Installing new flooring can transform the look and feel of a room. However, proper installation is key to ensuring your new hybrid, timber, or laminate flooring lasts for years to come. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from preparing the subfloor to finishing touches like trim and scotia. Follow these best practices, and your DIY flooring project will be a success.
Necessary Tools and Materials
Before beginning, gather all the tools and materials you'll need:
- Tape measure
- Utility knife
- Jigsaw
- Table saw or circular saw (preferable for timber and laminate)
- Rubber mallet
- Tapping block
- Fasteners (nails or adhesive)
- Underlayment
- Trim pieces (T-molding, reducers, etc.)
Step 1: Prep the Subfloor
Proper subfloor prep is crucial for a smooth, durable finished floor.
- For concrete subfloors, check for levelness using a long straightedge. Grind down any high spots and fill low spots with self-leveling compound.
- For existing wood or tile, check for loose boards/tiles and secure them. Sand down any uneven edges.
- Sweep and vacuum the subfloor to remove debris.
Step 2: Undercut Door Jambs
Before installing the flooring, "undercut" door jambs and other spots where the new flooring will fit underneath existing trim.
- Use a piece of flooring as a depth guide for how much to undercut.
- Carefully cut away material using a jamb saw or oscillating multi-tool.
This allows the flooring boards to slide under for seamless transitions between rooms.
Step 3: Lay the Underlayment
Underlayment is an essential moisture and sound barrier.
- Cut pieces to length as you go, taping seams with adhesive tape.
- Leave excess around perimeter to trim later for full moisture protection.
Step 4: Start Laying Flooring
- Begin installation along an exterior wall, which is most likely to be straight and square.
- Stagger boards randomly while locking tongues and grooves together.
- Use spacers at walls for expansion gaps; remove later.
- Tap boards gently into place using a tapping block to protect locking joints.
Step 5: Install Trim and Scotia
Finish edges with nosing and trim pieces for a clean, seamless look.
- Reinstall baseboards or install scotia to cover expansion gaps along walls. -Use transition strips in doorways and at threshold changes.
