Lay it right: 8 common mistakes to avoid when laying flooring

Installing new flooring can transform your space; adding warmth, style, and value to your home - but, even the most luxurious tiled flooring can fall flat if installed incorrectly. From the all-too-common oversight of uneven flooring or subpar subfloor preparation to the frustration of poorly cut edges and gaps that let moisture creep in, small mistakes can lead to costly repairs down the line.  Drawing on more than six decades' worth of flooring experience, we’ll walk you through the pitfalls that catch even the most seasoned DIYers off guard and show you how to get professional-level results without the lofty installation costs. So whether you’re planning your first project or refining your technique, avoiding these mistakes will ensure your new floors not only look incredible but stand the test of time.

Overlooking subfloor preparation is one of the quickest ways to turn your dream of flawless flooring into a nightmare. While subfloor may not be a term people are familiar with, it’s simply the base layer of the floor. When the base beneath your floors isn’t perfectly level, you’re laying the foundation for a host of problems including; unsightly gaps, noisy creaks, and even cracked tiles. An uneven subfloor can also cause locking mechanisms in floating floors to fail, leading to buckling and separating which is both frustrating and expensive to fix.

Avoiding this mistake is however straightforward and starts with proper preparation. To identify if you need to level your subfloor, use a straightedge or spirit level to check for high spots, dips, or cracks. For problem areas, a self-levelling compound can work wonders. Investing a bit of extra time to level a subfloor before installation doesn’t just make your floors look better, it also ensures they stay that way for years to come.

Failing to identify moisture issues before installing your flooring can lead to serious problems developing in the future. Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of flooring as it can cause warping, buckling, or mould growth - especially in materials like engineered wood and laminate that are sensitive to water. Even luxury vinyl flooring - which is generally water-resistant - can suffer from trapped moisture beneath the surface, leading to damage. 

With this in mind, always check for moisture in the subfloor before installation. The easiest way to do so is by performing a basic plastic sheet test. You can do this by taping a plastic sheet to the subfloor for 24 hours. If condensation forms underneath, you have a moisture issue that needs addressing. Other visible signs of moisture issues include warped flooring, discolouration or the presence of mould.

Another common and costly mistake DIYers make when installing flooring such as luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) is overlooking expansion gaps. These small but essential spaces along the edges of the room allow your flooring to expand and contract naturally with changes in temperature and humidity. Skip them, and you could be setting yourself up for warped planks, buckling, and even floors that start to lift off from the subfloor.

The exact length of gap to leave varies from floor type to floor type, but as a general rule, leave an expansion gap of about a quarter to half inch between the flooring, walls or any fixed objects. Using spacers during installation makes this step simple and ensures a uniform gap around the perimeter. 

Choosing a straight-lay pattern for your flooring might seem like an easy option but it’s rarely a good idea. While it’s natural to think aligning tiles in a uniform row is a wise approach, doing so often highlights the slightest imperfections in walls or cuts - making them impossible to ignore. Worse, straight-lay patterns lack the stability and visual appeal of staggered designs, leaving your floors looking flat and uninspired. 

The best pattern to lay flooring to avoid drawing attention to imperfections, is a staggered pattern - where the seams of each row are offset. This not only creates a more natural appearance but also distributes pressure more evenly. This reduces the risk of separating seams or buckling. Keeping a consistent offset of one-third or half the tile length is optimal. 

Overlooking the importance of cutting your flooring correctly is another common mistake people make. Rough or uneven cuts along edges, doorways, or corners can stand out like a sore thumb as they create jagged lines and unsightly gaps. Not only does this negatively impact the overall aesthetic, it can also lead to poor-fitting tiles or planks that shift or separate over time. 

The first thing you should do before cutting flooring is ensure you're using the right tools for the job; such as a jigsaw, circular saw, or specialised vinyl cutter. Before installation, don’t forget to double-check your cuts to ensure a perfect fit. This is particularly important when laying flooring around high-traffic and clearly visible areas such as doorways.  These areas are the first places people notice so you’ll want the most aesthetically pleasing finish possible. Small cuts also create weak points which are particularly problematic in areas where people regularly walk. A little extra attention to detail during the cutting process will go a long way in elevating the beauty and durability of your floors.

Neglecting to seal gaps and edges properly during flooring installation can cause many issues. Whether you're installing luxury vinyl, laminate, or engineered wood, unsealed gaps around the perimeter and between seams are an open invitation for dirt, moisture, and even pests to sneak in. Over time, this can cause your floors to become loose, warped, or damaged. You may even start to notice unsightly gaps widening as the floor shifts. To avoid this, seal edges and seams with a high-quality silicone - especially in high-moisture areas like bathrooms or kitchens.

While you may be eager to crack straight on with your flooring project, failing to allow your flooring to acclimatise and adjust to the room's temperature and humidity can cause an array of issues. This is a crucial step and applies to all types of flooring, including laminate and LVT. If the materials are too cold, hot, or humid when installed, they may expand, contract, or warp after being laid - resulting in unsightly gaps, floor buckling, or even damage to the edges. 

We recommend you allow your flooring to acclimatise for at least 48 to 72 hours in the room where it will be installed. You should keep the flooring in its unopened boxes and place them flat on the floor to ensure even temperature distribution. 

Failing to choose a flooring range and design to complement your room is a mistake that can drastically affect both the look and functionality of your space. While LVT, laminate, and engineered wood all offer versatility, failing to consider how each flooring style complements the size and purpose of your room can cause issues and leave you feeling underwhelmed with your room transformation. LVT is durable and moisture-resistant, making it perfect for high-traffic areas like kitchens or bathrooms, whereas engineered wood offers the natural beauty of hardwood, but it may not be the best fit for areas with fluctuating humidity levels and shouldn’t be used in bathrooms as it’s not water resistant. 

For small rooms, light-coloured flooring such as pale grey or natural wood tones can create the illusion of more space and help brighten up the area. On the other hand, dark or busy patterns might overwhelm the space, making it feel even smaller.  In larger rooms, you have more freedom to play with richer colours and more pronounced designs like extra large tiles or dramatic textures. These choices help to add warmth and character without overwhelming the space. Failing to match your flooring’s design to your room’s dimensions can make a room feel cramped and unbalanced.  When finalising your flooring choice, take into account both the size and atmosphere you want to create. Light, neutral colours work wonders in smaller spaces, while bolder designs shine in larger rooms. By carefully choosing a design that enhances the room’s attributes, you'll create a space that feels cohesive and inviting.

Installing flooring can be a game-changer for your home but skipping essential steps can quickly turn your dream into a nightmare. Whether it’s failing to level the subfloor - leading to uneven surfaces - or making improper cuts that detract from the overall look, these small mistakes can lead to big frustrations. 

By taking the time to properly prepare and level your subfloor, measure carefully, and choose flooring that complements your room, you’ll create a stunning, professional finish that not only looks great but lasts for years. Remember, the extra effort you put in today will pay off with flooring that is both chic and durable - transforming your space into something that will truly complete any home. For further information on installing flooring including FAQs and additional advice, visit our Knowledge Base area.