7 Common Flooring Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Choosing the right flooring for your home or workplace is not just an aesthetic decision — it directly impacts comfort, durability, and long-term value. Wrong decisions can lead to issues such as swelling, fading, scratches, or poor overall harmony with the space.

In this guide, we’ll cover 7 common flooring mistakes and explain the right choices you can make to avoid them.

1. Focusing Only on Price

Why This Is a Mistake

Choosing solely based on price often means compromising on material quality, abrasion class, or installation service. This can lead to costly replacements in a short time.

The Right Choice

1. Set a budget, but focus on price-to-performance ratio.
2. Laminate flooring: Affordable, scratch-resistant, easy to install.
3. Solid hardwood: Natural beauty, extremely long-lasting, can be sanded multiple times.
4. Engineered wood: Offers a natural look with better stability and moisture resistance.

2. Ignoring the Room’s Purpose

Why This Is a Mistake

Using the same flooring in every room ignores differences in moisture, temperature, and traffic intensity.

The Right Choice

1. Kitchens and bathrooms: Water-resistant laminate or engineered wood.
2. Bedrooms and living rooms: Comfort-first choices like hardwood or premium laminate.
3. Commercial or high-traffic areas: Flooring with AC4 or AC5 abrasion ratings.

3. Rushing the Color and Pattern Selection

Why This Is a Mistake

A color that looks good in a catalog or online may not suit your lighting or furniture at home.

The Right Choice

1. Light tones (oak, maple) make small rooms feel larger.
2. Dark tones (walnut, espresso) add depth and luxury to large spaces.
3. Gray and light oak shades are trending in modern interiors.

4. Overlooking Flooring Thickness and Abrasion Class

Why This Is a Mistake

Thin flooring or low abrasion class options wear out faster and show subfloor imperfections.

The Right Choice

1. 8–10 mm: Ideal for most residential areas.
2. 10–12 mm: Best for high-traffic or commercial spaces.
3. Abrasion classes (AC):
4. AC3: Light residential use (bedrooms)
5. AC4: Medium-high residential (living rooms, hallways)
6. AC5: Heavy commercial

5. Using the Wrong Installation Technique

Why This Is a Mistake

Improper installation can lead to gaps, swelling, or squeaking floors.

The Right Choice

1. Ensure the subfloor is level, clean, and dry.
2. Let flooring acclimate in the room for 48 hours before installation.
3. Use high-quality underlayment for comfort and sound insulation.
4. Work with professional installers for best results.

6. Neglecting Maintenance and Cleaning Rules

Why This Is a Mistake

Excessive water, harsh chemicals, or lack of protection under furniture legs can shorten the life of your floors.

The Right Choice

1. Clean with a damp (not wet) mop.
2. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
3. Use felt pads under furniture legs.
4. Protect floors from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

7. Ignoring Warranty and After-Sales Support

Why This Is a Mistake

A lack of after-sales support can leave you stranded if issues arise.

The Right Choice

1. Choose reputable brands.
2. Look for at least a 10-year warranty.
3. Work with suppliers offering strong customer service.

Extra Tips for Choosing Flooring

1. Check compatibility with underfloor heating systems.
2. Choose eco-friendly products with certifications like E1 or Blue Angel.
3. Ensure color harmony between flooring, skirting boards, and furniture.

Flooring Selection Checklist

Have you determined the purpose and traffic level of each room?

Have you chosen the right material (laminate, hardwood, engineered)?

Have you tested color and pattern in your actual lighting conditions?

Is the thickness and abrasion class suitable for your needs?

Do you have a professional installation plan?

Do you know the cleaning and maintenance rules?

Have you reviewed warranty and after-sales service terms?

Making the right flooring choice preserves the beauty and functionality of your living spaces for years. The 7 common mistakes and their solutions outlined in this guide will help you avoid unnecessary costs and enjoy durable, stylish, and comfortable floors.