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Tiles
- Pull a coin across the tile's surface when choosing a floor tile. On a good quality tile, you should be able to rub the metallic mark off with your finger, leaving no scratch.
- Remember that smaller tiles, when laid, will make a floor look a little busy. If you want to make a space seem bigger, use a larger tile.
- Always buy a few more tiles than you need – this will allow for measuring and cutting mishaps and leave extras for any tiles that might need replacing in later years.
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Timber laminate
- Lots of kids and pets? Laminate planks with a varied grain pattern and a low-gloss finish are going to be much easier to keep looking good than high-gloss, one-way grain.
- If the underfloor is uneven, choose narrower planks rather than wide ones – they will be much easier to lay.
- All laminate flooring needs a foam underlay. Not only does it make the floor feel softer underfoot, it also evens out small inconsistencies in the underfloor, which makes it easier to lay the laminate planks.
- Do yourself a favour and invest in a DIY laminate floor installation kit – it will make the job considerably easier.
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Vinyl
- Sheet vinyl (on a roll) generally costs less than vinyl planks or tiles (laid individually), and can be cut and laid precisely to the size of your room. However, this is generally a job for a professional.
- For a moderately competent DIY person, vinyl tiles are a better choice, as the individual tiles are easier to handle, and one mistake doesn’t mean you’ve ruined the whole floor!
- Because it is installed in a few large pieces, sheet vinyl has fewer joins, and is therefore slightly more impermeable to moisture than planks or tiles – making it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
- If a sheet vinyl floor is damaged with a scratch or stain, your only option is to replace the whole floor or add a visible patch. Damaged vinyl tiles or planks can be removed singly and replaced.
Carpet
- A good home handyman or woman can install carpet, but it’s a heavy job because of the weight and width of the rolls. If you don’t feel competent, call the experts – mistakes can be costly.
- If you do plan to do it yourself, talk to your hardware store about the special tools that you’ll need to buy or hire.
- A patterned carpet will require matching, so there will be more waste – don’t forget to allow for this.
- If laying broadloom carpet seems too difficult, perhaps carpet tiles might offer a DIY solution.
- Consider asthma and allergy-friendly carpet options like Brease carpet, developed with ultra-fresh EasyBac+ technology for ultimate hygiene. Visit the nearest Choices Flooring store to shop the range today.
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