Flooring in My Home: Where Should I Start?

Perhaps you have recently moved into a new property or perhaps you have decided that now is the time to launch into a renovation or redecoration project - either way, deciding to re-floor your home can seem like a daunting process. So where should you start?

Make Lists

Begin by walking round each room with a pen and paper. Think about how you wish to decorate each space and make a few notes about the sorts of floorings that might work well with the new design. With a tape measure get some accurate measurements of each space. Then sketch a brief plan along with a few notes of what you hope to achieve.

If you haven’t put the existing flooring down yourself, then take up a corner in each room to find out what is underneath it. This could have a bearing on what you decide to lay in its place – and how you have to lay it.

Do your Research

Head out on to the high street with your notepad. Visit as many showrooms as possible, see the products in situ and ask the Advice of the Experts. Give them your measurements, tell them about your home and let them know about the existing flooring and what is underneath.

Armed with this knowledge, head home and get surfing. Bargains can also sometimes be found on the internet – you may find, for example, Reclaimed Wooden Boards on an auction site or tiles or carpet on offer at a discount from an online store, which has fewer overheads.

Think About the Laying Process

Make a final decision on the flooring you want. Also decide whether you are going to lay the new flooring yourself or whether you are going to call in professional layers. When you buy new flooring the store will often give you the option of using their staff to lay it for an extra cost. Alternatively you could search in the phone directory, online or in the small ads for someone else with experience of laying the flooring.

Your final option, of course, is to Do It Yourself. If you decide to follow this plan then do your research properly. Make sure you know exactly what you are doing and that you are laying the floor in the right way and using the correct products. Even a small mistake at this stage can be very costly.

Prepare the Spaces

Whether you are laying your new floor yourself or employing someone else to do it, then preparation is essential. If possible, completely clear the spaces of all furniture. If you are laying a new carpet, take up the old one, along with any underlay and old gripper rods. Brush up and vacuum any dust or small pieces. If you are laying wood, tiles, stone, laminate or vinyl ensure you have a smooth, clean and dry surface on which to work. Check with the manufacturer about any surface preparations and the best conditions in which to carry out the process. If you are installing a solid wood floor, remember the boards may need to acclimatise in the room for several days before being laid.