Install hardwood floors myself or hire someone?

I am researching hardwood floors. I am thinking of putting in the laminate pieces that snap into place. I am pretty good with home projects but I have never tried anything like this before. I would like to know if other "regular people" have tried this. If so, would you recommend hiring someone else to do it?


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Congratulations on wanting to do your hardwood floors.

And yes, I would get someone else to do it.

Here is why:

They will know what they are doing more than me

They will have a great deal of experience for troubles that might be encountered

They will do it faster than me.

I've done some flooring.  And it worked out well, but I did a tonne of research, and it took me a long time to do the job.  I did it for a vacation.  It's a time consuming job, and not for a "weekend warrior". 


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Hi, Although it is written that the procedure of installing the flooring is quite simple you may want to review the checklist of everything involved and decide if you want to do it yourself or hire someone. 

 <> Snap Together Flooring Installation

Snap together flooring is really one of the simplest flooring products to install, period. Before you get started, however, be sure to read installation instructions carefully so you know what you're doing. Also, don't feel bad about calling in a professional to do the job for you, if you think you're getting in over your head. Remember, easier installation isn't just beneficial for do-it-yourselfers. It also means faster installation times and decreased labor costs for those who prefer to hire the job out. If you are thinking about doing it yourself, however, here's a quick checklist to review so you know what you're getting yourself into.

  • Remove The Old Flooring—The big exception here is older vinyl flooring such as linoleum or vinyl tiles. Your new click together flooring should install fine over the top of those materials, and since older vinyl products often contain asbestos, it's better to leave them be.
     
  • Level The Surface—Your floor should be relatively flat (within 1/8") to ensure the laminate will hold together properly over time. If it's not, sand down the high points and fill in the low ones to make sure you're working with a level surface.
     
  • Apply Underlayment—Since laminate flooring is a floating floor product, you'll need to put down a special padding called underlayment before you install the laminate itself.
     
  • Cut Flooring Planks—You'll need to cut end planks appropriately (be sure to leave room for expansion at the walls), and you'll need to rip the boards on each edge of your floor to makes sure that none of the boards you install are less than 2" in width.
     
  • Snap Together Your Floor—Once you get your first row down and shimmed at least a 1/4" from the wall, all you have to do is line up the tongue and groove together on each board and snap them into place!

Don't forget that planning ahead is the key to a successful click together flooring installation. If you prepare ahead of time (i.e. measure and cut boards before work begins) and invite a few unsuspecting friends over for pizza, you should have your new floor installed in a long weekend or less. Hire a pro, however, and you're looking at a day or two for installation at the most, depending on the size of your project. 

Matt Goering, formerly a carpenter and house painter, is a freelance writer for the home improvement industry who has published over 600 articles.

 website source:  http://www.servicemagic.com/article.show.Installation-has-never-been-Easier-than-with-Snap-Together-Flooring.14884.html


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I have put the snap together laminate and nailed down hardwood and snap together is just that, a snap.  You will only need a few tools, a saw (any kind of power saw, from a hand held or  a miter), a japanese pull saw for under the door ways and a few odds and ends.  This will include a hammer, small block of wood and spacers.  Remember this is a floating floor so if you floor isn't even, this will work fine.   Try to buy the best laminate you can find because its been my experience that laminate often sounds hollow when walked on with hells.  Get a good solid thick underlayment with the laminate and depending on the size of the room, you can do it in a weekend or less.


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