A Guide to Installing New Floors

So, you’re buying a new floor —now what? While picking out the flooring pattern and finding a color to suit your design needs may have been fun, things get a little trickier when it comes time to actually install the floor itself. Whether you’ve decided on a wire-brushed white oak hardwood for your kitchen or a plush deep-pile carpet in the bedroom, let our professionals handle the hard part!

Installing flooring is a difficult process and oftentimes if done incorrectly can lead to mistakes that cost more to fix in the long run than hiring a professional the first time around. 

How much does it cost to install new flooring? 

When thinking about installing new floors, it’s always best to overbudget than underbudget. Consider the professional installation costs as well as the hidden installation costs that come with installing your flooring. These hidden installation costs can include fees for removal and disposal of existing floor, subfloor leveling, cleaning, and furniture removal. 

Depending on the type of flooring that you’re looking to install, the installation cost will vary. In short, laminate and luxury vinyl flooring are typically less expensive to install thanks to the quick click-and-lock technology many high-end products are equipped with nowadays. 

Hardwood, carpet, and tile are generally more expensive to install as they require careful craftsmanship to be laid correctly. Flooring installation costs $12.50 per square foot on average, according to HomeAdvisor. All flooring installation costs may, of course, vary depending on the kind of flooring you ultimately choose, the particular installation needs, and any local factors in your area. Our Carpet One Floor & Home sales professionals can help direct you to products that will be more cost-effective for your home if installation costs are an issue.

Can I install new floors myself? 

To be frank, a DIY flooring project will probably take longer than hiring professionals. Oftentimes, the type of flooring that you purchase will determine if you need to have a professional installation. Because wood flooring can vary widely depending on the product and requires a greater level of skill and expertise to install, it's best to let experts handle the installation of hardwood floors. 

After spending so much money on brand new floors, you’ll want to ensure that they’re installed correctly. Making errors during installation might reduce the lifespan of your flooring, not to mention its appearance and performance. To make sure you love your new floor, consider hiring a professional installer. Plus, a lot of expert installers provide installation warranties that safeguard your floor for many years. Even lifetime installation warranties are available from some retailers —don’t forget to read your product’s warranty to make sure you don’t void your warranty during installation!

What to do before installing new floors:

• Take the square feet measurements of your home or rooms before you go shopping for the floors

• Prepare to move your furniture with furniture padding and protectors

• Prepare the subfloor ahead of time

• Determine the sealing and trim involved for your installation (dependent on the construction of the home and type of flooring)

All of these factors are important to ensuring that your installation experience goes smoothly. For instance, if your new flooring will require trim, molding, or sealing, you’ll want to know the perimeters of your rooms and account for this early on to avoid surprise costs.

You can estimate the cost of your material beforehand with our Cost Calculator available on our website. Our Compare Tool also allows you to compare materials so you can find the best floor that suits your needs ahead of the shopping experience.