4. Will Your New Floors Look Good With Other Floors in Your Home?
If you are looking to tackle your home’s floors one space at a time, you might need to consider whether the new floors will clash or accent your existing floors. If your existing floors are all wood or all carpet, then laminate might not be the right choice. That doesn’t mean it’s off the table, though! If you choose the right style and color, your new floor can complement the original floors even if it has a different texture or is a new category altogether. Your retailer can work with you to choose flooring that creates a blended feel that transitions well throughout the home.
Now, you don’t have to be Bob Vila to install laminate flooring on your own, but it does require a certain level of skill and attention to detail. If you’re someone who like to cut corners (pun intended), then a DIY installation project might result in floors that…well…look like you did them yourself. Will the lack of professional polish bother you?
5. How much maintenance are you comfortable with?
Every new floor you purchase is an investment, and like most things, proper upkeep will ensure that you get the most out of your investment for as long as possible. Carpet needs to be professionally cleaned at least once a year. If you have an active home and find yourself pressed for time, it might be better to choose a low-maintenance surface that cleans quickly like laminate or LVT.
If you decide to install flooring yourself, then you’ll have a head start in the process of repairing or replacing a plank—as long as you choose a product that’s designed to be easily cut out and replaced. Many laminate flooring products offer this feature, making a DIY laminate flooring project the right choice if you anticipate a lot of wear and tear.
6. What is your budget?
No matter how much you have to spend, you can find many beautiful flooring options to choose from. But the cost of flooring can be much more than just the price per square foot. If you’re looking at carpet, then you’ll also need to purchase padding. If you’re looking at hardwood, LVT, or laminate, then you’ll need to factor in trim and accessories.
Installation cost is also an important consideration. If you had to, could you afford to pay someone to install new floors, or is installing it yourself the only way you can afford new flooring at all? Some flooring products might be more expensive to purchase but less expensive to install and vice versa, some products will be expensive no matter how they’re installed, and some products (like carpet!) should always be left to the professionals to install.