How to install new floor

Thinking about new floors? Awesome! They can totally change how your home looks and feels. A new floor can make your kitchen, bathroom, or living room look fantastic. Plus, it can add value to your place. Let's talk about how to pick the right stuff and get it installed. Ready to dive into the world of home renovation and tile laying? Let's learn how to install new floor!

Picking the Perfect Floor

Okay, first things first. What kind of floor do you want? So many choices! Think about what's important to you. How tough does it need to be? How much work do you want to put into keeping it clean? And, of course, how much do you want to spend? Also, think about the room itself.

Hardwood: Classic and Beautiful

Hardwood is always a good look. It makes your house feel warm and fancy. You can find it in lots of different woods, colors, and styles. It lasts a long time. You can even sand it down and make it look new again! But, it's usually pricey. And, don't put it in places that get wet, like bathrooms.

Why you might love it:

• Looks amazing
• Super durable
• Can make your house worth more
• You can refinish it

Things to think about:

• Costs more
• Water can mess it up
• Needs some TLC

Laminate: Easy on the Wallet

Laminate tries to look like wood or stone, but it's made of other stuff. It's cheaper than hardwood. It’s also easier to put in. So, it’s great if you want to do it yourself. It's tough against scratches and spills. Good for busy areas! It doesn't last as long as hardwood. And, you can't fix it up if it gets damaged.

Why you might love it:

• Doesn't cost a lot
• Easy to install yourself
• Resists scratches and stains
• Lots of styles to choose from

Things to think about:

• Not as tough as hardwood
• Can't be fixed if it gets damaged
• Might sound a little hollow

Vinyl: Waterproof Wonder

Vinyl is super versatile and won't break the bank. You can get it in sheets, tiles, or planks. The best part? It's waterproof! Perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. It feels nice to walk on. Plus, it’s easy to clean. Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) can even look like real wood or tile.

Why you might love it:

• Waterproof!
• Affordable
• Easy to clean, yay!
• Feels good under your feet
• Tons of styles

Things to think about:

• Can get dents or tears
• Doesn’t add as much value to your home as hardwood
• Might have some chemicals (VOCs)

Tile: Tough and Stylish

Tile is a solid choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways. It's tough and doesn't mind water. You can find it in ceramic, porcelain, or even real stone. It's also easy to clean. But... it can feel cold and hard. And, putting it in takes some skill.

Why you might love it:

• Really tough and lasts a long time
• Water can't hurt it
• Super easy to clean
• Lots of styles

Things to think about:

• Feels cold and hard
• Hard to install yourself
• Can be slippery

Carpet: Cozy and Comfy

Carpet makes bedrooms, living rooms, and playrooms feel soft and cozy. It comes in tons of colors and patterns. It keeps your house warm and quiet. But... it can stain easily. And, you have to clean it a lot.

Why you might love it:

• Soft and comfy!
• Keeps your house warm
• Quiets things down
• So many colors and textures

Things to think about:

• Stains easily
• Needs regular cleaning
• Can trap smells

What You'll Need

Once you pick your floor, gather your stuff. You'll need different things depending on the floor you choose. But here's a basic list:

• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Level
• Square
• Saw (the kind depends on your floor)
• Hammer
• Tapping block
• Pry bar
• Spacers
• Glue (for some floors)
• Grout (for tile)
• Grout float
• Sponges
• Safety glasses – very important!
• Knee pads – your knees will thank you.
• Dust mask
• Underlayment (maybe)

Getting the Subfloor Ready

The subfloor is what your new floor sits on. It needs to be in good shape. Look for cracks, holes, or bumps. Fix them before you start. This is crucial.

1. Clean it up: Get rid of all the dirt, dust, and old glue.
2. Make it level: Fill in any low spots.
3. Fix any damage: Patch up cracks and holes.
4. Make sure it's dry: Super important, especially for concrete.

Let's Install! (Step-by-Step)

Okay, you've picked your floor, got your tools, and prepped the subfloor. Now for the fun part! Here’s a general guide. But, always read the instructions that come with your specific floor.

Hardwood or Laminate: How to Install

1. Let it adjust: Leave the flooring in the room for a few days so it gets used to the temperature.
2. Underlayment time: If needed, put down underlayment.
3. Start in a corner: Work along a straight wall. Leave a little space around the edges.
4. Spacers are your friend: Use them to keep that space consistent.
5. Click it together: Lock the pieces together.
6. Tap it gently: Use a tapping block to get everything snug.
7. Cut as needed: Use a saw to make pieces fit around corners.
8. Remove the spacers: Once you’re done, take them out.
9. Add baseboards: These cover the space around the edges and make it look nice.

Vinyl Flooring Install

1. Prep the subfloor: Clean, level, and dry, remember?
2. Plan it out: Lay out the vinyl to see how it will fit best.
3. Glue time (maybe): Some vinyl needs glue. Some clicks together. Follow the instructions!
4. Install it: Make sure it’s lined up right and stuck to the floor.
5. Roll it: Use a floor roller to make sure it's stuck down well.
6. Trim the edges: Cut off any extra vinyl.
7. Add baseboards: For that finished look.

Tile Installation: Getting it Right

1. Subfloor, again: Clean, level, and dry!
2. Plan the layout: Lay out the tiles to see how they'll fit.
3. Mortar time: Spread thin-set mortar on the floor.
4. Set the tiles: Use spacers to keep the lines even.
5. Let it dry: Wait at least 24 hours.
6. Grout it: Fill the lines with grout.
7. Clean the tiles: Wipe off the extra grout.
8. Seal the grout: Protect it from stains.

The Final Touches

Once the floor is in, add baseboards and trim. These cover any gaps and make everything look polished.

Keep It Clean!

To keep your floor looking great, clean it regularly. Sweep or vacuum to get rid of dirt. Mop as needed. Don't use harsh chemicals.

And that's it! You can install new floor and make your home renovation dreams come true. Take your time, be careful, and have fun with tile laying and flooring!

What If Things Go Wrong?

Sometimes, things don't go as planned. Here are some common problems:

• Uneven floor: Use self-leveling stuff to fix it before you install.
• Squeaky floors: Tighten up the subfloor. Underlayment helps too.
• Gaps: Make sure everything is tight when you install it. And leave that little space around the edges.
• Water problems: Fix any leaks before you start. Use a moisture barrier.

Should You Hire a Pro?

DIY is great, but sometimes it's better to call in the experts. Tile and hardwood can be tricky. A pro can make sure it's done right.

Ask yourself these questions:

• How good are you at DIY stuff?
• Is the project simple, or complicated?
• What's your budget?
• Do you have time to do it yourself?

So, knowing how to install new floor is a great skill. Plan carefully, prep the subfloor, and follow the instructions. You can have a beautiful new floor! Whether you do it yourself or hire someone, make sure you plan ahead for a successful home renovation.