You’re getting ready to install new floors in your home. That’s exciting! The right flooring can completely transform a space. You want to make sure you do it right so your floors look as good as new for as long as possible. It all starts with proper installation.
But how much does installation really matter in the grand scheme of things? It can’t be that hard to install floors, right?
We’re here to talk about why proper installation matters, as well as a few common flooring installation mistakes and how to avoid them. Read on to learn more.
Durability
A properly installed floor can withstand the wear and tear of daily use, while a poorly installed floor may be prone to damage, scratches, and other issues. If you want your floors to be durable enough for the high-traffic areas of your home, you need to make sure they’re installed correctly.
Of course, other factors, such as the flooring material and how well you’re able to care for it also impact long-term durability, but it’s always best to start with proper installation to set yourself up for success.
Safety
Many people don’t consider safety when it comes to installing new floors. Improper installation could lead to potential safety issues. Floorboards that aren’t well-aligned, poorly measured carpets, or protruding tiles can all be hazardous around the house.
A well-installed floor can prevent slips, trips, and falls. These can be particularly dangerous for young children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Keep your home as safe as possible with proper floor installation.
Appearance
You want your floors to look perfect when they’re brand-new. A fresh new floor adds so much aesthetic appeal to a home! Amateur installation can get in the way of that. You may end up with floors that look misaligned, chipped, or otherwise imperfect.
Proper flooring installation ensures a smooth and even surface that improves the look of your flooring and complements your interior design.
Maintenance
A properly installed floor is easier to clean and maintain. You don’t have to navigate any gaps, chips, or uneven tiles. This reduces the risk of damage from water, dirt, and other substances. It also makes mopping, sweeping, and vacuuming a breeze. No more debris trapped between floorboards!
Warranty
Some flooring manufacturers require proper installation to honor their warranties. If your floors happen to become damaged at some point during the warranty period, you want to be able to get them fixed or replaced. This may not be possible in a cost-effective way if the floors were installed poorly in the first place as the flooring manufacturer is not at fault for that.
Common Flooring Installation Mistakes
So why does flooring go wrong? There are several potential mistakes people can make when they’re installing new floors in their home, and these mistakes are avoidable. Here are some of the most common mistakes that lead to flooring issues down the road.
Insufficient Preparation
Failing to prepare the subfloor, including cleaning, leveling, and drying, can lead to installation issues. Flooring installation is not a one-step process. Some people believe that they’re saving time by skipping these essential first steps, but they’re just creating larger problems for themselves in the future.
Incorrect Measurements
Measuring errors can result in flooring that’s too small or too large for the room. If you’re installing flooring that has multiple sizes of boards or tiles, you also need to measure those to ensure everything fits together. It would be unfortunate to start placing flooring down just to discover that you’ve measured incorrectly when it’s too late.
Poor Material Selection
Choosing the wrong flooring material for your lifestyle, local climate, or subfloor can lead to premature wear and damage. It can also impact ease of installation. For example, plywood is the best subfloor for hardwood floors, but it may not be as ideal for other types, like tile. This isn’t a huge factor, but it’s one you should keep in mind.
Inadequate Adhesive
Not all adhesives are equal. Using the wrong adhesive or applying it incorrectly can cause flooring to lift, buckle, or separate. Even if the installation looks good at first, when the adhesive wears down, it can come apart. Avoid this issue by doing your research and choosing proper adhesive for your floors.
Tips for Proper Flooring Installation
It’s time to install your floors! Are you ready to do it the right way? Here are a few quick tips that can help set you up for success.
Measure Twice
Have you ever heard the advice “Measure twice, cut once”? It’s valid here. You want to measure your space before purchasing or laying down any of your flooring if you don’t want to waste time or money, or end up with unsightly gaps. Double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy.
Choose the Right Material
Choosing the right material goes a long way. Select flooring that suits your lifestyle, climate, and subfloor. Not every type of flooring is going to suit every home. Improper flooring could be harder to install, especially for novices. It’s helpful to talk to a professional to learn about the different types of flooring so you can choose one that’s appropriate for your home.
Hire a Professional
This is our top tip for proper flooring installation. If you’re not experienced in flooring installation, consider hiring a professional to make sure everything is done properly. This is not the time for a DIY project. Flooring installation is more difficult than it looks, and hiring a professional will keep you and your home safer, make the job quicker, and ensure that the results are as close to perfect as possible.
Install Your New Flooring Properly
So are you ready to install your new flooring? If you want it done right the first time, make sure to avoid common mistakes by keeping our tips in mind. On that note, it’s time to hire a professional.
At LA Carpet, we offer more than just carpets. Our seasoned flooring experts can help you choose and install the perfect flooring for your home. Don’t settle for poor installation. Trust the pros at LA Carpet.
Reach out for a free estimate today.
