How to Avoid Common Flooring Installation Mistakes
What’s the most difficult part of getting new flooring? Choosing which material to use? Finalizing your decision? Budgeting?
Or maybe it’s installation.
What’s that? Haven’t thought much about the installation process? You’re more likely to experience one of the common flooring installation mistakes.
Flooring installation is more than just laying planks or tiles; it’s a process that requires careful attention to detail. A misstep here or there can affect the longevity, appearance, and comfort of your floor.
Have a new appreciation for flooring installation? Then let’s walk through some of the most common flooring installation mistakes. We’ll share how to avoid them, so your new floor can look and perform exactly as you envisioned.
Skipping the Subfloor Prep
Imagine building a beautiful house on a shaky foundation. The result would be uneven and prone to problems down the line. The same is true with flooring. Skipping proper subfloor preparation is one of the biggest mistakes people make when installing floors.
The subfloor acts as the foundation for the new flooring. If there are any imperfections in the subfloor, it will directly affect the performance and appearance of the finished floor. If the subfloor is uneven, it can create noticeable gaps or bumps, causing the floor to look uneven and increasing the chances of damage from movement or pressure.
Dust and debris left on the subfloor can prevent proper adhesion, leading to shifting or even lifting over time, which is especially problematic with adhesive flooring options like luxury vinyl or tile.
Without proper leveling, floors can develop creaks and squeaks as they flex under pressure. For materials like hardwood, an uneven subfloor can cause planks to pull away or warp as they try to adjust to the irregular surface.
Subfloor preparation may seem like an extra step, but skipping it can turn a beautiful installation into a floor that quickly becomes worn or damaged.
Forgetting to Test for Moisture
What happens when a sink overflows, or your child drops a large glass of water? Do you go into panic mode? Moisture can be a problem for some flooring types … or if your subfloor isn’t properly prepared. Forgetting to test for moisture is a common installation mistake that can significantly impact the longevity and integrity of the flooring. Moisture can wreak havoc on floors, especially wood, laminate, and vinyl.
Moisture is a major enemy of many flooring materials, especially wood, laminate, and vinyl, which can absorb water and expand or buckle over time. In high-moisture areas like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens, or in regions with humid climates, excess moisture can seep up from the subfloor, causing the material to warp, crack, or develop mildew and mold underneath.
Think you have a problem? Before you install your newest purchase, it’s a good idea to determine how moisture-prone the area is. Testing for moisture levels before installation, particularly in basements, kitchens, and bathrooms, can alleviate headaches in the future.
Use a moisture barrier for rooms with high humidity levels, or choose water-resistant flooring options if you’re concerned about frequent exposure to moisture.
Not Letting the Flooring Acclimate
You’re excited to get your new flooring down as quickly as possible—understandable! But skipping the acclimation step can lead to trouble down the road. Many flooring materials, especially wood, laminate, and luxury vinyl, are sensitive to temperature and humidity.
These materials naturally expand and contract based on the surrounding conditions, and if they aren’t given time to adjust to the room’s environment before installation, they may shift, buckle, or develop gaps once installed. For example, hardwood floors installed without acclimation can start to swell or shrink as they adjust, creating visible gaps between planks or pushing against each other, causing the floor to warp.
Acclimation is especially critical in areas with fluctuating temperatures or humidity, where flooring needs to “settle” into the space. The process is simple but essential: flooring should be placed in the room where it will be installed for 48-72 hours, allowing it to adjust to the indoor climate. Skipping this step may seem like a time-saver, but it can lead to visible flaws in the finished floor, leaving homeowners with an installation that doesn’t last or look as good as it could. By allowing the material to acclimate, installers can ensure the flooring maintains its integrity and appearance over time.
Ignoring Expansion Gaps
Certain flooring materials, especially hardwood, laminate, and some types of vinyl, naturally expand and contract in response to temperature and humidity changes. When no expansion gap is left between the flooring and the wall, the material has no space to expand, leading to problems like buckling, warping, or even lifting as the flooring pushes against itself and surrounding walls. This can cause the flooring to shift or develop gaps, compromising both the look and functionality of the installation.
Expansion gaps are typically small, usually around 1/4 inch, but they play a vital role in allowing the flooring to “breathe” with seasonal and environmental changes. Without this space, changes in humidity or temperature create pressure, which can ultimately damage the flooring or lead to costly repairs.
Installing baseboards or trim over the gaps will hide them while preserving the flooring’s ability to expand. Skipping this step may save a bit of time initially, but it can lead to long-term issues, undermining the investment in quality flooring, and leaving you with a floor that looks far from perfect.
Using the Wrong Adhesive or Fasteners
Each type of flooring—whether wood, tile, vinyl, or laminate—has specific requirements for adhesives or fasteners that are designed to work with its material properties. For example, tile requires a strong adhesive capable of withstanding both the tile’s weight and the pressure from foot traffic, while certain hardwoods need particular fasteners to avoid damaging the wood. Using an incorrect adhesive or fastener can lead to issues like shifting, lifting, or even gaps appearing as the flooring fails to stay secured.
Adhesives and fasteners are not “one-size-fits-all.” Each flooring type’s installation guidelines specify the appropriate adhesive or fastener for a reason: using the wrong one can lead to peeling, warping, or weakening over time, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic or changes in humidity and temperature.
Trying to use a standard glue instead of a specialized vinyl adhesive? It may cause vinyl planks to lift over time. Similarly, incorrect fasteners in wood flooring can damage the planks and compromise their stability.
Following the manufacturer’s guidelines and choosing the correct adhesive or fastener ensures that the flooring is properly installed, minimizing future repairs or replacements and providing a lasting, quality finish. Have a question? Just ask.
Trying to DIY Beyond Your Comfort Zone
While DIY can be an appealing way to save money, flooring installation requires specific skills, precision, and tools that may be unfamiliar to many homeowners. From accurately measuring and cutting to ensuring the floor is level and prepared, every step requires attention to detail. Without this knowledge, DIY installers may find themselves making errors like misaligned planks, uneven surfaces, or incorrectly spaced gaps, which can be both costly and time-consuming to fix.
Each type of flooring comes with its own set of challenges, and some materials—like hardwood or tile—are more complex to install than others. These materials require precise handling and specialized tools, such as tile cutters or nail guns, that may be difficult to use without experience.
Mistakes made during installation can lead to issues like warping, cracking, or premature wear, which could ultimately mean redoing the floor entirely. By attempting a project beyond their skill level, DIYers risk ending up with a floor that doesn’t meet their quality standards and may need professional correction anyway.
In some cases, it’s more cost-effective to enlist a professional from the start, especially for complex installations. A trained installer ensures that the job is done accurately, efficiently, and to the highest standard, minimizing future problems. Knowing one’s limitations can prevent costly mistakes, ensuring the final result is both durable and beautiful.
Get Expert Advice Before You Start
What’s your project? What flooring materials have you selected to install into a room in your home? Now that your selection process is through, it’s time to consider installation.
The right flooring installation approach depends on your chosen material, room conditions, and personal preferences. These common pitfalls and knowing how to avoid them should help you approach your flooring project with confidence.
Need advice or professional support for your installation? We’re here to help! Stop by, and we’ll answer your questions, walk you through the process, and make sure you have everything you need for a beautiful, durable floor that meets your vision and lifestyle. Your perfect floor awaits—let’s make sure it’s installed to perfection.