Laminate Flooring Installation: DIY vs. Professional Installation
The importance of choosing the right flooring cannot be emphasized enough. Laminate flooring continues to stand out as a top choice for homeowners in Canada. Its mimicking characteristics offer a reliable alternative to hardwood, tile, or stone that continues to meet the taste of vintage charm without the hefty price.
While browsing options for laminate flooring, the installation is a pivotal step that demands careful consideration. The question arises: Should you tackle it yourself (DIY) or hire a professional? This blog will delve into critical insights to answer these questions, aiming to aid with a guided choice.
Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional Installation
The cost variation between these two techniques impacts the installation decision of many. Well, the answer hinges on your level of confidence as a DIY enthusiasts or on hiring a professional, for that matter. Let’s break it down further to understand the nuances and benefits.
DIY Installation Costs
Opting for the DIY route would be a lucrative path only if you have prior experience with tools and home improvement. Here’s what you can expect:
Material Costs: The material costs for waterproof laminate flooring can add a significant amount to your DIY listing. Various stores like Riviera provide waterproof laminate flooring options at a competitive rate.
The final price is calculated as per features like quality, thickness and much more. Depending on your needs, You can expect to pay between $2.50 and $5 per square foot.
Tools and Supplies: To commence a DIY installation in laminate flooring, you will need to do some homework. Apart from binging on YouTube tutorials, you need to be equipped with basic tools like a utility knife, measuring tape, spacers, a saw (circular or miter), and a tapping block. These materials will cost up to around $50–$150 upfront. If you are up for underlayment for soundproofing and moisture protection, the cost typically varies between $0.30–$0.70 per square foot.
Time Investment: Your time is the hidden cost that will be at your expense during the DIY flooring installation. If you are a beginner in DIY applications, you can expect to complete the installation of waterproof laminate flooring in about 10-15 hours. This time is valid for a 200 square foot room. Depending on the size of the rooms and your skills, the time would vary. However, mishaps like uneven cuts or improper locking may add up to the expected budget or costly repairs.
Total Estimate: The total costs for water-resistant laminate flooring through the DIY approach can sum up to $275 to $1000. This cost is assessed for a 200-square-foot room. Depending on the size of the room, the requirement and cost of materials may vary.
Additional DIY costs include:
- Underlayment: $0.25–$1.00 per square foot (some laminates include pre-attached underlayment).
- Tools: A basic kit (saw, measuring tape, spacers, tapping block) costs $75–$150 if you don’t already own them.
- Miscellaneous: Trim, transitions, and adhesives (if needed) might add $75–$200, depending on your room size.
As per the given measurement of the room, DIY materials could typically range from $600–$2,000, excluding your time. This excludes the labor charges, which is a major save if you are comfortable with home improvement projects.
Professional Installation Costs
Engaging a contractor for standard or high-end installations like waterproof laminate flooring would come at a premium range. Here’s what you can expect:
Labor Charges: Hiring a professional in Canada for laminate flooring installation is indeed a secure choice. Even if the labor charges get added up, the outcome will be worth the investment. Depending on your region, the labor costs typically range from $2.25 to $3 per square foot. The complexity of the job and subfloor preparation may elevate the cost further.
Material Costs: Opting for a professional’s touch adds up the material cost in the total expenditure. However, with water-resistant laminate flooring, professionals may procure materials directly, potentially with an added fee.
Additional Fees: Their work is backed by warranties which secure your investment, ensuring materials longevity. On the contrary, Subfloor leveling, old flooring removal, or trim installation can increase costs. These extras might add $100–$300, depending on the job.
Total Estimate: For that same 200-square-foot room, professional installation could add CAD 600–$1,200, bringing the total (with materials) to $1,200–$3,200. For intricate layouts of waterproof laminate flooring, the professional charges may spike higher as the experts are the perfect ones to bring those complex designs to vision.
Installation & Maintenance Considerations
DIY Installation: What to Know
Before you decide on DIY or professional installation, consider the points below:
Preparation: To begin the DIY preparation, you need to clean the subfloor, ensuring it is leveled and dry for the next step. To treat uneven surfaces, you need to employ compounding, which is often an overlooked step in DIY laminate flooring. Following this step will add more lifespan to your water-resistant laminate flooring.
