THE ULTIMATE DIY FLOORING GUIDE | Flooring Tips and Tricks You NEED to SEE

[@joeforest8633]

I'm a 50 year plus flooring contractor and I've gotta tell you Paul, the way you installed that floor with all the different issues you came across you handled exactly the way they should have been. I've been watching your videos for the last couple of years and you have always impressed me with your professionalism in the way you handle any problems that you encounter. I'm looking forward to the house build at Jordan's and whatever else you have coming up in the meantime, you guys are entertaining and very informative at the same time!

[@YoMark]

I diy’ed my own flooring in my house by following a professional on KZbin and asking a friend that installs when I had questions. I totally agree, if you don’t follow these layout tips carefully you will have a ton of headaches. I was lucky enough to avoid them.

[@StudPack]

Thanks for the compliment! Looking forward to Jordan's house build too, lots going on there!

[@tmmtqoe]

50 years, and you're impressed with this? I don't believe it. You know better.

[@plumbbuild6517]

There it is that negative comment I new some basement dweller was going to pop up 😅

[@paul9086]

@@plumbbuild6517 Lots of people get brave behind their keyboard....

[@within_cells]

I laid tens of thousands of square feet of laminate flooring as a younger man. I was satisifed with my work, but I really wish I had a mentor like you to explain these theories and concepts to make the job easier and better.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Great video guys! You really did a nice job on that floor. Thanks for the shout out.

[@StudPack]

Thanks Joe!!

[@stevebowser7248]

WOW. Just when I think Paul has used all his tricks, he takes it to the next level. You are the senior master of your craft. I only knew one person who could master so many things like Paul. If he was here....he would watch (and rewatch!) EVERY SP video. Jordan / Rad / Summer - Im sure you know it, but you are in the presence of the true master. I do feel humbled to watch you work.

[@bigDcstx]

Finally, a new video! Been having withdrawals.

[@donniematz]

Same.

[@brianhopkins5251]

same

[@joemartell2916]

I'll subscribe when the videos come out on a regular basis.

[@conniesisco6468]

I don’t know how it’s even possible, but you guys just keep getting better and better!

[@kdwalker1656]

Jordan, nice content creation, capturing the nuance of the project! Paul: attention to detail (even under fatigue), experience, expertise, ultimate foresight, orator, teacher, motivator that rallies the younger generation to engage, in part, in physical labor, and listener.

[@StudPack]

Thanks for the kind words! We really appreciate it.

[@dkline8874]

I love the stud pack crew, it’s great to see a father, kids and son in-law work so well together.

[@thomassiebenhuhner4062]

Start with the end in mind. The whole DIY dilemma is that most DIYer’s just don’t/can’t think far enough ahead to avoid all these pitfalls. Paul’s knowledge experience and intuition are commendable - thanks, man!

[@StudPack]

Appreciate it!! Flooring is a big job!

[@thomassiebenhuhner4062]

@ yessir! We did the main level on our house prior to moving in two years ago and would have benefitted greatly from this video. BTW, we couldn’t have done the two bathrooms without your coaching regarding pouring the pans and tiling. A+++!

[@rolfbjorn9937]

This is the peak quality and ingenuity that makes me watch all your videos. NOTE: Warning for Gorilla glue (and polyurethanes) I have had total failures when using alcohols to clean substrates before and after using a polyurethane construction adhesive. The glue became like a permanent soft sticky putty. Acetone and mineral spirits, brake cleaner that doesn't contain methanol no problems. Not sure why, but the cure seems inhibited.

[@narlycharley]

Interesting! Thanks for the share.

[@AlAmantea]

Absolutely did that floor the RIGHT WAY. I've said it before, but I'll say it again... As a contractor, I want to be a ghost. When I'm done, it should look like I was never there, and it should look as if it grew there. The trick about undercutting the hearth is a new one for me, but it just goes to show that even at 60, you're never done learning! Fantastic job, Paul, Jordan, Rad, and Summer!

[@StudPack]

Thanks Al!! Happy New Year!!!

[@davebanner8666]

Paul is a genius. Amazing to see how he thinks about all the details. Amazing

[@bluecoveralls7729]

13:57 awesome intentionality. Those are the best moments of family remodels.

