Choosing new flooring is exciting, but it’s also one of the easiest places to make costly mistakes. From picking the wrong material to overlooking prep work, small missteps can affect how your floor looks, feels and performs long term.
At Frankly Flooring, we regularly help customers fix issues that could have been avoided with the right advice upfront. Here are some of the most common flooring mistakes, and how to get it right first time.
1. Choosing Style Over Practicality
A floor might look stunning in a showroom, but that doesn’t always mean it’s right for your home. High-gloss finishes, softer woods, or lighter colours can struggle in busy households, homes with pets, or high-traffic areas.
How to avoid it:
Think about how the room is actually used. Kitchens, hallways and living spaces benefit from durable, easy-to-maintain flooring such as engineered wood, vinyl, or laminate designed for everyday wear.
2. Not Considering Moisture and Temperature
Bathrooms, kitchens, and ground floors all have different moisture levels, and some flooring types simply aren’t designed to cope with them. Temperature changes can also cause expansion and contraction if the wrong materials are used.
How to avoid it:
Always match the flooring to the environment. Water-resistant vinyl or properly sealed engineered wood is often a safer option where moisture or temperature changes are a concern.
3. Skipping Proper Subfloor Preparation
Even the best flooring won’t perform well if it’s laid over an uneven or poorly prepared subfloor. This can lead to creaking, movement, visible gaps, or premature wear.
How to avoid it:
Ensure the subfloor is clean, level, and dry before installation. Professional preparation makes a huge difference to how your flooring looks and lasts.
4. Underestimating Maintenance Requirements
Some floors need more care than homeowners expect. Real wood, for example, may require refinishing over time, while lighter colours can show dirt more easily.
How to avoid it:
Be honest about how much maintenance you’re willing to do. There are plenty of modern flooring options that offer the look of wood or stone with minimal upkeep.
5. Trying to Cut Costs in the Wrong Places
Budget is important, but choosing the cheapest option without considering quality can lead to higher costs down the line through repairs or replacement.
How to avoid it:
Focus on value rather than price alone. A well-chosen, well-installed floor will last longer and look better over time.
Get Flooring Advice You Can Trust
Avoiding these common mistakes starts with expert guidance. At Frankly Flooring, we take the time to understand your space, lifestyle, and budget, helping you choose flooring that works for your home, not just today but for years to come.
If you’re planning a flooring update, get in touch with our team for straightforward advice.