Installing Your Own Flooring

Many people prefer to take on home projects, going the do-it-yourself route. Whether you want to save money, like a challenge or just enjoy doing things with your hands, installing flooring is another project many people choose to take on. At Hopkins Carpet One, we have expert installers to do the job for you, but if you prefer DIY, we have some flooring options that are simple to install for those doing it the first time. Here are some things to know for DIY flooring installation. 

Laminate & Luxury Vinyl

Laminate and luxury vinyl are typically the easiest types of flooring to install. These newer types of flooring are made with simple installation in mind. Many brands of luxury vinyl can be installed over an existing floor. In some cases an underlayment may be necessary depending on the type of flooring currently in your home and its condition.

In contract, laminate floors typically require an underlayment that is level. Other than that, the installation of these two types of flooring is very similar.

Most luxury vinyls and laminates have a locking system that holds the tiles or planks together. Others simply have a traction backing that holds them in place. To install, you simply need to measure the space and determine how to cut the pieces for a uniform fit.

Carpet

Wall-to-wall carpet is typically best left to the professionals. Special tools and expertise are needed to prevent seems from showing and to help the carpet look good and last as long as possible. However, there is a carpet option that do-it-yourselfers can tackle: carpet tiles. Modular carpet tiles come in pieces with a traction backing. These can be installed over an existing floor with no adhesives, floor sealers or primers. You simply place them down in the pattern you want, cut as needed, and that’s it!

Installation Tools

To have a successful flooring installation, there are some tools you will need. Here is a basic list. Some items you may or may not need depending on the type of flooring you choose.

• Knee pads

• Utility knife or laminate cutter for width cuts

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• Table saw or jig saw for length cuts
• Jamb saw for under door casings
• White mallet
• Tape measure
• Speed square
• Pencil
• Broom or vacuum
• Level
• Pull bar
• Safety glasses

Installation Help

Like any good do-it-yourselfer, you probably know one of the best places to go for information on how to do just about anything is YouTube. You can watch videos and get step-by-step instructions for the project you are doing. Just be sure you are watching a professional who actually knows what they are doing!

Here’s a helpful video from Karndean – one of our manufacturers – installing luxury vinyl flooring.

If you have additional questions about flooring installation, you can ask our experts here at Hopkins Carpet One. We can even assist you while you shop to know which products are easiest to install yourself. If you have additional questions later, you can always stop in at our showroom  or give us a call at 952-933-8944. Happy installing!

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