[@johnwrycza]

lesson my contractor learned the hard way; exhaust the shop vac OUTSIDE by joining vac hoses together - the brick dust is very fine, took forever to remediate... love the videos!

[@Brad_R]

I installed Flooret throughout our home and we love it. Very good customer service, superior quality, and easy to install. Highly recommend.

[@whattheschmidt]

I almost went Flooret but went with Lifeproof (22mil). Great in-between of the low end of Flooret and the signature one. I like the size of the planks too, for my rooms they are going in. Definitely would consider Flooret though! That said I'm about to buy the transition / stair nose pieces from Flooret because HD has terrible choices for that area.

[@BeerBuilt]

Hey studpack! It's cool to see that you guys are using "That's how you do it" channels tools for this flooring job! Two of my favorite channels to watch! I am doing my entire townhouse flooring. Upstairs bedrooms and bathroom is almost done, then it's time for living room and busting up crumbling tile in the kitchen!

[@StudPack]

Joe's the GOAT!!!

[@jefffree6990]

I've watched most of his videos too. And have a full set of flooret samples. preparing to do my kitchen and maybe a whole lot more (depending on what we find when we rip up the old carpet)

[@joshoneill2584]

My man Paul always coming in clutch!! Paul is the GOAT!

[@leestebbins5051]

Really cool that you got your countertops installed by the end of the video. Magic!

[@mikestemig]

Just cruising by those new countertops at the end, and not a word!

[@ArdyF]

Most thorough and recent flooring install video I've come across till now. Thank you for including an essential detail at the 13:58 mark :) Best Regards

[@gloir5]

That undercut on the fireplace is such a brilliant solution! Love the attention to detail.

[@pmur079]

Details details details. Love the explanation for prep to execution for a quality finish.

[@RobbieM07x]

Professional flooring installer here. Things you overlooked or forgot to mention in your video. Concrete moisture should've been read and recorded to ensure your underlayment and material can withstand to prevent from cupping in the future. Subfloors need to be flat to 3/16" over a 10' span for majority of floating vinyl plank to ensure locking mechanisms do not strain and break over time. 1/4- 3/8" expansion should be maintained across all fixed objects such as cabinets and walls to avoid buckling. Windows need covering to prevent direct sunlight on vinyl plank to avoid rapid thermal expansion from occurring.

[@LOLTires]

I am glad I came across your videos. I’m a car mechanic and mechanically inclined so I decided to take on a full house remodel. Finding these videos with the suggestions and tips you give will make for a great end result on my end. Thank you

[@StudPack]

You got this! Best of luck on your remodel!

[@jnkleadbetter]

Best flooring ever! I installed this in our home about a year ago. I’ve installed several other floors and this is by far the best quality hands down.

[@jmcguire56]

I love that you're using Joe's tools. He has a great site!

[@Granth_Man]

happy new year ALL!!!!

[@opinionatedman]

That dry line trick to make sure the faces of the cabinets line up was fantastic. I eventually plan on remodeling my kitchen and I will definitely remember that. All the flooring knowledge I've gained from you guys over the years helped me with my flooring project as well. Always enjoy this channel.

[@tomnorman5461]

Amazed at the amount of skill necessary to properly install flooring...who'd have thunk it? Great job Paul!

[@airbrgr]

I have seen many people put versus on floors/studs during a new build/rebuild. I put Lego minifigures in the walls during my kitchen renovation last year. These things add the homeowners personal touch to the job. Great videos Stud Pack.

[@priscillacordero8133]

Happy to have something to watch to pass the time since I can't go to sleep until after midnight. Happy New Year to all!

[@TheSimpleGamer42]

Good timing since the wife wants new floors... I'm flooring over my like button right now!

[@Eddy63]

I was ''floored''by what a great job you guy's did Thx for the educational entertainment you provide for us

[@jaredyoung89]

Joe is the absolute best for this type of flooring. His videos are amazing and he was very helpful to me when doing my layout. I sent him the floor plan and he helped me figure out the best layout. An awesome resource and a wonderful man. Thanks Stud Pack for sharing.

[@KenEhrenzeller]

The attention to detail is amazing! Great work!

[@tonydelbert1358]

Great job! Look into getting an undercut saw, you can still put a diamond blade on it to do the hearth as well as set a consistent height for all your doorjambs! Grinder and multi tool work fine, but a dedicated undercut saw will make the job that much quicker with the ability to fine tune the height & depth! Didn't think I needed one till I used one!

[@SaucyOperator]

Yeah!!! Always stoked for Paul making those apprentices work! 😂

[@allenmay8850]

Over the years I've come to that gap situation in the doorways many times. I was very happy to learn your trick to solve it, and I plan to use it often in the future.

[@MSeroga]

Or you could just hit the floor with a tapping block and a hammer and not waste time gluing and destroying the locking mechanism by cutting it out.

[@steveslenderman]

It’s the way to go for sure, having your next strip of flooring start right at the transition makes a world of difference.

[@uwjoe16]

I saw Joe’s flooring review video and chose Floret. Contractor installed it and loved it. We love it. Nicely sized for large areas and a quality product. Has held up like new after two years. Floret was an excellent company to deal with for ordering and delivery. I recommend Floret and all of Studpack’s excellent videos. A heap of tips in every one!

[@T_Jonesy]

I've installed a bunch of kitchens at home and in my rental units (always using EZ Level). I've also installed a bunch of flooring. I opened up today's video to see what you're doing and thought "I don't need to watch this. I've done a bunch of kitchen and flooring installs, what could Paul possibly teach me?" The minute the thought entered my head, I quickly dismissed it. I knew the answer was going to be "a lot!" So I watched the video and damn if I didn't learn some tricks I didn't know about (like checking if the front of the cabinets were in line) and undercutting the masonry on the fireplace so I don't have to install quarter round. Always learn a ton from watching your videos. Paul, you're a master. Happy New Year everyone.

[@StudPack]

Thanks Jonesy!! Happy New Year!!

[@L8terdays]

Once again Paul is invaluable. The floor looks amazing.

[@nickfiorello9924]

I like what you did, at the end of the floor project video the counter tops have been installed.

[@ta3355]

Well done team! Including Summer. Looks amazing!

[@jtalias]

I was told the reason you do not put flooring under cabs is because you’re a lot more likely to replace a plank or the entire flooring sooner than you’d replace your cabinets. I have Flooret’s Brenwick and like it a lot. I had it installed and the installers were really impressed with it.

[@z06doc86]

Rad sure is a lucky man. He has an awesome Father in law; Son in law, and a gorgeous wife. Their home is looking fantastic! Happy New Year!

[@daveloderhose874]

Love how you will never shy away from doing the right thing no matter how much effort it takes. I know that’s the way it would be even if the camera wasn’t rolling.

[@dansarfert3585]

I was starting to have Stud Pack withdraw waiting 10 days for a new video! 🤣 No worries, I watched a few reruns and was okay. I learned a lot from Joe's channel as well and think it's awesome Paul, the jack of all trades, is using his techniques. Happy New Year crew and family!!

[@resellerrunner5149]

Getting ready to install Vinyl Plank flooring on our entire main floor. So according to Paul, I should start measurements from longest run, which would be my hallway? Then adjust plank layout accordingly for the 3 doorways that are along the hallway? I saw another YT vid that said find the center of the hallway and measure from there. I've never done flooring, so any tips are most welcome!

[@goldblueberries326]

Taking on a project like this requires a vision with a great spirit and the Stud Pak crew has both of them.

[@ThePaisteTrout477]

Used Flooret on my gameroom. Stuff is top notch, great layer thickness and not too many repeat patterns. They're my go to, no need for the big box stuff.

[@critter2193]

LOVE the channel. Been watching every video for a couple of years now. Thanks for all the tips. Thanks for showing the struggles and the successes. Love the attention to detail and the perfectionism. I am a remodeler myself. And I take great pride in the little details like making sure there's flooring under the jam at the reveal. The one thing that doesn't make sense to me is saving a couple dollars worth of flooring under the cabinets, but trading off a lot of extra Time and effort to put the cabinets in and get the layout right, to then remove them and reinstall again later. I think it would have made sense for me to just run the flooring all the way under the cabinets. I guess the one trade-off is that with your approach, the floor 100% floats and isn't pinned down. I haven't had a problem with that before. But maybe I'm wrong.

[@jackdoe8309]

No warranty if manufacturer instructions are not followed.

