Installing new floors is one of the most exciting ways to refresh your home. Whether it’s a cozy bedroom or a full living room makeover, the right flooring can completely transform your space. And if you’ve been watching home reno videos or browsing Pinterest, you’ve probably wondered: “Can I install this myself?”

At My Floor Haven, we get this question all the time and for good reason. With click-lock systems and floating floors becoming more popular, DIY flooring is more doable than ever. But just because you can doesn’t always mean you should and we’re here to help you weigh the options.

 

 

🛠️ The Pros of DIY Flooring Installation

1. Cost Savings

One of the biggest reasons people choose to DIY is the potential to save money. By skipping labor costs, you could save hundreds or even thousands—especially for large rooms or whole-home projects.

💡 Tip: This is especially true for hybrid flooring and luxury vinyl planks (LVP) with floating or click-lock systems that require no glue or nails.

👉 Check out our Floating Floor Collection.

2. Satisfaction & Custom Control

There’s something deeply satisfying about looking at your new floor and knowing you did it. You also have full control over the pace and process - perfect for those who like to work on their own schedule.

3. Learning a New Skill

Installing flooring can be a valuable learning experience. You’ll gain practical skills, confidence in home improvement, and even knowledge you can pass on—or apply to future projects.

Read our blog on How To Install Vinyl Floor to learn more.

4. More Flexibility with Timing

DIYers can work during weekends, evenings, or whenever time allows. No need to book an installer weeks in advance or worry about availability delays.

 

⚠️ The Cons of DIY Flooring Installation

1. It’s Not as Easy as It Looks

Many people underestimate what goes into flooring installation. From prepping the subfloor to precise cutting, spacing, and staggering planks - it’s easy to make mistakes if you're not experienced.

🛠️ Mistake to avoid: Poor subfloor prep can lead to uneven floors, noisy boards, or worse—having to rip it all out and start again.

Check out our guide on How To Install Laminate Flooring to avoid common installation mistakes.

2. Time-Consuming

Even if you're handy, installing flooring takes time. What might take a professional a day could take you an entire weekend (or longer), especially if you're unfamiliar with tools or need to troubleshoot along the way.

3. Risk of Voiding Warranty

Some flooring manufacturers require professional installation for warranty coverage. Doing it yourself may void your warranty if not done according to specific guidelines.

4. Tools & Equipment Costs

If you don’t already own the right tools—like a floor cutter, spacers, underlay, or saw—you may need to buy or rent them, which can eat into your savings.

 

 

🧩 Best Flooring Types for DIY Installation

If you’re leaning toward DIY, some flooring types are much more beginner-friendly than others: