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DIY is a great flooring installation method. It teaches you a whole new skill and gives you the satisfaction of making something with your hands that your whole family will enjoy for decades to come. That being said, even the most prepared DIYers can encounter hiccups in the installation process; such is the nature of the beast.
But can installation issues be fixed should you encounter them? The short answer: it depends. E Hardwoods & Flooring, where you can buy hardwood flooring online, discusses a few common issues that may be encountered by the DIYer and the remedies—or preventative measures—they should take below.
When fixing common mistakes made when DIYing your flooring installation, it’s best to discuss common issues by flooring type. Because different kinds of flooring have their own installation process and characteristics, you’ll need to adjust the process based on your kind of flooring. So, first, let’s get into hardwood installation.
Peaking refers to the process in which wood floors warp against one another, resulting in ridges near where the planks separate. It can be caused by a number of installation errors. For example, if the flooring doesn’t have enough room to expand and contract laterally with the humidity, it will expand upwards instead.
The good news is that this problem tends to be fixable—if it’s isolated, and if you find the root of the issue and remedy it. Depending on the type of hardwood flooring you have, this may mean cutting more room under the baseboards to allow for expansion.
A few cracks are normal, but if you’re being serenaded by your prefinished hardwood flooring at every step, something definitely went wrong with your installation job. Excessive noise can be caused by poor subfloor prep, though something as simple as a temperature change or as structural as ailing joists can also bring about the problem—so it isn’t always your fault.
Regardless, it’s also something best tackled preventatively before the installation in the form of thorough subfloor preparation. Check out our blog on the subject, “All About Subfloors,” to learn more.
Vinyl planks and tiles are an excellent option for anyone looking to install their own flooring, whether in a new home or to upgrade an existing room.
But, despite being relatively easy-to-install, issues can still come up in the process. So, now, let’s look at common issues when laying your own vinyl flooring. While DIY vinyl flooring installation is often fairly straightforward, issues can arise when placing the planks together. You may end up with uneven planks.
Are your planks looking a little crooked or cluttered? While you may be able to cut a bit of solid hardwood flooring to even things out or surreptitiously cover the strange area with a rug, this is a problem that’s far better dealt with preventatively.
“Racking,” as the planning and layout process is called in professional flooring spheres, helps to ensure that everything looks nice when fully installed. In short, it involves laying down your vinyl plank flooring or the like in full before nailing, fastening, or gluing it. This allows you a good look at the final picture before you commit to it.
When you’re looking to install your own flooring, you want to ensure you’re choosing high-quality products. This way, you’ll get the best results and know your floor will last for many years. Our online stock is chock-full of top-quality brands of hardwood flooring and more that are perfect for the experienced DIYer and the novice alike. Find the flooring that’s right for you today!