The Biggest Flooring Mistakes Homeowners Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Choosing the right flooring for your home is a big deal. Get it right, and you’ll have a stunning, durable surface that enhances your space. Get it wrong, and you could be dealing with premature wear, constant maintenance headaches, or even the costly mistake of replacing your floors sooner than expected.
To save you time, money, and frustration, let’s go over the biggest flooring mistakes people make—and how to avoid them.
1. Choosing the Wrong Flooring for the Room
Not all flooring is created equal. What works in a living room might be a nightmare in a bathroom or kitchen.
Common mistakes:
- Installing carpet in high-moisture areas (hello, mold and mildew!).
- Using solid hardwood in a bathroom—warping and water damage are guaranteed.
- Opting for cheap laminate in kitchens without checking for water resistance.
What to do instead:
- Use waterproof vinyl planks or tiles for bathrooms and laundries.
- Choose engineered timber over solid wood if you want a timber look in moisture-prone areas.
- Make sure your laminate or hybrid flooring has water-resistant properties before installing it in a kitchen.
2. Ignoring Subfloor Preparation
Your flooring is only as good as what’s underneath it. A poorly prepared subfloor can lead to squeaks, movement, and uneven wear.
Common mistakes:
- Laying flooring over an uneven subfloor, leading to gaps or buckling.
- Skipping moisture barriers, especially on concrete slabs.
- Failing to clean or level the surface before installation.
What to do instead:
- Always check for moisture levels in the subfloor before installing wood or laminate.
- Use a self-leveling compound for uneven surfaces.
- Follow manufacturer guidelines for underlay and moisture barriers.
3. Going Too Cheap
Bargain hunting is great—until it costs you more in the long run. Cheap flooring might look good at first, but it often lacks durability, stain resistance, or proper installation support.
Common mistakes:
- Buying low-quality carpet that flattens within a year.
- Choosing budget vinyl that peels or discolors quickly.
- Installing thin laminate that chips and swells easily.
What to do instead:
- Invest in mid-range to high-quality flooring for better durability.
- Check the warranty—if it’s only a year or two, it’s probably not built to last.
- Read reviews and ask professionals for recommendations.
4. Overlooking Maintenance Requirements
Some flooring requires more upkeep than others. Ignoring maintenance needs can lead to frustration and premature wear.
Common mistakes:
- Choosing high-maintenance hardwood when you have pets and kids.
- Not realizing light-colored carpet shows dirt easily.
- Using the wrong cleaning products on vinyl or laminate, damaging the surface.
What to do instead:
- If you want low-maintenance flooring, go for vinyl planks, hybrid flooring, or stain-resistant carpet.
- Research proper cleaning methods for your flooring type.
- If you have pets, choose scratch-resistant flooring like SPC hybrid planks.
5. DIY Disasters
We love a good DIY project—but flooring installation isn’t always as simple as it looks. Improper installation can lead to gaps, buckling, or premature wear.
Common mistakes:
- Not allowing flooring to acclimate before installation.
- Skipping expansion gaps, leading to warping.
- Incorrectly clicking or gluing planks, creating weak spots.
What to do instead:
- If you’re going DIY, read the instructions carefully and watch professional tutorials.
- Let flooring sit in the room for 48 hours before installation to adjust to temperature and humidity.
- If you’re unsure, hire a professional—bad installation can void warranties.
6. Ignoring the Room’s Foot Traffic
Some flooring just doesn’t hold up well in high-traffic areas.
Common mistakes:
- Installing soft, plush carpet in hallways (it’ll wear out fast!).
- Choosing low-quality laminate in busy living areas—expect scratches and dents.
- Using glossy tiles where they’ll show every footprint and scuff mark.
What to do instead:
- For high-traffic areas, go for durable, easy-to-clean options like vinyl planks, hybrid flooring, or low-pile carpet.
- Choose matte finishes over glossy to hide dirt and wear.
7. Not Considering Pets and Kids
If you have kids or pets, your flooring needs to be tough.
Common mistakes:
- Choosing hardwood and then cringing at every scratch from pet claws.
- Installing carpet in play areas where spills and messes are inevitable.
- Using tile or polished concrete without rugs—hard falls hurt!
What to do instead:
- For pet owners, SPC hybrid flooring is a game-changer—it’s scratch-resistant, waterproof, and easy to clean.
- Go for stain-resistant carpet in bedrooms and playrooms.
- If you love timber, consider engineered wood with a tough finish.
8. Forgetting About Acoustics
Ever been in a house where every footstep echoes? Hard flooring can amplify noise, making open spaces feel cavernous.
Common mistakes:
- Choosing hard surfaces throughout the home without softening elements.
- Forgetting underlay to absorb sound in laminate or hybrid flooring.
- Using thin carpet that doesn’t dampen noise effectively.
What to do instead:
- Use area rugs and runners in key areas.
- Add underlay beneath hard flooring to reduce noise.
- Consider carpet in upstairs rooms to minimize sound transfer.
Final Thoughts: Get It Right the First Time
Flooring is one of the biggest investments in your home—so don’t cut corners. By avoiding these common mistakes and choosing the right material for your space, you’ll get a floor that looks amazing and lasts for years.
At Carpetland, we help homeowners find the perfect flooring without the stress. Whether you need expert advice, professional installation, or high-quality flooring, we’ve got you covered.
Get in touch today or visit our showroom—let’s make sure you get the flooring right the first time!