Flooring is often the major DIY project most people will do when it comes to updating their homes, so if you’re planning on updating your home and want to save money while doing so, you’ll likely want to know, “what type of flooring is going to be easiest for me to install?”
The surprising answer (and the answer that most people do not know) is that the easiest type of flooring is typically NOT the traditional wood or ceramic tile. So let’s take a look at what’ll work best for you, depending on your skills, budget and patience level!
What “Easy to Install” Really Means
When we talk about easy installation, we’re not just talking about speed. Easy flooring usually checks several boxes:
- Minimal tools required
- No glue, nails, or mortar
- Forgiving if you make small mistakes
- Simple cutting and fitting
- Suitable for DIY beginners
With that in mind, let’s look at the most common flooring options and how they compare.
The Winner: Click-Lock Vinyl Plank Flooring
Did you know that Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is easy to install flooring? This is true for many reasons
LVP uses a “click-lock” or “snap-together” system; therefore, it can float above your existing subfloor. There is no need for any type of adhesive, nails, or specialty-type tools. Most homeowners will only need a utility knife, a tape measure, spacers, and a tapping block when installing LVP.
LVP is extremely forgiving when it comes to installation. If your subfloor has minor flaws, LVP will usually tolerate those flaws and not crack or shift. LVP is also water resistant or waterproof and therefore, great for any area in your home, including kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Why it’s so easy:
- Installation by clicking and locking the pieces in place
- Can be cut with a knife
- Has no need for drying time or cure time
- Can be installed over virtually any existing flooring
A Close Second: Laminate Flooring
Another common choice for homeowners looking for an easy-to-install type of flooring is laminate. When compared to LVP, laminate also uses a click-lock method to install and typically floats above the subfloor.
The biggest drawback when using laminate is that, unlike LVP, laminate is not as water resistant. If there is ever a spill or chronic humidity, the laminate floor will swell and buckle if it has not been properly sealed and protected.
Best For: Living rooms, bedrooms, and other low-moisture areas.
Peel-and-Stick Vinyl Tiles: Easy but Limited
Vinyl tiles that adhere by peeling are probably the simplest form of hard surface flooring (and they are fairly simple). You simply remove the backing from the tiles and adhere them to your floor.
However! Before you can use these tiles, your subfloor must be clean, smooth, and have no rough surfaces; otherwise, when you put them down, you will see through the tiles to the imperfections of your subfloor. Additionally, if the vinyl tiles are not properly installed, they will either shift or come off the floor. Vinyl tiles work well for temporary spaces or as a quick repair, but not necessarily for a long-lasting surface.
Harder Options: Tile and Hardwood
Ceramic or porcelain tiles are some of the most challenging types of floor coverings to install. They require mortar, precise spacing, cutting tools and grout, as well as time and experience. Costs for fixing mistakes can be high.
Hardwood is also challenging to install; hardwood installations typically involve nailing, stapling, or gluing with specialized tools to create a level surface. It’s best to leave this type of installation to experts.
So, What’s the Easiest Flooring to Install?
Many first-time or experienced homeowners will find that the answer to their flooring problems is to use click-lock vinyl plank flooring. This type of floor offers both the ease in installation along with durability, water resistance, and an elegant appearance that can easily rival pricier products.
For anyone who is going to be doing their first flooring job or just wants a new upgrade without the stress of having a long weekend project, click-lock vinyl plank flooring will give homeowners the best combination of performance and ease.
The easiest solution is often the best choice for your flooring project.