Process: The process involves laying the underlayment as a prior step. Then, start assembling the planks, staggering the joints for maximum stability. Use a saw to trim the pieces and use spacers to maintain uniform expansion gaps around the border. The waterproof laminate flooring functions better with tight seals, reducing moisture risks during installation.
Challenges: Cutting around door frames, heating vents, or tight spaces requires careful maneuvering. This is where the chances of mistakes increase and require your full concentration. Any kind of mistake at this stage would lead to wastage and compromise with the floor’s expected appearance.
Maintenance: Once installed, Laminate flooring demands low maintenance. Routine cleaning with a damp mop is all you need, minus the harsh chemicals. Riviera’s water-resistant laminate flooring has proven to be spill-resistant and to handle scratches well. However, it is advisable to get rid of the standing water to safeguard the seams.
Professional Installation: The Expert Edge
Flooring professionals deliver precise and efficient installation to make the best out of your laminate flooring.
Preparation: Professionals assess your space carefully and note down the issues. They fix subfloor issues and treat moisture or unevenness. This preparation helps to kick-start the installation process with ease. For waterproof laminate flooring, this step is especially crucial for high-traffic areas.
Process: Years of experience help workers to work quickly, leading to lower downtime. They can complete one room within a day with utter accuracy. They are proficiently equipped to handle the complex cuts and transitions that arise while installing water-resistant laminate flooring.
Warranty Perks: Most of the contractors in Canada provide labor warranties following laminate flooring. Riviera is one of them. Their products are backed by manufacturer warranties. Opting for a pro-installation comes with these warranties and added benefits.
Maintenance: The maintenance will be the same in both cases. Sweeping is followed by a damp mop to protect the excess moisture. With the involvement of a professional, you would get additional tips or advice on specific cleaners to maintain your water-resistant laminate flooring.
Budget & Eco-Friendly Options
Budget-Friendly Choices
A Beautiful laminate flooring shouldn’t break the bank. Here’s how to keep costs down:
Affordable Lines: The top-rated flooring companies in Canada, like Riviera, offer water-resistant laminate flooring at a budget-friendly rate without compromising on the quality or longevity of the materials. In comparison to Home Depot laminate flooring, Riviera Canada provides quality at a competitive price per the distinct needs of Canadian homeowners.
DIY Savings: DIY savings are possible only when you are thorough with the installation process of laminate flooring. This skips the labor costs, which helps to keep your budget intact. Combining your DIY expertise with cost-effective options can lead to substantial cost savings.
Long-Term Value: Laminate is known for its durable characteristics. By opting for waterproof laminate flooring, you can expect to rest your feet on resistant and scratch-proof flooring, making the most of your investment.
Eco-Friendly Options
Sustainability matters and Riviera Canada is committed to eco-conscious flooring solutions:
Sustainable Materials: Laminate flooring in Canada adheres to sustainable practices. This kind of flooring employs high-density fiberboard (HDF) cores. This is often sourced from managed forests in compliance with local authorities and forest departments. Laminate wood construction follows a sustainable approach, unlike vinyl, Which has a high PVC content.
Low VOCs: We prioritize low-VOC (volatile organic compound) finishes, ensuring better indoor air quality—a feature you might not always find in generic Home Depot laminate flooring.
Recyclability: Laminate wood components may not be fully recyclable. However, the wood components decompose more easily than their plastic-heavy counterparts. Settling on water-resistant laminate flooring would help to bring harmony between sustainability and practicality.
Final Thoughts: DIY or Professional with Riviera Canada?
The ultimate decision between DIY and professional laminate flooring bottoms is down to your skills, budget, and period. While DIY offers a sense of pride with savings, it comes with a risk of mishaps that might lead to overexpenditure. With professional installation, the prices might elevate, but you will get flawless flooring within a quick turnaround time. At Riviera Flooring, their waterproof laminate flooring has been winning hearts and setting a standard accordingly. Visit their website to explore styles, order samples, and find the perfect fit for your home. Whether you grab a saw or call a pro, Riviera Canada’s laminate will transform your space.
Ready to get started? Contact Riviera today for expert advice, or dive into their next flooring project with confidence. Your dream floors await!
