Installing New Floors? Here’s What Not to Do

So, you’re looking to upgrade the look of your home and save money doing it. Installing your floors could be the way to do so, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure it’s done right the first time. Whether it’s hardwood, luxury vinyl, or laminate, be sure to do your research, because if you don’t, it’ll end up costing you more in the future—putting all of that hard work to waste.

We’re here to tell you what not to do when installing, so you can enjoy those floors for years into the future.

As an eager DIY-er, do not:

1. Put It down Right after You Pick It Up

Do not install the same day you bring your floors home. Especially for hardwood, it takes a few days for the flooring to acclimate to your home. Allowing the floors to adjust to their environment will smooth out the installation process, decreasing the chances of warping in the future. Any moisture in the air during installation will do this to the flooring as well, so plan for a spring or fall installation to prevent issues caused by dryness or humidity.

2. Forget about the Subfloors

You wouldn’t build a house without a solid foundation, and the same is true with floors. Nobody wants creaking floorboards later. So be sure to prep the subflooring before the installation so that your new floors will have a stable, and level, surface to lay on. A little prep and TLC for your subfloors will go a long way.

3. Neglect Room Shape

Though you may think your room is a perfect square, that may not be the case. And when you start laying down new floors—specifically long planks in straight lines—you may realize that your room isn’t as rectangular as you thought. An asymmetric layout will cause issues down the line, so be sure to use accurate measurements as you start to plan for your new floors.

4. Skip over Planning

You can’t go in without a game plan. Laying down new floors takes time and patience. Plan the order in which the boards or planks will be installed—otherwise known as racking. By doing this, you’ll plan out the placement of lengths, patterns, and tones, giving you a more natural and professional finish.

5. Try DIY If You’re Not Willing to Work

Though doing it yourself can reduce the overall cost, it’s going to take time and hard work to install correctly. Saving money is important, but a job well done is always worth it. If it’s your first time, consider trying a smaller job. You may want to consult a professional for bigger jobs. The experts at Flooring America will get it done—at a great price—to ensure that you and your family enjoy your new floors for years to come.

Whether or not you decide to DIY, call your local Flooring Canada today and talk to us about your next project. We have the products and the know-how to make sure it gets done just right.

Visualize Your Flooring Dreams

Want a preview of how new floors will look in your home? Try our room visualizer, My Floor Style. Upload a photo of your room, select your style preferences, and get a virtual look at each different flooring style. With My Floor Style, there are no surprises. Only beautiful new floors.