If you’re looking for ways to upgrade the look of your home, and increase its value, installing wood flooring is a good place to start. In fact, the average ROI for wood floors is between 70% and 80%.
Not only are wood floors considered classic and timeless, but they complement just about any style. And best of all, if you know a few tips and tricks, you can take on a hardwood flooring installation project yourself.
If that’s your plan, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading for the top DIY wood flooring tips to make your project a success.
1. Pick the Right Materials for Your Home
Once you decide you’re ready to take on a wood floor replacement project, the first thing you need to do is choose the right wood for your home.
According to Woodhaven Lumber & Millwork, visiting a hardwood flooring store or showroom is the best way to get a good idea of the options available and what you like the most.
When searching for wood flooring, consider your lifestyle before making a decision. Do you have pets and kids? If so, you’ll want something durable that is made to last.
Is this your forever home or are you planning to sell it in a few years? If you have no plans to leave, it could be a good opportunity to invest in a slightly more expensive material, since you’ll enjoy it for years to come.
2. Account for Mistakes
Once you’ve chosen the perfect material, you’ll need to measure the space to see how much you need. However, when measuring, many people don’t think to account for mistakes and end up buying not enough material.
As a good rule of thumb, you should buy about 10% more flooring than you think you’ll need. This helps to ensure you’ll have enough material, even if you make mistakes while cutting or installing the wood.
3. Consider Different Installation Methods
There’s no one “right” way to install hardwood flooring. Before you get started, do some research on the most popular installation methods to see which one appeals most to you.
Some common methods include:
- Nail down installation
- Click-lock panel installation
- Glue-down installation
By doing a little research about each one, you can determine which one you’re most equipped to do yourself.
4. Get the Right Tools
Many times, homeowners take on home DIY projects because they’re easy on the wallet. However, by trying to save money, you could be making the whole project harder than it has to be.
To save yourself time and stress, use the right tools for the job, even if it adds a little extra cost to the project.
Many hardware stores rent equipment, so you don’t have to outright purchase tools for one project. Or, check around with family and friends to see if they have tools you can borrow to help you stay on budget.
Start Your DIY Wood Flooring Project Today
Now that you know some of the best tips for tackling a DIY wood flooring project, you’re ready to get started! With a little time and elbow grease, you’ll give your home a great update that the whole family can enjoy.
For all the latest on home trends and project ideas, read through our other articles for more inspiration.
