Published on Wednesday, August 9th, 2023

Don’t Fall for these Common Flooring Mistakes

Choosing a new floor can be an incredibly exciting process, as it provides the opportunity to redefine a room, give your home a fresh look, or simply replace worn-out existing flooring. With the plethora of options available, you can choose from an array of materials ranging from traditional hardwood and tiles to modern vinyl and eco-friendly bamboo. Then there are the styles – rustic, contemporary, minimalist, country chic, and many more. And let’s not forget the vast selection of finishes – glossy, matte, textured, distressed, the list is seemingly endless.

This immense variety is what makes the process exciting, but it’s also what makes it overwhelming. With such a gamut of choices and factors to consider, it’s easy to get lost and make decisions that might not serve you well in the long run. Sometimes, it’s a case of picking a beautiful material that isn’t suitable for the specific needs of a room. At other times, it could be a failure to consider the long-term maintenance demands of the chosen flooring.

These flooring mistakes might seem insignificant during the selection process, but they can cost you heavily in the future. Whether it’s the hassle of frequent repairs, the expense of early replacement, or the simple dissatisfaction with a floor that doesn’t match your lifestyle or aesthetic preferences, the price of a poor flooring decision can be high in terms of time, money, and peace of mind.

Recognizing this, we’ve done the legwork and compiled a comprehensive list of the most common flooring mistakes that people make when shopping for new floors. These insights come from a combination of industry expertise, firsthand experiences, and lessons learned the hard way by countless homeowners. With this knowledge, we aim to guide you towards making informed, smart decisions that will result in a floor you will love and enjoy for years to come. Read on to hear firsthand from our flooring experts at Scottsdale Flooring America about the most common flooring mistakes homeowners make. 

Flooring Mistake No. 1: Not Considering Lifestyle

One of the biggest errors people make when shopping for flooring is not considering their lifestyle. Your lifestyle plays a pivotal role in choosing the right flooring. The ideal floor for a family with young children is entirely different from the ideal floor for a single person or couple that doesn’t have children or pets. If you have a busy household, you’ll want something that can withstand heavy traffic, spills, and scratches like vinyl or tile. While plush carpet or delicate hardwood might appeal to your aesthetic sense, it may not stand up well to wear and tear in these situations. On the other hand, if you live in a quiet home, you have more options to choose from without worrying about durability. 

Flooring Mistake No. 2: Overlooking the Importance of Room Size and Light

The color and pattern of your floor undoubtedly have a significant impact on how large or small a room appears. This phenomenon is due to how our eyes perceive and interpret different shades and patterns in relation to space and light. While this is a basic principle in interior design, it is often overlooked during the process of selecting new flooring.

• Use Darker Floors to Create a Cozy Atmosphere: Darker floors, including rich chocolates, deep grays, or bold blacks, can absorb light, which makes the walls appear closer and creates a cozy, intimate ambiance. This is perfect for large rooms that you want to feel a bit more homely or for spaces like a study or media room, where a snug and comfy vibe is desired.
• Choose Lighter Floors to Open Up a Room: Conversely, lighter floors, such as pale woods, whites, or light grays, reflect light and can make a room appear larger and more open. This effect is particularly beneficial in smaller rooms or areas with limited natural light, as the reflective qualities of a light floor can help maximize the brightness and sense of space.
• Consider the Room’s Lighting: The amount and type of light a room gets should definitely factor into your decision. Rooms bathed in abundant natural light can handle darker floors without feeling too confined. However, rooms that rely mostly on artificial light or have small windows might benefit more from a lighter floor.
• Opt for Larger Patterns or Planks in Smaller Spaces: It might seem counterintuitive, but larger patterns, or wider planks in the case of wood and laminate flooring, can make a room appear more spacious. The fewer seams and lines a floor has, the less cluttered and more expansive it feels.
• Use Diagonal Patterns to Expand a Room: Another visual trick is to lay floor tiles or planks diagonally. This draws the eye along the longest length of the room, giving an illusion of greater space.
• Consistency is Key: In homes with open floor plans, maintaining the same color and style of flooring throughout can create a seamless flow, enhancing the feeling of spaciousness.

