Installing new flooring can transform any room, and for many homeowners, taking the DIY route seems like an exciting and budget-friendly option. While completing a flooring project on your own also comes with satisfaction, mistakes during installation can cause significant issues down the road. Avoiding common mistakes will help you achieve a smooth, long-lasting floor that adds value to your space.
Skipping Subfloor Preparation
The Mistake:
One of the most overlooked processes in flooring installation is properly preparing the subfloor. Uneven, dirty, or damp subfloors can cause planks, tiles or boards to shift, squeak or buckle over time.
How to Avoid It:
Start by cleaning the subfloor thoroughly to remove dirt, dust, and debris.
Check for any uneven dips, spots or bumps and level them with a self-leveling compound.
For damp subfloors, especially concrete, install a moisture barrier to prevent future water damage.
Always follow the flooring manufacturer’s guidelines for subfloor requirements.
Not Acclimating Flooring Material
The Mistake:
Wood, vinyl and laminate planks contract or expand according to the room's humidity and temperature. Installing it straight out of the box can result in gaps, buckling or warping after installation.
How to Avoid It:
- Allow the flooring material to acclimate to the room’s conditions for 48 to 72 hours before installation.
- Keep the boxes of flooring in the room where they will be installed and ensure the temperature and humidity are stable.
Incorrect Use of Adhesives or Fasteners
The Mistake:
Using less adhesive, or wrong type, or improperly nailing planks can result in loose, shifting or creaking floors.
How to Avoid It:
- Read and follow the flooring manufacturer’s instructions for adhesives, fasteners, or installation methods.
- For tile, use a high-quality adhesive suitable for the material and space (e.g., waterproof adhesive for bathrooms).
- For wood or laminate planks, ensure nails or glue are applied correctly and evenly.
Neglecting Expansion Gaps
The Mistake:
Flooring compositions like wood, laminate or vinyl expand and contract with temperature changes. If you install planks tightly against the walls or obstacles, they left with no room to move, causing buckling or damage.
How to Avoid It:
Leave an expansion gap of around 1/4 inch around the room’s perimeter, including doorways and fixed structures.
Use spacers to maintain the gap during installation, and cover the gap with baseboards or trim for a clean finish.
Improper Measurement and Cutting
The Mistake:
Rushing through measurements or cutting inaccurately leads to uneven floor or make the tile flooring waste in result. It can also make your finished project look messy and unprofessional.
How to Avoid It:
- Measure the room carefully before starting, including tricky corners or irregular spaces.
- Use a high-quality saw or cutter for precise cuts, and double-check your measurements before cutting.
- Lay out the flooring pattern or design beforehand to ensure everything aligns perfectly, especially with tiles.
Final Thoughts
DIY floor planks installation can save money and give you a sense of accomplishment, but it requires careful planning and execution. By avoiding common mistakes like ignoring subfloor preparation, skipping acclimation, and neglecting expansion gaps, you can achieve professional-quality results. Following manufacturer's instructions is mandatory and use the right tools for the job. All well-installed floor will not only look great but also last for years to come.