DIY Projects Are the Way to Go
Imagine you’re shopping around for your new abode and you find the perfect place—but right off the bat, you notice you don’t like the floors.
Many people either do not have the time or resources to change cosmetic features in an otherwise perfect home. But we’re here to help!
Here are some DIY projects you can do to spruce up the floor from our friends at Zillow.
Linoleum
Linoleum is made from all-natural materials like solidified linseed oil, ground cord dust, pine rosin, and wood flour.
While vinyl melts, linoleum will stay intact. Vinyl designs are normally printed on the surface, while the colors in linoleum go all the way through the product. Linoleum was very popular until the 1960’s, when cheaper and more colorful vinyl took over the market. Today, linoleum which is now a green product is making a comeback. At $4 per square foot; installation of sheet linoleum is best left to professionals—according to the article.
Vinyl
Vinyl used to be tough to apply, but these days installation of the kitchen-and-bath-friendly flooring is considerably much easier. You simply remove the shoe molding from around the room, make a paper template of the room, cut the flooring to size using a utility knife, lay the flooring down and replace the molding, according to the article. And there’s no glue, no staples and no nails.
Sheet vinyl flooring typically comes in 12-foot-wide rolls, resulting in seamless coverage in most rooms. Prices start at about $2 per square foot.
This is one of those DIY projects you can do in a weekend as one foot-square peel-and-stick vinyl tiles, perfect for DIYers, starts at $1 per square foot.
Ceramic Tile
To be honest, this type of flooring is not the most affordable option out there nor is it the easiest to install. However, one thing sets it apart from the competition: its durability and long lifespan.
The 411 on tile: If the old floor is durable and balanced, you can simplify the tiling job by covering the old floor with a thin under layer that will give you a fresh, clean start. No matter what size tile you choose, you’ll likely need to rent or borrow a wet saw for the project if you don’t already have one. Tiling a small bathroom or entry way is most likely a two-day project, even for a rookie.
But keep in mind that the best DIY project don’t happen over night.
Patience is a virtue. You can handle this job if you’re comfortable using basic hand tools and have the patience to align tiles just right. Ceramic tile, uninstalled, costs anywhere from $3 to $50 per square foot.
Laminate
Think of laminate as a floating floor system, made of tongue-and-groove planks that snap together without any nails, staples or glue. Laminate comes in many different colors and wood-grain patterns. Laminate flooring’s top surface is made of plastic laminate, not hardwood. This makes it resistant to stains, scratches, fading and wear. You’ll find low-end laminate flooring for less than $1 per square foot. Premium products tend to be heavier and more reliable, often coming with warranties of up to 30 years; they’ll cost you $4 to $6 per square foot. Learn how to install laminate flooring here from HGTV.