Remember, these are not strict rules, but rather guidelines to help you make the best choice for your space. Your personal preference and the overall style of your home should also play a major role in your decision. After all, it’s important that your space not only looks good but also feels right to you. If you need any recommendations our team at Scottsdale Flooring America is here to help.

Flooring Mistake No. 3: Ignoring Room Functionality 

One of the most common mistakes people make is not selecting the right type of flooring for their home or a specific room. Different rooms have different flooring requirements; for instance, a laundry room will require a different flooring material compared to a living room because of the different types of traffic and spillage that occur in those rooms. Using hardwood flooring in areas exposed to moisture, like a bathroom or kitchen, could lead to warping and damage over time. You’ll also want to consider the amount of sunlight the room receives and whether the flooring material can handle temperature fluctuations. Always consider the functionality of the room before making a choice. Our team of flooring experts at Scottsdale Flooring America can help guide you in this process.

Flooring Mistake No. 4: Failing to Consider Future Resale Value

Choosing the right flooring for your home is a balance between your personal taste and the potential resale value of your property. You might be drawn towards trendy flooring options that add a unique touch to your home, but it’s important to remember that trends come and go. What’s popular today might seem outdated a few years down the line, potentially deterring future buyers.

Classic options, like hardwood floors, have proven their staying power and continue to be a highly sought-after feature for home buyers. Hardwood floors are not only durable and easy to maintain, but they also add a timeless charm and sophistication to any home. Hence, they tend to contribute to a higher resale value in the long run. So, while it’s important to select flooring that you love, it’s equally crucial to consider how your choice might impact the future resale value of your home. 

RELATED ARTICLE: TIMELESS FLOORING THAT WILL NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE

Flooring Mistake No. 5: Overlooking Maintenance Requirements

Different types of flooring indeed require different levels of maintenance, and this is a factor that is often overlooked when choosing a new floor. The material you select should not only fit your design aesthetic but also mesh well with your day-to-day life and the amount of time you can realistically devote to floor maintenance.

Flooring Maintenance Needs to Consider:

• Marble and Natural Stone Flooring: High-maintenance floors, like marble or other natural stones, are undeniably beautiful and can add a touch of luxury and elegance to any space. However, they require a significant commitment to maintenance. For instance, marble floors need regular sealing to prevent stains and scratches, as the stone is naturally porous. Spills on marble and other natural stones must be cleaned immediately to prevent staining, and only certain cleaning products are safe to use without damaging the stone. Regular polishing is also necessary to maintain the floor’s natural sheen and elegance. If you lead a busy lifestyle, juggling work, family commitments, and other responsibilities, maintaining a marble floor may become a time-consuming task that you’re not able to keep up with.
• Hardwood Flooring: While being durable and timeless, hardwood floors require regular sweeping or vacuuming to prevent scratching, annual deep cleaning, and occasional refinishing to maintain their charm. This might not be ideal for families with young children or pets, or individuals with hectic schedules.
• Laminate Flooring: Laminate flooring presents a low-maintenance flooring option. Laminate flooring is designed to be durable and resistant to stains and scratches, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. It typically only requires regular sweeping or vacuuming, and occasional mopping with a damp (not wet) mop.
• Luxury Vinyl Flooring: Mimics the look of natural stone or hardwood, and is also very low maintenance. It is highly resistant to spills, scratches, and stains, and can be cleaned with a simple routine of sweeping and damp mopping. It is also more resistant to moisture compared to many other types of flooring, which makes it a good choice for rooms like the kitchen or bathroom.

When choosing your flooring, remember to consider the maintenance requirement alongside other factors like style, durability, and cost. A floor that requires less maintenance but still meets your aesthetic and functional needs can save you a significant amount of time and effort in the long run, providing a better overall experience and enjoyment of your home.

Flooring Mistake No. 6: Not Preparing the Subfloor

Installing new flooring over a flawed, damaged, or uneven subfloor is a rookie mistake. While it might look beautiful initially, an improperly prepared subfloor will cause flooring material to shift, buckle, and crack over time-such mistakes will lead to costly repairs in the future. When you’re installing new flooring, it’s important to take the time to prep the subfloor by leveling, cleaning, and ensuring it’s in good shape to receive new flooring material. Underlayment serves as a cushion between your subfloor and your new floor. It’s crucial for providing comfort underfoot, reducing noise, and even extending the life of your floor. But many people, in an effort to save money, either skimp on quality or, worse, decide to skip it entirely. This can lead to a harder, louder floor that wears out faster. At Scottsdale Flooring America our installation technicians can evaluate your subfloor and make flooring recommendations that fit your home’s unique needs. Contact us for your evaluation.

