What You Need to Know Before Starting a Floor Installation

New flooring is a good-vibe home improvement project that makes your whole house feel better. And if you’re thinking of DIYing your flooring installation, thumbs up to you. You’ll save about half what it would cost for a pro to do the job, and you’ll sharpen your DIY chops in the process.

Here’s a quick list of what to do before you begin:

1.    Read the instructions (duh!). If your flooring product doesn’t come with installation guidelines, get the instructions from the manufacturer’s website. Check YouTube videos on the subject, and get familiar with the process.

2.    Buy the right tools. Most instructions include a tool list, so don’t short-change yourself there. After all, you’re saving money on the install, right? Rent specialty tools from your local rent-it shop, and ask the manager how to properly operate the tool.

3.    Know your subfloor. In most cases it’s either wood or concrete — each has dos and don’ts when it comes to choosing the right flooring.

Some flooring installations are tailor-made for a do-it-yourselfer, but some are trickier than you might think. Here’s a quick primer on where your skill levels need to be for various flooring installation projects.

SOLID HARDWOOD FLOOR INSTALLATION

Where to put it: Solid hardwood strip flooring should be installed over a clean, dry wood subfloor. Avoid bathrooms, laundry rooms, and below-grade basements.

DIY level: Once you get the hang of it, nailing down hardwood flooring with a rented flooring nail gun goes smoothly. Your biggest challenge is keeping rows straight—check manufacturer’s and YouTube videos for pro tricks on dealing with warped boards.

ENGINEERED WOOD FLOORING

Where to put it: Engineered wood planks have laminate construction so they’re not affected by changes in humidity. You can put it in any room, including dry below-grade basements, but it’s wise to avoid bathrooms and laundry rooms where spills or minor flooding might occur.

DIY level: Engineered wood flooring comes as both a glue-down, nail-down, and floating floor system featuring planks with snap-together edges. For the easiest install, DIYers should go with the floating floor.