Should You Invest in New Floors or DIY? Let’s Overthink It Together.

Listen, we need to talk about your floors. You know, the ones you walk on every single day. The ones your dog slides across like an Olympic figure skater. The ones your kids have personally tested against every form of gravity-related science experiment. The ones that, let’s be honest, have seen better days.

At some point, you start thinking: Maybe it’s time for new floors. But then, another voice (possibly your wallet) whispers, Or is it time for you to learn the fine art of DIY flooring installation?

Both are valid questions, and since I love a good overthinking session, let’s break this down from every possible angle.

1. The Financial Angle: Is It an Investment or an Expense?

If you’ve ever watched HGTV, you know that floors are basically the Botox of home improvement. They can take a house from “meh” to “wow” faster than you can say “resale value.”

New flooring can increase your home’s value, make it more appealing to buyers, and just plain make you feel like a grown-up who has their life together. On the flip side, if you’re planning to stay in your home for another decade, investing in high-quality floors is basically an investment in future-you. (You know, the version of yourself that doesn’t have to explain that weird mystery stain to guests.)

But if you’re looking to DIY to save money, consider this: materials are only part of the cost. Mistakes, tools you’ll never use again, and the sheer amount of time you’ll lose watching YouTube tutorials all factor in. Sometimes hiring professionals is the more financially sound choice when you do the math. (Or if you just don’t want to cry into a pile of half-cut planks at 2 AM.)

2. The DIY Angle: Are You Ready for a Relationship with a Nail Gun?

If you’re even considering installing floors yourself, I have one question: Have you ever assembled IKEA furniture without questioning your life choices? If so, you might be cut out for DIY flooring.

Doing it yourself can be rewarding. There’s nothing quite like stepping back and thinking, I did that! But also, there’s nothing quite like stepping back and realizing the boards don’t line up and now you have to live with your mistake forever.

Flooring requires precision, patience, and a general willingness to spend your weekends crawling around on your knees. Some types, like luxury vinyl plank (LVP), are more DIY-friendly than, say, real hardwood or tile. Know your limits. If you don’t like measuring things twice so you don’t have to cut them twice, DIY might not be your calling.

3. The Stage of Life Angle: What Season Are You In?

• The Young & Fearless: If you’re in your 20s or early 30s and believe YouTube can teach you anything, you might be tempted to DIY. Just know that, much like cutting your own bangs, it can be done—but at what cost?

• The Busy Family Zone: If you have small kids, pets, or a significant other who has ever said, “We should start this project together,” be warned: DIY flooring is a stress test for your relationships. Professional installation might save your floors and your sanity.

• The Seasoned Homeowner: If you’ve already lived through one major home renovation and still have flashbacks, you know that some things are better left to the pros. You might be more interested in the efficiency of professional installation so you can go enjoy your life while someone else handles the heavy lifting.
  

4. The Overlooked Angle: The Cost of Living With Your Current Floors

Here’s what people forget: doing nothing is also a decision. And your current floors? They might be costing you in ways you don’t realize.

Old carpets trap allergens, mystery odors, and the haunting memories of every spill that’s ever happened. Scratched hardwood can make your house feel tired and worn out. And if you’re still rocking sheet vinyl from the 90s, I don’t mean to alarm you, but your floors might actually be older than some of your coworkers.

So if you’re on the fence, just remember: new floors don’t just change the look of your home—they change how you feelabout your home. And that’s worth something.

The Final Answer? There Isn’t One.

Sorry, but I’m not going to tell you what to do. (I mean, I could, but that’s not my style.) Instead, I’ll say this: Investing in your floors—whether through time or money—is ultimately investing in your space. If your home is where life happens, then your floors are literally the foundation of that.

So whether you go full DIY warrior or call in the pros, just make the decision that fits your life. And when in doubt, ask yourself: Do I really want to spend my next free weekend covered in sawdust?

Either way, I promise—you’ll feel great when you finally step back and say, Now that’s a floor I can stand on. If you need some more insight, feel free to give us a ring or download our helpful flooring guide!