Installing your own flooring can be a cost-effective way to refresh your space and gain a sense of achievement. Whether you’re updating a single room or tackling a full-home renovation, it’s important to approach the job with care. Many DIY flooring projects go wrong due to a few common mistakes, which can affect both the look and durability of the finished result. Below are five key pitfalls to avoid, no matter what type of flooring you choose.
1. Inadequate Subfloor Preparation
Proper preparation of the subfloor is essential for a smooth and long-lasting installation. Dirt, uneven surfaces, and moisture can all compromise the performance of the floor covering. This applies to all flooring types, including LVT flooring, which requires a flat, clean surface to prevent imperfections from showing through.
Tip: Before you begin installation, ensure your subfloor is dry, level, and free of debris. Use a moisture metre to check for damp, especially when laying flooring over concrete. If needed, use a levelling compound to even out any uneven areas.
2. Skipping Acclimatisation
Flooring materials need time to adjust to the environment in which they will be installed. Ignoring this step can result in expansion or contraction after installation, which may lead to buckling or gaps. This is especially important when working with natural materials such as engineered wood flooring, which responds to changes in temperature and humidity.
Tip: Leave the flooring in the installation room for at least 48 hours prior to fitting. Keep the boxes flat and unopened, allowing the materials to acclimatise to the room’s conditions.
3. Not Leaving Expansion Gaps
An often overlooked detail in DIY flooring installations is the expansion gap. All flooring needs space to expand and contract with changes in temperature. Without this buffer, the floor may lift or crack as it shifts.
Tip: Maintain a consistent expansion gap of 10–15mm around the perimeter of the room, including near walls, pipes, and fixtures. Use spacers during installation to keep the gap even, then cover it later with skirting or beading.
4. Using the Wrong Underlay
Choosing the correct underlay for your flooring type and subfloor can make a big difference in both comfort and performance. For instance, LVT flooring typically benefits from a thin, firm underlay that provides support and resists compression, while also offering protection against subfloor moisture.
Tip: Match the underlay to both the flooring and subfloor. If you’re installing over concrete, look for an option with a built-in damp-proof membrane. For timber floors, focus on underlays with thermal and acoustic properties.
5. Ignoring Manufacturer Instructions
Each type of flooring has its own installation requirements. Failing to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines can lead to poor alignment, improper locking of planks, and potential damage to the floor over time. With engineered wood flooring, for example, there may be specific instructions for staggering planks or securing them over different types of subfloors.
Tip: Carefully read all instructions provided with your flooring. Even if you’ve completed similar projects in the past, each product can vary in terms of installation methods, tools required, and recommended practices.
Conclusion
By steering clear of these common DIY mistakes, you’ll improve your chances of achieving a clean, professional result. Whether you’re installing engineered wood flooring in a living space or laying LVT flooring in a bathroom, preparation and attention to detail are the keys to success.
