DIY vs Professional Flooring Installation: When to Hire Contractors

Deciding whether to install flooring yourself or hire professional contractors depends on several factors including your skill level, the flooring type, and project complexity. Here’s your guide to making the right choice.

Preparation: The Key to Success

Assess Your Skill Level Honestly

Not all flooring types are equally DIY-friendly. Here’s a quick guide:

• Beginner-friendly: Luxury vinyl planks, peel-and-stick tile, laminate
• Intermediate: Engineered hardwood, sheet vinyl, floating floors
• Advanced: Hardwood, ceramic tile, natural stone

Gather the Right Tools

Before starting, ensure you have:

• Measuring tape and square
• Appropriate cutting tools (saw, knife, or shears depending on material)
• Safety equipment (eye protection, knee pads, gloves)
• Material-specific installation tools (tapping block, pull bar for laminates)
• Moisture meter (for wood and some other flooring types)

Acclimate Your Flooring

Most flooring materials need to adjust to your home’s temperature and humidity:

• Hardwood and laminate: Minimum 72 hours
• Luxury vinyl: 48 hours
• Engineered wood: Follow manufacturer specifications

Installation Best Practices

1. Prepare Your Subfloor

• Ensure it’s clean, dry, and level (within 3/16” over 10 feet)
• Address any squeaks or loose areas
• Check for moisture issues, particularly with concrete subfloors

2. Plan Your Layout

• Start from the center of the room or a focal wall
• Avoid having narrow pieces at doorways or visible areas
• For wood-look products, stagger the end joints for a natural appearance

3. Take Your Time

• Measure twice, cut once
• Follow manufacturer instructions exactly
• Work in small sections, ensuring proper alignment

4. Mind the Expansion Gap

Most flooring materials expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes:

• Leave the recommended gap around the perimeter (typically 1/4” to 1/2”)
• Never force pieces together too tightly
• Allow proper curing time before placing furniture or rugs

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping subfloor preparation
• Ignoring acclimation requirements
• Cutting corners on underlayment quality
• Installing in improper temperature conditions
• Rushing the process

When to Call a Professional

Some situations warrant professional help:

• Extensive subfloor repairs
• Complex room layouts or patterns
• Stairs and other challenging areas
• High-end or expensive materials where mistakes would be costly

Making the Right Choice for Your Project

Choose DIY when:

• You have experience with home improvement projects
• The flooring type is beginner-friendly (luxury vinyl, laminate)
• Your room layout is simple and square
• You have adequate time and aren’t rushed

Hire professionals when:

• Installing expensive materials (hardwood, natural stone)
• Working with complex layouts or stairs
• You need work completed quickly
• Local building codes require professional installation

Bottom line: While DIY can save money on simple projects, professional contractors ensure quality results and often provide warranties. Consider your budget, timeline, and stress tolerance when deciding.