Most Common Mistakes To Avoid When Installing Flooring
When it comes to upgrading your home, installing a new floor is a great investment. It not only increases the home value but also the functionality. The best part is that there are a plethora of options to choose from for flooring. In simple words, it is both a rewarding and exciting project.
However, just purchasing and expecting your home to look pretty doesn’t work. For the best look and functionality, one must focus on the installation process. Unluckily, homeowners often neglect this process. So to help you, here are some mistakes to avoid during hardwood flooring installation Vancouver.
12 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Flooring
When installing flooring, here are some common mistakes every homeowner must avoid:
Not Preparing Ahead
Successful flooring installation begins with careful planning and preparation. Another mistake they make is not understanding the unique installation challenges each flooring type demands. For instance, hardwood flooring isn’t the right choice for bathrooms and kitchens due to high moisture levels.
Without proper planning, there are higher chances you’ll order materials even for rooms where it isn’t suitable. Additionally, also consider the room’s purpose, traffic levels, maintenance and more. Not exploring all these steps before will only lead to unsuccessful flooring installation.
2. Unprepared Subfloors
Another mistake homeowners make is not preparing the subfloors before installation. It is very important to check if it is clean, dry and level as a rough floor is incompatible with new flooring. The floor matters a lot and if yours is uneven, then be ready to expect damaged results.
Besides, if any lumps, bumps or garbage is present, then your floor may shift or will create ugly gaps. So, if the particleboard is unsuitable or the surface is incompatible, then avoid installing it. Therefore, if you don’t want your project to end badly, avoid this mistake by ensuring the entire floor is level.
3. Neglecting Moisture Levels
Unchecked moisture levels are another common mistake to avoid as different flooring materials require different installation needs. For instance, to prevent future warping and buckling, hardwood floors must be accumulated in the environment. However, remember, the amount of time needed for this will depend on the season and climate.
Another best advice is to let the wood floors adjust to the room’s conditions before installation. If you neglect to give your flooring the time it needs to adjust, it may expand or shrink after installation. The best time to install wood flooring is in the spring or fall as the air is not too dry or too humid. Moreover, to prevent overall moisture, you can also install and consult a siding contractor Vancouver.
4. Improper Measurement
Proper measurement is the key to a successful flooring installation. It not only guarantees the right material quantity but also allows accurate budgeting, thereby reducing waste and saving you from unnecessary expenses. However, this is yet another big mistake homeowners often make. Imagine not having enough materials and you have to stop your project mid-way. Annoying isn’t it?
Instead of hastening, it is important to avoid awkward cuts and placements like narrow cuts in doorways, front or staircases. You can use graph paper or a hands-on layout. Remember, placing flooring boards in awkward locations such as rooms with unusual shapes or features will not ensure your flooring looks its best.
5. Poor Quality Underlayment
Because moisture is one of the major problems of flooring, it is important to focus on the underlayment. The best thing you can do is use high-quality and appropriate moisture barriers. If necessary, you can also use waterproof flooring options. Depending on the material installed, you can use rubber underlayment, foam underlayment, cork underlayment, etc.
However, if you’re planning to glue then don’t make the mistake of leaving the outermost rows near the walls. They need to remain secure if you want your entire floor tight and well-fitted. As the floor is sanded and because the final handful of rows includes a lot of movement, gluing correctly helps from the noise and jumping.
6. Bad Nailing
Even the best and highest-quality materials can perform poorly if not installed properly. For instance, bad nailing not only destroys the materials but also the appeal and safety of your home. In addition to bad nailing, another mistake people make is not removing staples, and sinking fasteners and nails in the subfloor.
If neglected, the item will transfer into flooring, making your floor installed terribly. A flat surface is the key to a successful installation, otherwise, your floor will be uncomfortable and unsafe to walk. Therefore, before you lay down your new flooring, take the time to fix issues and imperfections to Avoid disaster.
7. Not Allowing Movement
When installing flooring, another mistake to avoid is not allowing movement. Flooring such as hardwood expands and contracts as the temperature changes and with the changes in humidity. Due to a lack of movement, the flooring can buckle and warp over time.
So, it is vital to leave a small gap to allow movement like contraction and extraction. Here, it is important to either consult professional installers or follow the manufacturer’s recommendations as the size of the gap depends on various flooring options.
8. Not Selecting Correct Material
For a successful installation, purchasing high-quality materials is a worthy investment. The right materials ensure beautiful appeal and longevity. Imagine purchasing and installing a low-quality material only to find out it has gotten worse over time. What’s the point of spending on professional installers if your material will decrease the appeal of your home with dents and scratches?
Moreover, poor materials can sometimes be difficult to install which as a result may increase the labor cost. Also, in the coming years, they will require frequent maintenance and replacements. So, choose high-quality materials with a warranty and let your investment be worthwhile over the years.
9. Mismatching Patterns
Talking about hardwood flooring installation in Vancouver comes in various patterns such as strip, plank, herringbone, brick, hexagon and other patterns. Be it any pattern you are using, another mistake to avoid is mismatching. If you want your patterns to look similar, then they need to be consistent. Be it uneven patterns or awkward gaps, they can cause major headaches.
What’s worse? It can destroy the aesthetic appeal of the floor. So, instead of rushing, make a plan for the exact design you want to use or seek advice from the manufacturer on the ideal arrangement. Remember, a successful installation demands planning, patience and attention to the tiniest details.
10. Not Ordering Extra
Another common mistake you should avoid is ordering the exact number of flooring boxes. A successful installation and proper fitting may require cutting or trimming. This means you’ll need a few extra pieces for fitting odd corners or spanning vents.
Therefore, it is always a wise decision to order a few extra as per your room measure to avoid a shortfall of emergencies. Remember, shortcuts or planning your budget will only lead to bigger problems.
11. Ignoring Safety Precautions
Another major mistake is ignoring recommendations from the manufacturer. Mostly, DIY floor installers don’t focus on the recommended guidelines. In addition to the installation guidelines, one must also focus throughout the entire process. Different installations require different safety precautions.
Imagine having to stop the installation process in the mid-way because of an injury you got due to lack of precaution. So, make sure all the equipment and protective equipment is ready in hand like ear protection, goggles, gloves, suited footwear, etc, especially when doing DIY. In addition to ensuring your safety, it also saves a lot of time and effort.
12. Not Hiring Professionals
Another common and major mistake homeowners often make is not hiring professionals. The process of installing new flooring isn’t an easy task and requires expertise and patience. It involves complex procedures and needs detailed attention. From expertise, knowledge and tools to experience, all this can take a lot of time. Therefore, this is where professional installers come in.
They have got the necessary skills and training in the field. Not only do they guarantee a flawless installation, they also take the burden off your shoulders, saving you time for other important things. Moreover, you can also obtain valuable advice from them. So instead of creating trouble, choose a reputed flooring installation company and go to the Contact Us page for a quotation and a better idea.
Allow Your Flooring Project to Go Smoothly
We at Superlative Developmentz Ltd are the leading service provider of hardwood flooring. We have a team of highly qualified and trained experts who boast years of knowledge in the field. Be it any issue you are facing, we are your only and the best flooring solution. Our professional ensures your flooring installation project goes hassle-free.
Right from selecting the material to flawless installation, our experienced team will be with you every step of the way. For years, we have been serving clients and turning their dreams into reality. Besides, our customer support team is always ready to assist you and solve all your queries, anywhere, anytime.