Avoid These 8 Common Flooring Mistakes:
A Homeowner's Guide
10/8/2025
Flooring is more than just a fashion choice; it's one of the best individual investments you can make in your home. The right flooring should match your lifestyle, budget, and the specific needs of each room. But many things can go wrong. From skimping on subfloor preparation to underestimating maintenance, even small missteps can cost you in the long run.
To help you get it RITE, our RiteRug Flooring Experts have put together the top flooring mistakes to avoid and what to do instead.
Mistake #1: Forgetting Room Function
The Problem: A serene bedroom doesn't endure the same daily activity as a high-traffic kitchen or mudroom. Flooring that is not designed for the function of your room can result in premature wear and tear, water damage, and ongoing frustration.
Do This Instead: Match your flooring to the needs of the room. Water-resistant options like luxury vinyl for bathrooms and kitchens, durable carpet for cozy bedrooms, and scratch-resistant hardwood for living rooms.
Mistake #2: Overlooking Subfloor Issues
The Problem: A beautiful floor won’t stay beautiful if the foundation isn't right. Uneven or damp subfloors can result in buckling, creaking, and a shorter flooring lifespan.
Do This Instead: Inspect the subfloor first. Leveling, moisture protection, and repairs are less expensive upfront.
Mistake #3: Forgetting About Lighting
The Problem: Flooring may appear to be a totally different color under the showroom lights versus your dimly lit living room.
Do This Instead: Test samples in both natural and artificial light at home. RiteRug Flooring makes it convenient with in-home shopping, so you can see how your favorites look in person before you decide.
Mistake #4: Not Creating a Budget
The Problem: Sticker shock can hit when you haven't accurately budgeted for your flooring project.
Do This Instead: Make a realistic budget for materials, professional installation, and upkeep.
Mistake #5: Underestimating Maintenance
The Problem: Some floors need a little more TLC than others. If not maintained correctly, even premium flooring will lose its luster.
Do This Instead: Ask about maintenance requirements before finalizing your flooring decision. Only consider options that fit your lifestyle, like kid and pet-friendly waterproof flooring that can withstand your family’s day-to-day activities.
Mistake #6: Hiring Inexperienced Installers
The Problem: Even the best-quality flooring won't last if it is not installed properly. Bad seams, gaps, uneven planks, and poorly laid-out designs are costly to fix.
Do This Instead: Hire professional installers. RiteRug Flooring installation crews are trained to handle all types of flooring correctly and can save you money and frustration in the long run.
Mistake #7: Thinking Short-Term
The Problem: Choosing flooring on a whim that may quickly go out of style.
Do This Instead: Don't look only to the latest trends. Invest in durable, quality styles and colors that fit into your long-term design plan.
Mistake #8: Overlooking Warranties
The Problem: Not knowing what is covered by your warranty or for how long can lead to unexpected out-of-pocket expenses later on.
Do This Instead: Read warranties closely. Ask your RiteRug Flooring Expert to explain coverage so you can make an educated decision and be confident in your purchase.
Avoid these flooring mistakes to save time, money, and aggravation, and ensure that your floors withstand the test of time.
At RiteRug Flooring, our Experts can guide you through every step of the process. Visit a showroom or schedule an in-home appointment today to shop smarter, avoid common mistakes, and create the ultimate foundation for your home.
Bonus: Flooring FAQs
Q: How do I avoid color regret?
A: Always test flooring samples in your own home. Look at the samples at various times of the day and under both artificial and natural lighting. Test them against your walls, trim, and furniture to see how the colors and textures will look before you make your final choice. Your RiteRug Flooring Professional can bring samples to you with our Shop at Home option, so you can decide how it all looks in the space that you are remodeling.
Q: Is professional installation worth it?
A: Yes! Professional installation protects your investment by ensuring that your flooring is installed correctly and helps to maintain the manufacturer's warranties. Professional installers are trained with the proper tools and the latest techniques and have the experience required to prevent costly mistakes, saving you time, hassle, and money in the long run.