Flooring Mistake No. 7: Not Hiring a Professional

While DIY projects can often save money in the short term, flooring installation is one task that benefits from professional expertise. Attempting to install flooring without the necessary experience can lead to several issues.

Uneven surfaces can result from improper preparation of the subfloor or incorrect installation of the flooring material, posing not only aesthetic problems but also potential safety hazards. Loose tiles, another common consequence of DIY attempts, can result from inaccurate placement or use of inadequate adhesive, leading to future repairs or replacement.

One of the biggest issues with improperly installed flooring is that it can be susceptible to moisture damage, which can cause serious issues like mold and mildew. This problem is particularly significant in moisture-prone areas such as bathrooms and basements and can lead to costly repairs.

Hiring a professional ensures the flooring job is done correctly the first time. Professionals have the skills and experience to handle subfloor preparation, precise installation, and effective sealing against moisture. See how working with Scottsdale Flooring America can save you time, stress, and potential additional costs down the line, providing a well-installed, durable floor that will enhance your home for years to come.

Flooring Mistake No. 8: Rushing Through the Buying Process

Selecting the right flooring is an important decision that requires careful consideration. Often, customers make the mistake of rushing through the buying process, leading to choices that they might later regret. Without taking the time to research different flooring materials, to understand their features and benefits, you may end up with a floor that doesn’t align with your lifestyle needs or the aesthetic of your home.

When you choose Scottsdale Flooring America you’re not alone in this important decision-making process. We know it can seem overwhelming, but that’s where our flooring experts can help. We’re here to guide you through each step, ensuring you make the most informed decision. Our team can help you navigate the wide range of flooring options available, offering in-depth knowledge about each type, from durability to maintenance needs. We help break down the pros and cons, ensuring the flooring you select meets both your practical needs and design preferences.

At our company, we encourage you to take your time. Rushing is not in our vocabulary because we want to ensure you love your flooring choice for years to come. We’re here to turn what could be a stressful process into an enjoyable shopping experience, culminating in the perfect flooring for your home.

Flooring Mistake No. 9: Compromising Quality for Price

When shopping for new flooring, the tempting option often is to prioritize price over quality. But remember, flooring is an integral part of your home and plays a major role in its overall appearance, comfort, and value. Cheap flooring might save you money initially, but it often lacks the durability and aesthetic appeal that high-quality flooring offers. This could lead to frequent replacements, unexpected maintenance, and overall dissatisfaction.

That’s where we come in. At our scottsdale flooring store, we firmly believe that quality shouldn’t be sacrificed for the sake of cost. But we also understand the importance of affordability for our customers. That’s why we negotiate with our suppliers to bring you the best deals on high-quality flooring options. Our strong relationships with suppliers allow us to offer an extensive range of premium flooring materials at competitive prices.

As home to the best flooring showroom in Scottsdale, we present a vast array of options from trusted brands, ensuring that you don’t have to compromise on quality even if you’re working within a budget. When you work with Scottsdale Flooring America you are investing in flooring that combines durability, low-maintenance, and aesthetic appeal, making your investment truly worthwhile. So remember, when considering new flooring, think beyond just the initial price point. Consider the long-term value that our high-quality, competitively priced flooring can bring to your home.

Scottsdale Flooring America Can Help You Avoid These Common Flooring Mistakes

When it comes to purchasing new flooring, making the right decision is crucial, and avoiding common flooring mistakes may not be easy if you’re going through the process on your own. By choosing to work with Scottsdale Flooring America, you’re not just buying flooring, but investing in peace of mind. Our team of experienced professionals understands that selecting the perfect flooring involves more than just choosing a design you like. It’s about understanding your lifestyle, the specifics of each room, the state of your subfloor, and the importance of buying high-quality, durable materials. We guide you through this process, providing expert advice to ensure you avoid common pitfalls and get the most value from your investment. Don’t gamble with your flooring decision – work with us at Scottsdale Flooring America, and take the first step towards a beautiful, functional, and durable floor that complements your home and lifestyle perfectly.