Our floors play a crucial role in creating our ideal interior space. Whether for home or business, our floors can have a big impact. Yet with so many factors involved in obtaining the right flooring, there’s room for mistakes. We explore the biggest flooring mistakes and how to avoid them!
Not spending enough time researching
Not spending enough time considering your options is one of the biggest oversights when it comes to flooring installations.
Whether it’s your choice of floor covering or choice of contractor, taking the time to conduct thorough research is crucial. Exploring the pros and cons of each flooring, using samples, and visiting flooring showrooms are all ways to thoroughly research flooring options.
When it comes to selecting the right flooring contractor for the job, you should also pay attention to their experience, expertise, specialities, and reviews. That way, you gain a good idea of whether the flooring contractor will be right for your interior needs.
Not considering the needs of a given space
Failing to consider how a space is used and the function of a space is a big mistake that can lead to an impractical flooring solution.
While many opt for flooring based solely on the design, there’s plenty more to consider on top of this. For example, kitchens and bathroom spaces will require a water-resistant floor. In comparison, an office space may require a more durable yet comfortable flooring underfoot.
Given how flooring is a long-term commitment, you need to ensure that your choice of floor covering can withstand daily activities. Otherwise, wear and tear will quickly start to show through. This, in turn, leads to a decreased appeal of a given space.
Using the wrong cleaning solutions
Using the wrong cleaning solutions on your flooring is another big mistake to avoid. While some floors requires less cleaning and maintenance, how you clean the floor makes all the difference.
That’s because certain cleaning solutions and chemicals are not suited for certain flooring materials. For example, you should avoid using a steam mop of luxury vinyl tiles and vinyl flooring as the high temperatures cause permanent damage.
How often you clean your floors can also have an impact. Excess cleaning or using too much water are two cleaning mistakes that can cause permanent damage or discolouration to the floor covering.
Ignoring subfloor problems
Ignoring subfloor problems is another big flooring mistake you should avoid. From uneven subfloor to moisture and dampness, ignoring these problems is bad news for your flooring installation.
Some subfloor problems can be difficult to spot or rectify. Opting for a professional flooring contractor who has experience dealing with subfloor problems can help overcome this problem. At E&M Services, we have experience in all aspects of subfloor preparation and repair.
Opting for price over quality
Many homeowners and business owners may choose to cut corners and save money by opting for a cheaper flooring option. However, choosing the cheapest flooring option is often not the best choice.
Whether you have a limited budget or want to save a few quid, opting for a cheaper option usually equates to lower quality. As such, you will end up needing to pay more in maintenance or replacing the floor sooner.
When it comes to flooring quality, you usually get what you pay for. Especially if you want to ensure good value for money that is sure to last longer. Paying that little bit extra out will ensure a longer lifespan and a higher quality job.
DIY or handyman over a professional
Another big flooring mistake to avoid is opting for a DIY or handyman to install your flooring over a professional contractor. Many people may be tempted to save on the cost of hiring a professional by choosing to install a floor themselves.
However, this can often result in many problems. The lack of experience, tools, and knowledge can result in a substandard flooring installation. Opting for a professional with the experience and tools to do the job properly allows for a much higher standard of finish.
Other reasons why you should opt for a professional flooring contractor, like E&M Services, over a DIY or handyman job include:
- Cost effective
- Saves time
- Improves the aesthetics
- Offers protection
- Can help to choose a suitable flooring
- Benefit from other flooring services
- Warranty
Checking moisture content
Moisture content is a big problem that can affect the quality of a flooring installation. Whether it’s moisture from the subfloor or a room with a high moisture content, you need to ensure you pick a suitable flooring.
Vinyl and luxury vinyl tiles are two water-resistant floors that are an ideal choice for use in rooms with a high moisture content. Not only are these floors better protected against spillages, but they can also stand up well against typical household humidity.
In comparison, floors that don’t stand up well to moisture can suffer from warping, damp spots, or cracking. This allows moisture to penetrate the flooring, causing further permanent damage. As such, it’s important to consider the moisture levels of a room when choosing flooring.
Picking the wrong flooring design or colour
Our flooring choice plays a big impact on the feel and design of a space, whether for home flooring or business. Yet the wrong choice in flooring design or colour can have a significant impact on the aesthetics and feel of a space.
Picking the wrong flooring design or colour is another big mistake to avoid. Typically, this can happen when not enough research has gone into the flooring choice. Ideally, your floor should compliment your room design and décor, not work against it.
This applies to any floor covering, whether opting for colourful carpet or natural design luxury vinyl tiles. Given how different floors can look in the shop, making use of samples is an effective way to eliminate this flooring mistake.
Furniture damage
Furniture damage to floors can occur in both homes and businesses and is often irreparable.
Moving furniture around, rearranging a room, or heavy weight can all cause damage to floors. Whether it’s dents, scratches, or scruffs, these are impossible to repair. However, you can avoid damage to your floors using one simple method.
Furniture pads are designed to protect your floors from scratches and scruffs when moving furniture. These small felt pads come in different sizes to suit different furniture sizes, creating a soft base that eliminates scratches.
Finding a suitable flooring that fits the needs and design of an interior space is a difficult task. However, dedicating the time to properly research and evaluate your options can help eliminate many of the flooring mistakes outlined above.
If you would like to find out more about our range of flooring services or need help choosing a new floor, get in touch with our team today. We are always happy to provide free samples, advice, and quotes to ensure you achieve the best possible flooring installation.