Tired of Ugly Floors & High Quotes? The #1 'Do It Yourself Floor' System We Recommend
You want a stunning new floor without the shocking price tag. We tested the top 3 DIY-friendly brands, and one stood out as the undisputed winner for homeowners who want professional results without hiring a pro.
Let's be honest. You look at your floors and you know they've seen better days. Maybe they're scratched, outdated, or just plain boring. You dream of a beautiful, modern upgrade, but then you get a quote from a flooring contractor and your jaw hits the floor—for all the wrong reasons.
The cost and hassle of a professional installation can feel overwhelming. But what if you could get that magazine-worthy look yourself, in a single weekend, for a fraction of the price? That's the promise of a great 'do it yourself floor' system.
To find the absolute best option, we decided to put the most popular brands to the test. We compared them on installation ease, durability, style, and overall value. This isn't just a single product review; it's a roundup of the top 3 contenders. But after all our work, one brand was the clear champion. Keep reading to see why Shaw Flooring is our #1 pick.
Why a 'Do It Yourself Floor' is the Smartest Home Upgrade You Can Make
In the world of home renovation, few projects offer a bigger bang for your buck than new flooring. It instantly changes the entire feel of a room. But the labor cost is often the biggest part of the bill. By choosing a do it yourself floor, you're cutting out the most expensive part of the equation. You're not just buying materials; you're investing in your home's value and saving thousands in the process.
But it's not just about saving money. It's about control. You work on your own schedule. You don't have to deal with strangers in your house for days on end. And the sense of pride you feel after transforming a room with your own two hands? You can't put a price on that. Modern DIY flooring is designed for regular people, not construction experts. If you can snap two LEGO bricks together, you have the skills needed to install a beautiful new floor.
Our Top 3 DIY Flooring Contenders: The Showdown
To find the best self-install flooring, we didn't just look at one product. We created a showdown between three of the most popular names in the DIY space. Our goal was to find the perfect balance of easy installation, rugged durability, and beautiful design.
Our first contender was a popular big-box store brand, known for its low entry price. It's often the first thing people see. Our second contender was a well-known laminate brand that has been around for decades, promising tough-as-nails performance. And our third contender, the one that ultimately won us over, was Shaw Flooring.
We looked at everything from how easily the planks locked together to how they stood up to scratches from a key and spills from a glass of water. While the other two had their merits, Shaw consistently came out on top, offering a premium experience without the impossibly high price tag. It was the clear winner.
- Contender #1: Budget Big-Box Brand (Good for tight budgets, but lacks premium feel).
- Contender #2: Legacy Laminate Brand (Durable, but can be tricky to install and isn't always waterproof).
- Contender #3 (Our Winner): Shaw Flooring (The perfect blend of easy installation, waterproof durability, and stunning design).
Deep Dive: Why Shaw Flooring is Our #1 Choice for DIYers
So, what makes Shaw the best choice for your home floor renovation? It comes down to three key areas where they blow the competition out of the water. First is the installation itself. Shaw's patented click-together flooring systems, like their Floorté line, are brilliantly engineered. The planks literally just click into place with minimal effort. There's no wrestling, no special tapping blocks needed for every single piece. It makes the job faster and far less frustrating.
Second is durability. Shaw's luxury vinyl plank (LVP) options are typically 100% waterproof. Not 'water-resistant,' but truly waterproof. You can install it in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements without a worry. Plus, their wear layers are incredibly tough, standing up to pet claws, dropped toys, and shuffled furniture. Finally, the styles are simply breathtaking. They use high-definition printing to create looks that are almost indistinguishable from real hardwood or stone, giving you an expensive look without the maintenance nightmare.
- Effortless Click-Lock System: Planks connect smoothly and securely, reducing installation time and mistakes.
- Waterproof and Scratch-Proof: Offers total peace of mind in any room, especially with kids and pets.
- Unmatched Realism: High-definition visuals and embossed textures that mimic real wood and stone perfectly.
- Forgiving Installation: Can be installed over many existing hard surface floors, saving time and prep work.