[@neoman7479]

liked the scriptural passage under the flooring....will be a blessing to the future renovator in 50 years!

[@garyraley4050]

I love appliances on an angle, great layout

[@E.Carrillo]

I caught that John 6:35 verse! Love it. Perfect verse for a kitchen (along with Matthew 4:4).

[@tmmtqoe]

Adding this was completely disrespectful.

[@joshlannon7454]

These tricks of the trade are awesome! Definitely put them to use! Thanks guys!

[@markwood5382]

REALLY glad to see Summer helping with the remodel. She will appreciate the end product so much more knowing she has helped. Happy New Year.

[@StudPack]

Appreciate the comment - she's a big help!

[@brucehartweg4946]

Awesome floor work. Mt concern is the dishwasher. It barely fits in place, once counter top is down, there will be no way it will slide out for maintenance or eventual replacement.

[@coburn_karma]

Stud Pack is the go to for DIYers.

[@DrewOliphant_]

One of the best flooring install videos I've watched. Great work as always!

[@mulliganman33]

Wow! Very impressive how Paul figured out how to lay that flooring with all the different challenges! You guys rock!

[@chiefbiglew]

i to have watched alot of john leforts videos on laminat floor i like his soapy water trick and the glue trick and his lay out tricks i highley recomend his youtube channel if your going to lay this type floor .way back in the old days i did it and looking back on it i dont know how i made it come out rite but i did some how now iam 63 and dont really like messin with it.but i will do it if the price is rite lol. hats off to paul hes a master of details pluss he has a good crew great job fellers looking good.

[@jranney1]

Glad to see the wild weather didn’t ruin your previous work. Stay safe!

[@StudPack]

Appreciate the concern, thanks!

[@stevemay4180]

Beautiful, love the attention to detail.

[@trevorgreene5059]

The floor looks great and it makes the main floor look brighter. Hope to see the countertop installation.

[@johnstewartrichards5922]

Floor Cleaning Tip - Use Floor Sweeping Compound. This is a treated slightly moist sawdust product that when swept across the floor will collect all on floor dust and debris. Use this first for final sweep on a floor, then vacuum floor to collect any left overs & residual dust elements. Your floors will be super clean and dust free! Many do not bother to do this, but try it and you will see how clean & dust free the floor base can be. All Big Box stores sell sweeping compound. 1 box is often enough. Cost range from 8 to 12 dollars a box.

[@OtterBeSwimming]

Another reason to put in the flooring in after the cabinets is because when you want to replace the floor one can easily remove the old flooring (this assumes you stay in the same house for 10-20 years). I do appreciate all the details of your work and am impressed by how you modified the fireplace brick. Well done. Which laser do you use and recommend?

[@nocilor]

We finally have something in common! We also use flooret Leto extra bevel! Love it!

[@nvwilderness6902]

Planning a large remodel on our 30 yo house for this spring/summer - sure wish we could hire you guys to come do it. I don't know any contractors in our area that work with your skill or attention to detail. We're so far away I know it's not feasible - but I sure wish more contractors would watch your channel and learn a few 'tips'.

[@TheBalognaPony]

Woooo love flooret glad to see they getting some love. Their warehouse is 10 minutes from me. Free pick up no need to worry about trucking companies messing product up

[@jessicahites871]

1st video of 2025 I've watched this year 🎉 Keep up the hard work guys!!

[@StudPack]

Thanks and happy 2025!!!

[@davidreed9046]

Flooring really added a lot to that living space. Can’t say I’m sold on LVP yet. I have a new construction with LVP, and while it looks good, it pops in places and I get warm and cool spots (thanks to crappy craftsmanship). I like the addition of the Bible verse that Summer added. Reminds me of Amish builds where they write a verse on every stud to bless the house. One question out of design curiosity with the cabinets around the stove. Why not put fake fronts on the blank sides for aesthetics? Maybe that’s just a “me” thing. As always, great attention to detail on that flooring and trimming it out. I like how you covered the layout portion, as that is something I didn’t have to do too much of with hardwood flooring back in the Midwest. However, I did have a remodel with a big incline towards a new sliding glass door. It was off by more than an inch over a 2’ span.

[@Good-Citizen]

John 6:35 Love Summer writing the word of our Lord on her floor. She's a great gal.

