07 Sep, 2024
1158Views Many people are hesitant to install flooring themselves because they think it's too difficult. This could not be further from the truth! Installing flooring is actually one of the easiest home improvement projects you can take on, provided that you do your research and know what type of flooring you want. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best types of flooring that are easy to install and provide a few installation tips for each type.
When looking for easy-to-install flooring options, several materials stand out for their simplicity in application and versatility. Below are five top choices, each offering unique benefits in terms of installation ease, cost, and durability:
The 5 Best Flooring Which Are Easiest To Install
1. Hardwood Flooring
2. Vinyl Flooring
3. Linoleum Flooring
4. Ceramic Tile Flooring
5. Carpeted Flooring
1. Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood is also in high demand for do-it-yourself projects because it is relatively easy to install. Typically installed as pre-finished planks, which snap together, this installation requires a minimal amount of tools and no experience. The biggest issue at hand is trying to make sure the planks are properly aligned to prevent uneven surfaces. Hardwood gives that classic and high-end look and is very durable. Though it may require a professional touch on more complicated layouts.
The easiest flooring to install is hardwood. This type of floor can be installed by just about anyone because it's a DIY project that requires little more than simple hand tools and some elbow grease. If you have an old, beat up sub-floor in your home, installing wood floors over top will not only provide you with a new floor, but will also provide you with an excellent base to lay wood flooring on.
The hardest part of installing hardwood floors is laying the planks down and getting them all lined up evenly. This can be a difficult task so make sure you have someone helping who has some experience in these matters. The best way to ensure your boards are lined up evenly is to measure the length of each board before you cut them down. You'll want to make sure they are all exactly the same size, otherwise it will be difficult or impossible to get them lined up properly later on.
Once your boards have been measured and cut down, simply lay the planks out in one direction, then continue laying planks in the opposite direction. Make sure that you stagger your joints and keep any seams as far away from doorways, furniture or walls as possible.
As soon as this step is completed, it's time to put down a layer of underlayment (preferably hardwood ply) on top of your boards so they are nice and level.
2. Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl is another accessible option that can often be installed without professional help. Available in sheets, tiles, or planks, modern vinyl flooring often features a peel-and-stick or click-and-lock system that makes it ideal for homeowners. It is more affordable than hardwood, though it is less durable and can be prone to scratching if not properly maintained. Nevertheless, vinyl is a practical solution for rooms with light to moderate foot traffic and is water-resistant, making it suitable for kitchens and bathrooms
Vinyl is cheaper than hardwood, but it's not as durable. It can be scratched fairly easily and won't last nearly as long without a lot of care
in the world. Vinyl flooring also has to meet certain standards for installation in order to qualify for LEED certification, so if you're using an installer who does this type of work, you're already on your way to having a LEED certified home.
3. Linoleum Flooring
Linoleum flooring is valued for its eco-friendliness and relatively easy installation. Made from renewable materials like linseed oil, linoleum is durable and resistant to moisture. It can be installed using adhesive, but some varieties are also available in click-and-lock designs, making them DIY-friendly. Linoleum is particularly useful in high-traffic areas, although it may require professional help in some cases due to its tendency to contract and expand based on humidity levels
Linoleum is a type of flooring that can be installed on the ground, as well as in basements and attics. It's made with linseed oil to give it an extremely durable finish, so you'll never have to worry about dings or scratches ruining your floors. Linoleum also has many color options available for installation.
A professional can install linoleum flooring for you, or if your DIY skills are up to par, it's an easy project that won't take much time at all. If you're not too handy in the home improvement department and want to hire someone to do the job for you, be sure to find a company with experience installing linoleum.
The cost of a professional installation will depend on the size of your area, but it's typically in the range of $12-$16 per square foot installed. If you're doing this project yourself, that price may vary based on how much material is needed to complete your flooring job and how many people are helping you.
It's important to remember that linoleum is not the most durable type of flooring, so if you have high traffic in your home or kids who are rough on their surroundings, it may not be a wise choice for you.
4. Ceramic Tile Flooring
Ceramic tiles are tremendously versatile, with many different colors, patterns, and finishes. Though tile flooring is generally considered to be one of the more complicated installations, new interlocking tile systems are available for DIYers. Traditional ceramic requires careful placement of both tiles and grout to be properly placed, and most would be considered best left to pros. Ceramic is very durable and resistant to moisture, hence serving as an excellent choice for bathrooms and kitchens.
Ceramic tile flooring is a popular option for many people, but it can also be the least expensive to replace. If you are planning on using this type of flooring in your home and want to try something different than what you have now, think about installing vinyl linoleum instead.
A ceramic tile that has been in your home for a long time may start to crack, and the grout will come loose. That is because tile flooring has different levels of porosity that can cause moisture damage over time.
Ceramic tiles are also hard on the knees when you kneel down, so if there's any chance that you will be doing some work on your hands and knees, it's worth considering the possibility of replacing them with a different type of flooring.
This is not always an easy task because you will have to remove all the grout around each tile before removing tiles from place. You could consider hiring someone for this job if it seems too difficult or time-consuming.
5. Carpeted Flooring
One of the easiest and most inexpensive types of flooring to install is carpet. The squares and rolls go down with minimum effort, with no adhesive or tack strips required in many cases. Carpeting gives a soft, warm feel underfoot, hence is very popular for bedrooms and living rooms. However, durability can be one issue in heavy traffic, besides spill issues likely leading to stains, which makes it unsuitable in areas such as the kitchen or bathroom.
These range from very durable options to very cost-effective, with varying maintenance needs; all are relatively easy to install, even by non-professionals. In this regard, each material answers different needs of rooms and aesthetic preferences, allowing homeowners to confidently undertake their flooring projects.
The last but not least type of flooring that is easy to install is carpeted floors. Carpet is a cost-effective option for anyone looking for something that looks nice but won't break the bank. Installing carpet is as simple as buying and laying it inside your home.
