Few home upgrades transform a space faster than fresh flooring. But once you’ve chosen the perfect planks, stylish tile, or coziest carpet, there’s one big question left: install it yourself or hire professional carpet installers and flooring pros? Use the guide below to decide between DIY or professional installation – and remember, Akin Brothers Floor Stores has you covered either way.
3 Signs DIY Might Be Right for You
DIY projects can be fun and rewarding if you have the time, tools, and confidence. But make sure you can at least check the following boxes before you dive in over your head.
- You’ve tackled similar projects before
If you’ve already laid laminate flooring, installed tile backsplashes, or trimmed wood floors, you have the core skills—measuring, cutting, and fastening—to add “flooring installer” to your résumé. - Your subfloor is flat, clean, and dry
Uneven concrete, squeaky joists, or lingering moisture will make even luxury vinyl plank (LVP) fight back. A flawless subfloor means fewer surprises and a smoother DIY weekend. - Your schedule is flexible
Pros can lay a living-room carpet in an afternoon; first-timers may need two long Saturdays. If you can live with tools (and displaced furniture) for a bit, DIY could be the budget-friendly route.
3 Reasons to Hand It Over to the Pros
Don’t let YouTube fool you – if you’re not packing adequate time, tools, or experience in your tool belt (assuming you even have a tool belt), it’s probably best to let the pros handle the job. Here are three scenarios to consider before tackling a flowing installation project on your own.
- Your flooring design incorporates complex layouts or patterns
Herringbone hardwood flooring, diagonal tile flooring, or rooms packed with angles require precise math and specialty tools. Professional installers do this every day without the guesswork. - Your space has structural or moisture concerns
Subfloors, joists, and foundations are rarely in perfect shape. Pros can level, seal, or reinforce before the pad or underlayment goes down, preventing squeaks, buckles, grout cracks, or redos down the road. - You value warranty protection & resale value
Many manufacturers require certified installation to keep warranties valid. Plus, future buyers will spot ripples in new carpet, lippage in ceramic tile, and uneven transitions faster than you can say, “D-I-WHY!?!”
DIY Difficulty by Flooring Type
Wondering how much of a challenge each surface poses? Check the difficulty ratings below to see which floors are weekend-warrior friendly and which ones are best left to seasoned installers.
(DIY Skill Level: 📐=Easy; 📐 📐 📐 📐 📐=Pro)
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
DIY Skill Level: 📐 📐
Reasons for Difficulty Level: Click-lock planks, minimal tools, tricky cuts around door jambs
Laminate Flooring
DIY Skill Level: 📐 📐
Reasons for Difficulty Level: Similar to LVP but heavier boards and tight tap-in seams.door jambs
Carpet
DIY Skill Level: 📐 📐 📐
Reasons for Difficulty Level: Stretching with a power-stretcher and seamless joins takes practice.
Hardwood
DIY Skill Level: 📐 📐 📐 📐
Reasons for Difficulty Level: Precise board placement, acclimation time, specialized nailers or adhesives.
Ceramic Tile
DIY Skill Level: 📐 📐 📐 📐 📐
Reasons for Difficulty Level: Subfloor leveling, wet-saw cuts, thin-set timing, grouting, sealing, and intricate designs/patterns.
The Akin Bros “Full-Service Floormanship” Advantage
- One-Stop Service – Unlike many floor stores, Akin Brothers Floor Stores pairs first-rate products with in-house professional installation. No need to track down installers, coordinate schedules, run quality control, or cut separate checks.
- Free Carpet Installation – Most new carpet purchases include complimentary installation. Save your money — and your knees — with Akin Bros!
- Local Expertise – For more than 50 years, we’ve helped homeowners across Oklahoma find floor inspiration, choose materials, and enjoy professional results. From hardwood flooring to laminate flooring and everything in between, we know flooring, and we know Oklahoma!
Whether you’re ready to tackle LVP solo or you’d rather let our pros handle that complex hardwood herringbone, visit Akin Brothers Floor Stores in OKC or shop us online for the advice, flooring options, and in-house installers you’re looking for.