[@neilwm]

What a great job, I have notches around the doors in my house and I hate how they look. Thanks for the tip! That fireplace looks so clean, love it!

[@DarkMatter112358]

Always impressed by the quality of work and that no detail goes unnoticed! ❤

[@Tim_Gravy]

24:35 best part... love it, typical family love hate relationship. Love you guys!!! Keep it up!!!

[@lisaferrara8120]

WOW. Flooring looks fantastic. Thanks for taking the time to show all the pointers. Hope you have a wonderful New Year. ❤

[@garybaris139]

Happy new year stud pack crew...😁 This video is absolute gold to me because I'm planning on doing this exact job with luxury vinyl planking this year and while my home is all concrete, brick and mortar so we cannot slide it under the edges, I'm good enough at trimming to get it right, the alignment advice was absolutely tops. Also, the skirting boards along our walls gives some leeway leaving the only real trimming at the doorways. Thanks Paul and team, I love your content.

[@cherylporter1056]

I'm so glad so many people know what you're talking about because I don't have a clue! However I trust you're doing an incredible job and I like watching. 😂

[@StudPack]

Thanks Cheryl:)

[@AaronHope_Sow]

Paul, now is the perfect time to caulk or foam seal the perimeter bottom plate while all the cabinets and baseboard trim is out.

[@mattwilliamson1714]

“The raised eyebrow!” 😆😂🤣 I get those all the time!

[@dannyrowe5850]

Really great content AGAIN ,Summer great job leaving a blessing

[@philf1993]

Nice job, it looks great, I once installed flooring in a decagon house, this brought back memories of that!

[@dm1123751]

Crain, Roberts, and I'm sure others make a door jamb saw that you can get a masonry blade for that is designed to cut stone or brick fireplaces. Rental centers should have them available. The difference between a grinder and a jamb saw is that the jamb saw is adjustable for the height of the flooring so that you won't have big gaps above the flooring.

[@itsgabegutierrez]

I never would have expected you to undercut the fireplace brick. That was impressive!

[@dropswitch4121]

Everything looks great. Maybe I'm thinking too hard about this but for your kitchen cabinets. On the left side of the stove there is a bunch of dead space on that triangle between the two. How cool would it have been to install a triangle shaped cabinet "drawer" that opened vertically? Might take a little engineering but I think that would be a killer feature!

[@Kil7witch84]

The Bessey AV2 Adjustable Flooring Edge Spacing Tool 2-Pack (8 Spacers) is also a great tool to hold your layout in place without screwing into the floor, and is adjustable :)

[@_WillCAD_]

Really sweet flooring system. I especially love the way you tackled the fireplace, it looks awesome.

[@kcbguy57]

I am absolutely floored at your expertise. Great Job.

[@StudPack]

Ha, I get it... floored:) Thanks!!

[@Stevej2013]

That was awesome work Paul. You are truly an artist. Thank you.

[@Real_PK]

I've installed Flooret floors in my house and I've been pretty happy with the durability. However, they're not without issues. The tongue and groove joints on the short edge can open up in high traffic areas like at the stairs. I recommend gluing these joints together.

[@-gina1114]

01/02/2025 This was a fantastic tutorial! Thank you so much! Happy New Year to you and your family, Paul!

[@mickal222]

Happy new years guys, you guys are amazing and hope your 2025 goes amazingly as well ❤

[@literallymyusername8291]

I have Joe's plank hammer and puller as well. They're really good quality.

[@cottagekeeper]

Perfect timing for me to share this with our team on our spec house!

[@allensun888]

Your attention to detail is very impressive!

[@supahmario2532]

Guys, that work looks beautiful.

[@vannk73]

This is an amazing transformation. I can't believe we get to watch this kind of expertise for free (with a few ads of course). Happy New Year, Stud Pack!

[@StudPack]

Appreciate the support!! Happy New Year!

[@terrazasd]

This is the video I’ve been waiting for!!!!! I’ve been hesitant to get flooring for my house near the same area.glad to see it installed by the Stud Pack crew.

[@michaelstocks686]

Happy New Year guys and Summer

[@francoiscarrier8745]

I love your attention to details and not cutting corner, by cutting those bricks.

[@StudPack]

Appreciate the compliment!