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Laying floor coverings: Which method is right and what can you do yourself?
The choice of floor covering is only half the battle - the installation method is just as important. But don't worry: not every method requires professional craftsmanship. With the right approach, even DIY fans can achieve impressive results. Here you can find out how the most common floor coverings are laid, what advantages the standard methods offer and when you should call in a professional.
Parquet: The classic for a timeless look
Most people opt for floating installation. Here, you simply click the individual planks together without firmly connecting them to the subfloor. This method is not only quick and uncomplicated, but also ideal for DIY enthusiasts. All you need is an underlay for footfall sound insulation and a little patience for precise fitting.
Advantages: Floating parquet can be walked on immediately after installation, and if a plank is damaged, you can simply replace it. Perfect for anyone who wants to remain flexible - especially in rented flats.
The other option: If you want a particularly quiet, durable and high-quality floor, you can also glue down parquet over the entire surface. This ensures a stronger bond with the subfloor and improves footfall sound insulation. The disadvantage? It is time-consuming, requires special adhesives and some experience. It's better to let a professional do the work.
Laminate: The beginner-friendly
Laminate flooring is almost always laid floating and with a click system. Why? Because there is hardly anything easier! The panels can be fitted precisely into each other, and with a little practice, even beginners can do it.
Advantages: You don't need any glue or special tools - just a saw to fit the panels to the room. Laminate flooring can also be walked on immediately and is easy to remove if you want to replace it.
The other option: It would theoretically be possible to glue laminate flooring down. However, this only makes sense in rare cases, for example in very small rooms or if you want to maximise impact sound insulation. In practice, it is complicated, unusual and hardly worth the effort.
Vinyl and design floors: Versatile and waterproof
Here too, the click system is the absolute standard. Vinyl planks or panels can be laid floating, which is particularly quick and uncomplicated. As vinyl is also very easy to cut - a cutter knife is often sufficient - installation is child's play.
Advantages: Click vinyl is easy to handle and ideal if you want to renovate at short notice. What's more, vinyl is waterproof and is even suitable for damp rooms such as bathrooms or kitchens.
The other option: For a stronger bond and better heat conduction with underfloor heating, you can also glue vinyl over the entire surface. However, this method requires precision, as the adhesive must be applied evenly. Not for beginners!
Tiles: The indestructible classics
Tiles are almost always fully bonded. To do this, you apply tile adhesive to the floor, insert the tiles and then grout them. Sounds doable? It does take some practice, especially if you want an even joint pattern and perfectly fitting tiles. You could try it for smaller areas such as a balcony. For large rooms or complex patterns, however, you should call in a professional.
Advantages: Permanently bonded tiles are durable, waterproof and ideal for damp rooms. Once laid correctly, they last for decades.
The other option: Over time, new tile concepts have emerged that are easy to lay, even for laymen. Our solution CERAMIN Tiles offers a lighter alternative to conventional ceramic. Large-format tiles are particularly thin and can therefore be fitted to the wall more quickly and easily. The advantage: seamless designs can be realised more easily - ideal for a modern, uniform appearance in the bathroom.
Carpet: Fast and cosy
Carpet is either laid loose or fixed with adhesive tape. This method is incredibly easy and requires no special tools. Simply roll out the carpet, cut it to size and you're done.
Advantages: Loose-lay carpet is a quick, flexible solution - perfect if you don't want to commit to a long-term solution. It is also ideal for rented flats as it can be removed without leaving any residue.
The other option: If you want to fix the carpet permanently, you can glue it down over the entire surface. This provides better stability, but is more difficult to remove if you want to change the floor.
Cork flooring: Sustainability made easy
Today, cork is almost exclusively laid as a floating floor using a click system. This makes it just as easy to handle as laminate or vinyl. The elastic panels are easy to fit and ensure a pleasant walking sensation.
Advantages: Floating installation is particularly practical as it is quick and leaves no adhesive residue. In addition, cork remains flexible, which is in keeping with its natural material.
The other option: Cork can also be glued for maximum stability and better heat conduction. However, this method is more complex and requires expertise.
Conclusion: What can you do yourself?
If you want to start a DIY project, floating floors are your best choice. Laminate, click vinyl and cork with a click system can also be laid easily by beginners. Loose laying is usually sufficient for carpet, and you can also try the click system for parquet. For uncomplicated tile renovations, CERAMIN Tiles offer a simple solution for seamless designs.
But when it comes to gluing - be it parquet, vinyl, tiles or carpet - you should get help. These methods require precision, the right tools and experience. Ultimately, the effort is worth it, because a professionally installed floor is stable, durable and perfectly customised - an investment in your home!
