When it comes to installing wooden flooring, the decision between doing it yourself or hiring a professional is based on the results you want. If you are confident in your skills and resources, DIY may be the best option. However, if you want a new floor that looks impressive and stands the test of time, professional installation is the way to go. Engineered flooring is a great choice for those who want to install flooring on their own but are intimidated by natural wood.
Unlike solid wood, which is usually installed over one or two layers of plywood, engineering floors can be glued directly to concrete or to a soundproof carpet. This eliminates the need for additional layers, which can raise floor height and interfere with existing doors or slightly reduce ceiling height. When selecting flooring materials, it's important to consider more than just color. The glue used to fix engineered wood floors isn't as messy as the products used for solid wood floors. Additionally, wide boards will have fewer joints than thin-sheet floors, but these joints can become more prominent as the wood expands and contracts. If you are installing floors in an existing home, take advantage of acclimatization days to demolish old floors and prepare the subfloor for hardwood installation.
The friendly staff at Austin's Floor Store can help you decide whether you want to buy a floor and install it yourself or hire a professional. Installing wooden flooring yourself can be a cost-effective and rewarding way to improve your home. However, even the most experienced DIYers may find that professional installation is the best way to ensure successful, professional-looking results that stand the test of time.
