Flooring can make or break your space. The right material improves style, comfort, and durability, while the wrong choice can result in costly repairs, maintenance headaches, and frustration. Unfortunately, many homeowners make avoidable flooring mistakes.
Today, we will learn about common flooring mistakes and how to avoid them. You can choose the right floors for your space with thoughtful planning and expert guidance. Here’s what you need to know!
Mistake #1: Choosing Flooring Based Only on Looks
Any flooring material can look fabulous in a showroom or online, but looks aren’t everything. Flooring should be durable, practical, and suitable for your lifestyle.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Consider daily wear and tear—if you have kids or pets, scratch-resistant flooring like Luxury Vinyl or tile flooring makes sense.
- In moisture-prone areas, opt for water-resistant flooring rather than traditional hardwood, which can warp.
- Balance style and function—materials like stone plastic composite (SPC) offer the elegance of natural materials with added durability.
Mistake #2: Not Considering Room-Specific Flooring Needs
Not all floors work everywhere. What’s great for a living room may be a disaster in a bathroom or basement. Failing to consider moisture levels, traffic, and use cases can lead to early damage and unnecessary replacements.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- For bathrooms and kitchens, choose tile or LVP to prevent water damage.
- Use durable flooring like porcelain tile or engineered hardwood in high-traffic areas.
- Bedrooms benefit from quieter, softer options like carpet or laminate flooring for warmth and comfort.
Mistake #3: Ignoring the Subfloor Condition
Your subfloor is the base of your flooring. If uneven, damp, or cracked, it can cause warping, creaking, and even floor failure, leading to costly repairs down the road.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Always inspect and prepare your subfloor before installing new flooring.
- Address moisture issues with vapor barriers, especially in basements.
- Use floor leveling compounds to correct uneven surfaces before installation.
Mistake #4: Attempting DIY Installation Without Proper Knowledge
Some homeowners have no trouble installing peel-and-stick vinyl or click-lock laminate. However, attempting complex installations like tile, hardwood, or waterproof flooring without experience can result in gaps, uneven planks, and costly mistakes.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Stick to DIY-friendly flooring like Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) or floating laminate floors.
- Hire a certified installer for materials like tile, hardwood, or stone to ensure a professional, long-lasting finish.
- Read manufacturer installation guidelines carefully—some warranties are voided by improper installation.
Mistake #5: Choosing Flooring That’s Hard to Maintain
Many homeowners love high-end materials but don’t want to take the time and effort to maintain them. If you pick a floor that requires constant maintenance, be aware of it.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Choose LVP or tile for easy cleaning, which resists spills and stains.
- Avoid high-maintenance hardwood if you don’t want to worry about scratches and refinishing.
- Opt for durable flooring that fits your lifestyle—laminate flooring mimics hardwood without high maintenance.
Mistake #6: Following Flooring Trends Too Closely
Trendy flooring designs can look great today but feel outdated in just a few years. What’s stylish at the time can actually lower your home’s resale value if it’s too bold or unconventional.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Stick with timeless styles like neutral wood tones, classic tile designs, and subtle patterns.
- Use trendy designs in temporary elements like area rugs rather than permanent flooring.
- If you want a modern touch, consider Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) in trending colors that can still blend with various décor styles.
Mistake #7: Not Thinking About Long-Term Durability
Some flooring materials look great at first but don’t withstand high amounts of foot traffic. If you don’t consider durability, your floors will need to be replaced sooner rather than later.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- For high-traffic areas, choose scratch-resistant, waterproof flooring like LVP or tile.
- In homes with pets, avoid softwood floors that scratch easily.
- Consider warranty coverage—high-quality flooring should have a good manufacturer’s warranty.
Final Thoughts: Invest in the Right Flooring for Your Home
Avoiding these common flooring mistakes will save you time, money, and frustration. By choosing the right materials for each room, considering long-term durability, and hiring professional installers, your flooring will look great and last for years.
At High Plains Flooring & Blinds, we help homeowners choose the best flooring for their lifestyle. Ready to upgrade your home with durable, stylish flooring? Visit our showroom or contact us today!
