DIY Flooring Installation: What You Need to Know Before Starting

Whether you're giving your home a fresh look or revamping a single room, new flooring can transform your space instantly. If you're the hands-on type, installing flooring yourself can be a satisfying, cost-effective project. But before you roll up your sleeves, there are a few things to know to ensure success.

At T-Build, we’re all about empowering our clients—whether you hire us or go the DIY route. Here’s your complete guide to get started right.

1. Choose the Right Flooring for Your Space

Different rooms call for different flooring types. Consider these popular options:

• Laminate: Budget-friendly, durable, and great for living rooms or bedrooms.
• Luxury Vinyl (LVT): Waterproof and ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.
• Engineered Wood: Offers a real wood look with more stability—perfect for lounges or dining areas.
• Tiles: Durable and water-resistant, but require more precision in installation.

T-Build Tip: Always check if your chosen flooring is compatible with underfloor heating if you have it installed.

2. Assess and Prepare Your Subfloor

Your subfloor needs to be level, clean, and dry. Skipping this step is one of the most common DIY mistakes.

• Check for cracks, dips, or uneven patches.
• Use a self-levelling compound if needed.
• Remove old adhesive or debris thoroughly.

T-Build Tip: For wood subfloors, secure loose boards and sand any high spots.

3. Measure Twice, Cut Once

Always measure your room dimensions carefully—and then measure again. Factor in:

• Room shape (especially alcoves, stairs, or unusual layouts)
• Expansion gaps (typically 10–15mm around edges)
• The pattern or direction of the planks (parallel to the light source often looks best)

T-Build Tip: Use a chalk line or spacers to ensure straight lines during installation.

4. Have the Right Tools on Hand

Depending on your flooring type, you may need:

• Tape measure
• Utility knife or saw (jigsaw for LVT, circular for wood)
• Rubber mallet
• Pull bar and tapping block
• Spacers
• Adhesive (for glue-down floors)
• Underlay (for laminate and engineered wood)

T-Build Tip: Always order 10% more flooring than the room size to account for cuts and mistakes.

5. Give Your Flooring Time to Acclimatise

Most flooring materials, especially wood and laminate, need 48 hours in the room where they'll be installed. This helps prevent warping or gaps due to humidity changes.

6. Watch Out for These Common Mistakes

• Skipping the expansion gap
• Laying flooring over damp or uneven subfloors
• Using the wrong underlay
• Rushing cuts or ignoring measurements

If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask for professional help.

Need Expert Help Along the Way?

At T-Build, we love a good DIY project—but we’re always here when you need a hand. Whether it’s prepping your subfloor, supplying top-quality materials, or stepping in for full installation, we offer support that fits your budget and timeline.

Get in touch today to chat flooring ideas, or request a no-obligation quote: www.t-build.co.uk

Final Word

DIY flooring can be extremely rewarding with the right prep, tools, and mindset. Take your time, plan carefully, and when in doubt—call the pros. Your dream floor is just a few planks away.