We love seeing homeowners take pride in their homes. While we always recommend professional installation for complex jobs, we respect the DIY spirit. Here are expert tips from Alan Zurita to help your project succeed.
1. Undercut Your Door Jambs
Amateur Mistake: Cutting the flooring to fit around the door frame, leaving unsightly gaps that need to be caulked.
Pro Tip: Use an oscillating saw to cut the bottom of the door casing so the flooring slides underneath for a clean, seamless look.
2. Leave Expansion Gaps
Floors move. If you fit them tight against the wall, they will buckle when the weather changes. Always use spacers to leave a 1/4" to 1/2" gap around the perimeter (covered by baseboards later).
3. Stagger Your Seams
Avoid the "H-pattern" or "Steps." Seams should be random and at least 6 inches apart from the seams in the previous row. This not only looks better but makes the floor structurally stronger.
4. Check Your Boxes
Before installing, check that all boxes are from the same "Run Number" or "Lot Number." Slight color variations can occur between batches. Mix planks from 3-4 different boxes as you work to blend any variations naturally.
5. Invest in Knee Pads
Seriously. Flooring is hard work. Protect your knees so you can walk the next day!
When to Call a Pro
If you encounter uneven subfloors, complicated staircases, or moisture issues, it's worth calling DuraRoots. Fixing a failed DIY install often costs more than doing it right the first time.
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