A Weekend Project: My Neighbor Dave's Shaw Flooring Transformation
Talk is cheap. Let me tell you about my neighbor, Dave. He's a 55-year-old accountant, not a handyman. His family room carpet was a disaster after 15 years of kids, a golden retriever, and one memorable Super Bowl party incident involving chili. He got a quote for over $7,000 to have a pro install new floors.
I told him to check out Shaw's do it yourself floor options. He was skeptical. 'Me? Install a floor?' he said. But he ordered a few samples, fell in love with a rustic hickory look, and decided to go for it. That Saturday morning, he and his son started the project. By Sunday afternoon, they were done. The room was completely transformed. It looked bigger, brighter, and a hundred times more modern. Dave couldn't stop beaming. 'I did this myself,' he kept saying. 'Saved over four grand and it honestly looks better than the pro stuff.' That's the power of a great DIY system.
Pros & cons at a glance
What we love
- Incredibly easy 'click-lock' installation designed for beginners.
- 100% waterproof options available, perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Massive selection of realistic wood and stone styles.
- Extremely durable and scratch-resistant, ideal for high-traffic homes.
- Can be installed directly over most existing hard floors, saving prep time.
Things to know
- Higher initial cost per square foot than builder-grade laminate or vinyl.
- Boxes can be heavy and require some muscle to move around.
- Overwhelming number of style choices can make the initial decision difficult.
Who it's for
The Busy Family Kitchen Update
Spills, dropped pans, and constant foot traffic? A Shaw waterproof LVP floor is the perfect solution. It's tough enough to handle the chaos and cleans up with a simple wipe, all while looking like elegant hardwood.
The Basement Rec Room Makeover
Basements can be damp, making them a poor choice for real wood. Shaw's waterproof planks are immune to moisture and can be installed directly on concrete, turning a cold, drab space into a cozy family hangout.
The Rental Property Refresh
Need a durable, attractive, and cost-effective flooring solution for a rental unit? Shaw's easy to install flooring minimizes downtime between tenants and its durability means fewer repairs and a longer lifespan, maximizing your ROI.
Final verdict
After comparing the top 3 contenders for the best do it yourself floor, our verdict is clear: Shaw Flooring is the hands-down winner. While budget brands might save you a few dollars upfront, you sacrifice durability and realistic looks. And while some traditional brands are tough, they often lack the waterproof features and dead-simple installation that Shaw provides.
Shaw hits the sweet spot. It delivers the premium, high-end look of professionally installed hardwood or stone, but with a simple, frustration-free installation process that any homeowner can master. It's an investment in your home that pays for itself in both savings and satisfaction. You're not just getting a floor; you're getting the confidence that you chose the best product for the job.
If you're ready to stop dreaming about new floors and start making them a reality, Shaw is the smartest choice you can make. (As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendation is based on genuine research and comparison.)
Frequently asked questions
What tools do I actually need to install a DIY floor?
For most Shaw click-lock floors, you need surprisingly few tools: a tape measure, a pencil, a utility knife for making cuts, and possibly a small saw (like a jigsaw) for cutting around tricky shapes like door jambs. No nail guns or glue required!
Can I really install this over my existing tile or vinyl floor?
In many cases, yes. As long as your existing hard surface floor is flat, clean, and in good condition, you can often install Shaw floating floors directly on top, which is a huge time and money saver.
Is 'do it yourself floor' planking hard to cut?
Not at all. For most straight cuts on luxury vinyl plank, you simply score the surface with a sharp utility knife and snap it, similar to how you'd cut drywall. It's much easier and less messy than sawing wood.
How do I deal with baseboards?
You have two options. You can carefully remove the baseboards before you start and reinstall them after the floor is in, or you can leave them in place and cover the expansion gap with a small piece of trim called quarter-round.
Is this type of flooring good for homes with pets?
It's one of the best choices! Shaw's high-quality wear layers resist scratches from claws, and the waterproof surface means pet accidents are no big deal—they wipe right up without soaking in or causing damage.
How much should I buy?
Measure the length and width of your room to get the total square footage (length x width). Then, add 10% to that number to account for cutting and waste. It's always better to have a little extra than to run out!