One of the most significant investments you can make to improve your home's durability, comfort, and style is flooring. The waterproof qualities, durability, and contemporary design options of SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) flooring are causing homeowners in Canada, where weather extremes can affect indoor living conditions, to choose it more and more.
However, after selecting SPC flooring, the crucial question is whether to hire a professional installer or do it yourself. To assist you in choosing the best course of action for your Canadian home, this guide will go over the advantages and disadvantages of both strategies.
Why is SPC Flooring Popular in Canada?
Let's take a brief look at the reasons why SPC is becoming popular in Canadian homes before getting started with installation:
Durable & Waterproof: Ideal for spaces exposed to moisture, rain, or snow, such as kitchens, basements, and entryways.
Temperature Resistant: Made to resist warping in the face of chilly winters and hot summers.
Stylish Options: Offers a luxurious feel at a reasonable cost, with a large selection of wood and stone-look designs.
Low Maintenance: Unlike carpet or hardwood, it is simple to clean and maintain.
DIY Installation of SPC Flooring
SPC flooring is frequently promoted as "DIY-friendly" because of its click-lock mechanism, which eliminates the need for glue and nails.
Pros of DIY Installation
Savings: You avoid paying professional labor costs, which in Canada can run anywhere from $2 to $4 per square foot.
Flexibility: Work at your own speed, whether it's in phases or over a weekend.
Satisfaction: You feel like you accomplished something when you install your own floor.
Cons of DIY Installation
Skill Requirement: Click-lock is easy to install, but if done incorrectly, it can result in gaps, uneven floors, or a shorter lifespan.
Tools & Preparation: In addition to time to set up the subfloor, you'll need tools like spacers, saws, and measuring devices.
Risk of Errors: If you have to hire a professional to correct your mistakes, the cost may increase.
Professional Installation of SPC Flooring
Hiring a professional flooring installer takes the pressure off and ensures long-term performance.
Pros of Professional Installation
Expertise: Professionals are adept at managing challenging areas, nooks, and curves.
Time-efficient: An expert can finish the installation much faster.
Protection of Warranties: In order to uphold their warranties, many manufacturers demand expert installation.
Peace of Mind: Reduced stress, particularly for those who are new to do-it-yourself projects.
Cons of Professional Installation
Increased Cost: Depending on your home's size and location, labor costs can mount up.
Scheduling: You will have to work with installers to arrange timelines.
Which Option Is Best for Canadian Homes?
If you're handy, working on a simple or small space (like a bedroom), and want to cut installation costs, do-it-yourself projects are the best option.
If you want to preserve your warranty, have uneven subfloors, or are covering large areas, professional installation is the best option.
A hybrid strategy works well for many Canadian homeowners: do it yourself for smaller rooms and hire experts for complex or high-traffic areas like open-concept living spaces and basements.
Tips for a Successful SPC Flooring Installation
- Acclimate Flooring: Prior to installation, give your SPC planks 24 to 48 hours to acclimate to the room's temperature.
- Verify the subfloor's cleanliness, dryness, and levelness.
- Using the right underlayment is crucial for adding insulation and soundproofing, especially in Canadian basements.
- Allow for Expansion Gaps: SPC flooring requires a tiny space around walls so that it can expand and contract in response to temperature changes.
Because it is resilient, waterproof, and fashionable, SPC flooring is among the greatest options for Canadian homes. Proper preparation and installation are crucial, regardless of whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional installer. Done right, SPC flooring can give you a beautiful, durable surface that withstands Canada’s unique climate for decades.
