Do it yourself flooring
From Floor Coverings
Contents |
Do It Yourself flooring -- Or Not?
Do I need a professional to install my flooring?
A simple, or even a complex Do It Yourself project can provide complete satisfaction, save you money and give you a sense of pride in a job well done. If you are just starting out with little home improvement jobs though, it can be a bit frustrating trying to line up all of the things you might need -- such as tools, materials and knowledge. If you are tackling a flooring project, the easiest way to go first is to do some research on the Web and find out what's needed. Then you can go out and get your supplies, or order them online. Of course, all projects have different needs and requirements, and some much less than others. Projects can take but a few minutes all the way to many weeks, or even longer. It's up to the homeowner to decide if they want to tackle the project, and if armed with sufficient knowledge and tools and materials, then the choice is easy. A simple flooring project such as installing tongue and groove laminate flooring, for instance, is a great Do It Yourself job because few tools are needed, and this kind of project gives off a great appearance and sense of accomplishment.
Why Do It Yourself?
There are a lot of reasons why a person may choose to do it themselves. Considerable money can be saved when you tackle a home improvement project. Do It Yourself projects provide a sense of pride and accomplishment when completed. A homeowner may have an expert's knowledge in a certain field and then when they finish a Do It Yourself project, or even before they start, they know that the job will be done to their satisfaction. Perhaps a professional flooring installer, for instance, has a busy schedule and they can't come to your home for three weeks. You have a big reception there in two and a half weeks. Weighing how long it will take you to do the job is key in deciding whether or not to Do It Yourself, or call a professional. You can't hold a reception when there is no floor for your guests to walk on.
What Do You Need?
A homeowner may keep a basic toolkit on hand for most Do It Yourself projects. A hammer, jigsaw and circular saw, pliers and wrenches in a variety of sizes, screwdrivers of course (Phillips and standard head) in several sizes -- these are the basics. An assortment of screws and nails and wire a couple of types of glues are also good to have on hand. Always store any chemicals (like glue or resins or paint) safely, and well out of the way of small children and pets. Recycle unused and old chemicals at your local recycling center. Certain neighborhoods have annual or semi-annual pickup days for toxic home chemicals. Installation of that tongue and groove flooring is one of the simplest Do It Yourself projects. All that's needed is a jigsaw to cut pieces, some tape to temporarily tape the foam underlayment to the lower walls, kneepads (unless you are well padded in that area) and a block of wood and a hammer. You just use the latter to tap the wood planks into each other. Always lay tongue and groove flooring as if you are laying a brick wall, hence the need for a jigsaw to cut the pieces to size. Another necessary tip is to sweep the floor clean of any kind of debris, before you start any part of the job.
