Top Flooring Mistakes Homeowners Make—and How to Avoid Them
Choosing new flooring is one of the most exciting parts of a home renovation. It transforms your space, adds value, and reflects your personal style. But without proper planning and expert advice, it’s easy to make costly or frustrating mistakes. From choosing the wrong material to improper installation, homeowners often face avoidable setbacks.
At The Floor Shop in Toronto, we’ve seen it all—and we’re here to help you get it right. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common flooring mistakes and how you can avoid them to ensure a smooth, successful flooring project.
#1. Choosing the Wrong Flooring for Your Lifestyle
It’s easy to fall in love with a flooring style based on looks alone, but function is just as important.
Common Mistake: Choosing hardwood for a high-moisture area or light carpet in a high-traffic home with pets and kids.
How to Avoid It: Consider how the space is used. For example:
- Use vinyl in moisture-prone areas like kitchens or bathrooms.
- Opt for engineered hardwood or laminate for durability in busy family homes.
- Go with cork for comfort in home offices or playrooms.
#2. Ignoring Subfloor Preparation
Even the most expensive flooring won’t perform well if installed over an uneven or unprepared subfloor.
Common Mistake: Installing new floors over damaged, wet, or uneven surfaces.
How to Avoid It:
- Inspect and repair your subfloor before installation.
- Ensure it’s level, dry, and structurally sound.
- Trust professional installers to handle prep work properly.
At The Floor Shop, we always assess and prep subfloors to ensure a flawless foundation.
#3. Skipping Underlayment
Underlayment may not be visible, but it plays a crucial role in your floor’s performance and comfort.
Common Mistake: Forgoing underlay to save money or skipping it for certain flooring types.
How to Avoid It:
- Use quality underlayment to improve insulation, soundproofing, and moisture resistance.
- Ask your flooring expert which type is best for your flooring material (foam, cork, rubber, etc.).
#4. Underestimating Total Costs
Flooring projects involve more than just material costs. Many homeowners are surprised by the extras.
Common Mistake: Only budgeting for the flooring itself, not installation or finishing materials.
How to Avoid It:
- Get a detailed quote that includes materials, labor, trim, underlay, and transitions.
- Budget 10–15% extra for unexpected expenses or design upgrades.
We provide transparent, all-in quotes at The Floor Shop, so you know exactly what to expect.
#5. Not Ordering Enough Material
Running short on flooring mid-installation is more than frustrating—it can lead to mismatched batches and project delays.
Common Mistake: Measuring floor area without accounting for waste or cuts.
How to Avoid It:
- Always order 5–10% more flooring than the actual square footage.
- Rooms with angled cuts or patterns may need up to 15% extra.
Our team helps calculate the right quantity based on your layout and installation style.
#6. Doing “DIY” When You Shouldn’t
DIY flooring can save money, but improper installation leads to issues like gaps, buckling, or shortened lifespan.
Common Mistake: Taking on installation of complex materials like hardwood or tile without experience.
How to Avoid It:
- Leave more technical installations to the pros.
- If you’re set on DIY, choose beginner-friendly options like click-lock vinyl or laminate.
- Always follow manufacturer instructions carefully.
We offer professional installation to ensure beautiful, long-lasting results.
#7. Ignoring Climate and Humidity
Some flooring materials expand and contract with temperature or moisture changes.
Common Mistake: Installing solid hardwood in a humid basement or unconditioned room.
How to Avoid It:
- Choose engineered wood or vinyl for below-grade or high-humidity spaces.
- Allow flooring to acclimate before installation (especially hardwood and laminate).
Our experts at The Floor Shop will recommend climate-appropriate products based on your space.
#8. Choosing Trend Over Timelessness
Trendy floors can be fun, but styles change—and replacing flooring isn’t cheap.
Common Mistake: Picking bold colors or patterns that may date quickly.
How to Avoid It:
- Balance trendiness with longevity. Choose neutral or classic tones for main areas.
- Add personality with rugs or decor instead.
We’ll help you find a look you love that still feels current in 10 years.
#9. Forgetting About Transitions and Trim
Finishing details matter just as much as the flooring itself.
Common Mistake: Overlooking baseboards, transitions, or stair nosings.
How to Avoid It:
- Plan for transitions between flooring types and rooms.
- Choose trims that complement the flooring and protect edges.
Our team ensures every flooring project is finished beautifully from edge to edge.
#10. Not Asking for Professional Advice
Flooring is a long-term investment—it pays to get expert guidance.
Common Mistake: Making choices based solely on photos or online research.
How to Avoid It:
- Visit a showroom to see and feel materials in person.
- Ask questions about durability, maintenance, and best use cases.
At The Floor Shop, our experts help you select the right flooring for your home, lifestyle, and budget.
Final Thoughts: Plan Smart, Install Right
Flooring is one of the biggest style and function decisions you can make in your home. Avoiding common mistakes ensures you get the most value, beauty, and longevity out of your investment.
Whether you’re just starting your flooring journey or finalizing your plans, let the professionals at The Floor Shop in Toronto help you make confident, informed choices every step of the way.
Visit The Floor Shop Today
Ready to choose flooring without the stress or guesswork? Visit our showroom or contact us to speak with one of our experts. We’ll help you avoid the pitfalls and create floors you’ll love for years to come.
