7 Flooring Installation Mistakes That Lead to Costly Repairs

When a new floor squeaks, separates, peaks or feels hollow within the first year, homeowners usually blame the product. In most cases, the real cause is how it was installed. Here are the seven installation mistakes we see most often when we're called in to fix other people's floors, and what to ask any flooring contractor before you hire them.

1. Skipping Subfloor Preparation

This is the number one cause of flooring failures. Dips, humps and loose subfloor panels make planks flex, which leads to hollow spots, squeaks and broken joints. A good installer checks flatness with a straightedge, then grinds, fills or screws down the subfloor before a single plank goes in.

2. Not Acclimating the Flooring

Wood, laminate and vinyl all need time to adjust to your home's temperature and humidity. Flooring installed straight from a cold truck can shrink and open gaps, or swell and buckle, within weeks.

3. No Expansion Gap

Floating floors need space to move around the edges of every room. Cutting planks tight to the wall, or nailing trim through the floor, leads to buckling and peaking. See our guide to laminate buckling, gaps and swelling for more.

4. Ignoring Moisture

Concrete slabs in basements and condos release moisture. Without moisture testing and a proper vapour barrier, wood can cup and laminate can swell. Hardwood should also be moisture-tested before installation.

5. Choosing the Wrong Floor for the Room

Solid hardwood in a basement, standard laminate in a bathroom, or soft vinyl under a heavy kitchen island are all problems waiting to happen. The right material depends on moisture, traffic, pets and sunlight in each room.

6. Poor Transitions and Stair Details

Loose nosings, uneven transitions between rooms, and badly cut trim are tripping hazards and make a new floor look unfinished. Stairs in particular need experienced installers.

7. Installing Over the Wrong Underlay

Doubling up underlay, using a pad under vinyl that already has one attached, or using an underlay that doesn't meet your condo board's sound rules can cause flexing, voided warranties, or a request to rip the floor out.

What Should You Ask a Flooring Contractor Before Hiring?

• Are you licensed and insured?

• How will you prepare and level the subfloor?

• Do you moisture-test concrete and hardwood?

• How long will the flooring acclimate before installation?

• Is your quote itemized, including removal, prep, trim and disposal?

• Who will actually install the floor, and who is my point of contact?

• What workmanship warranty do you provide, in writing?

Why Homeowners Choose Alpine Flooring

We've installed hardwood, vinyl and laminate for more than 20 years across the GTA, from Toronto and Vaughan to Markham, Richmond Hill and Mississauga. Proper subfloor prep is part of every job, our pricing is itemized with no hidden fees, and you work directly with Sam from quote to completion.

Need a Flooring Expert to Take a Look?

Looking for a flooring contractor who does it right the first time? Alpine Flooring has installed and repaired floors across Toronto and the GTA for more than 20 years. We're licensed and insured, rated 4.9 on Google, and you deal directly with Sam from your first call to the final walkthrough. Request your free quote and we'll come see the floor in person, often within the same week.

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