Replacing your floor is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make to your home. Whether you're going for the warmth of wood, the durability of vinyl, or the ease of laminate, this guide will walk you through the full process—from tear-out to the final plank.

Why Replace Your Floor?

There are plenty of good reasons to swap out old flooring:

• Damage – Water, wear, or pests can compromise the integrity of your floor.
• Style – Outdated flooring can drag down your entire aesthetic.
• Functionality – Upgrade to something more durable, waterproof, or pet/kid-friendly.
• Home Value – New flooring is one of the most visible and valuable updates you can make.

Whatever your reason, doing it right can completely transform a room.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather everything you need to make the job efficient and safe.

Flooring & Supplies

• New flooring (laminate, vinyl plank, hardwood, etc.)
• Underlayment (if required for your flooring)
• Adhesive or flooring nails (if applicable)
• Baseboard or quarter-round molding
• Caulk (optional, for trim and finishing)

Tools

• Pry bar and hammer
• Utility knife
• Tape measure
• Level
• Tapping block and spacers
• Flooring cutter or circular saw
• Rubber mallet
• Shop vac or broom
• Safety gear (gloves, goggles, knee pads)

Step 1: Choose Your New Flooring

Pick the flooring that best suits your space and needs:

• Laminate – Affordable and DIY-friendly
• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) – Waterproof and durable
• Hardwood – Timeless and long-lasting
• Engineered Wood – Real wood with better moisture resistance

Measure your space and buy 10% extra to account for cuts and waste.

Step 2: Remove Old Flooring

Carefully remove the existing flooring:

• Carpet – Pull it up, remove tack strips and staples
• Tile – Use a hammer and chisel or rotary tool to break it up
• Laminate/Vinyl – Pry apart and remove row by row
• Hardwood – Pry up using a flat bar and mallet

Dispose of materials properly.

Step 3: Inspect and Prep the Subfloor

Check the subfloor for issues:

• Look for water damage, soft spots, or uneven areas
• Tighten or replace loose fasteners
• Sand or level high spots if needed
• Vacuum or sweep thoroughly to remove all debris

Step 4: Install Underlayment (If Needed)

Some floors require underlayment for cushion, moisture barrier, or sound control. Roll it out, cut to fit, and tape seams as directed.

Step 5: Lay the New Floor

Start in one corner and move across the room:

• Use spacers to leave expansion gaps along the walls
• Stagger joints for a natural look
• Tap boards into place using a tapping block
• Cut planks as needed to fit the room layout

Follow your flooring’s recommended installation method: floating, glue-down, or nail-down.

Step 6: Finish the Edges

Wrap up the job with clean finishing touches:

• Remove all spacers
• Install baseboards or quarter-round molding
• Apply caulk as needed for a polished edge
• Clean up dust and adhesive residue

Step 7: Move Back In and Enjoy

If you installed a floating floor, it’s ready for furniture right away. For glue-down flooring, wait until the adhesive cures (per manufacturer guidelines).

Final Tips

• Let flooring acclimate in the room for 48 hours
• Work slowly and carefully—rushed cuts lead to wasted material
• Subfloor prep is key to a smooth, squeak-free finish

Thinking about replacing your floor but not sure where to start? Leave us a message or call—we're happy to help you choose the right material and walk you through the process!