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[bammer]

our living room area hasnt been tiled yet and Im planning to don it with wooden tiles. I have heard people talk about doing it their own too. Is it advisable and how do I get to go about it? Im sure it would save me much to do on my own...

[Ricardo]

I'm planning to do some flooring in our condo. I've never done it before, but I have friends who have.

I'd get as much info from the staff at the building materials store as I can, and also go online to see if I can find tutorials.

Are you referring to parquet flooring, bammer?

[antkmom]

I bet that you can look online to see exactly what is needed and the proceedure to put your flooring down.  I agree that it will save you some money.

[2birds]

I am a professional carpenter and know about timber flooring. Its one of the easier task the D.I.Yer can take on board but three basic principles must be adhered to ensure the floor is laid the correct manner. Any problematic floors i am called to look at have invariably been lain without one of these principles been adhered to.

1. Make sure the floor is LEVEL. When I say level I mean level, not even or smooth but Level you can gauge this by laying a straight edge from corner to corner. Any variation can be rectified with a self levelling compound. Its important to note that self levelling compound is a missnomer therfore when using this compound ensure that you level it correctly yourself. New houses in particular tend to require more levelling than older houses where the workmanship is usually of a higher standard.
2. You cannot leave too much of a gap between the floor and the walls. This varies somewhat between the different type of floors. Solid timber requires a minimum of one inch, a Semi-solid a half inch whilst laminates may require a little less. Regardless of what type of floor you use, you will never leave too much of an expansion gap. Be very careful of any timber from the far east the moisture content in this timber tends to be much higher than the native types.
3.Tools. This may sound obvious but the the work I have seen done with a selection of diabolical tools is unbelievable. Invest in the right cutting tools and measuring devices. Also unless you want to end up like me make sure you wear a back brace and a DECENT set of knee pads before attempting any job.
Finally may I say that if you are laying A solid timber floor on battens then maybe you should get a professional as in this instance there is a long learning curve and it is fraught with danger.
Hope this has been of some help

[bammer]

hi ricardo...im not just sure as yet which type should i use here....but im greatly contemplating on parquet.....iv seen a friend do it on her own....and twas nicely done!

[bammer]

thanks too 2birds! thats a big help indeed! ill keep that in mind!

[dwayne]

At the various home improvement stores, they have wood floor kits. I was thinking to remove my carpet and install a wood floor myself one of these days. I love the shine, crisp look it gives off.

[bammer]

That's precisely the look I wanted to capture in mine Dwayne! Looks neat too!

[spiders]

Better go with some expects,  because the interior look will get spoiled if something goes wrong, also the cost will be doubled.

If you wish to do yourself, take best care before doing such things.

[herboo]

I think wooden tiles looks so good. It has many benefits like easy to clean, water resistant, non-corrosive  and cost is also lesser.