to act. What’s stopping you from installing new flooring? Are you worried about how slow or complicated the process will be?
If this is your case, keep reading. Listed below are some helpful tips that will make floor installation a little easier.

1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT TYPE OF FLOOR

The first step to a successful floor installation is choosing the right type of material. There are tons of options to consider, including hardwood, vinyl, laminate, and tile. Think about the area of your home you’re reflooring, your budget, and your lifestyle.

2. MEASURE YOUR ROOMS

Be sure to measure each room where you plan to install new flooring. Then compare those measurements with the floor you are going to install. This will help you ensure that you have enough material to cover your floors.
It’s a good idea to buy a little more flooring than you think you’ll need. That way, you will have more in case you make a mistake, it will allow you to set aside some parts that may be defective, and you will ensure you have some available in case you need to make a repair in the future.

3. INVEST IN THE RIGHT TOOLS

Make sure you have the tools you need to do the job right. Some basic equipment you’ll need include a hammer, screwdrivers, a broom, a floor scraper, a pry bar, and several saws, including something for undercutting. If you don’t have these tools on hand, buy or borrow them now so you don’t have to stop in the middle of the project to pick something up.

4. KNOW YOUR UNDERGROUND

What type of subfloor do you have in your house? Is it concrete? Wood? Know what you’re working with to ensure you buy the right type of flooring to cover it. Some types of flooring may require the installation of a subfloor over the wood subfloor, typically 1/4″ smooth plywood for your glued vinyl products or cement board for ceramic and porcelain tile products.

5. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS

This should be a no-brainer, but many people skip this step. Once you have purchased the flooring material, read the instructions from start to finish before you start working. This will save you a lot of time and trouble later. You may even find some good instructional videos on YouTube.

6. ALLOW THE MATERIAL TO ACCLIMATE

It’s a good idea to let the flooring material acclimate to the humidity in your home for a few days before attempting to lay it. This will ensure that it fits properly and does not warp or move. Some of these newer waterproof vinyl products claim that they do not require weathering, but installers often find an easier installation if they do.

7. ARRANGE THE MATERIAL FIRST

Be sure to lay the material in the desired pattern before beginning the installation process. This will help you visualize everything and help you develop a plan of attack, and possibly also help you catch mistakes before you make them. This could also help you spot materials or supplies you may need to order before you need them.