13 DIY Flooring Tricks That Lead to Major Damage
This post may contain affiliate links.
The floor of your home is the heart of any home. Beautiful and finished, it adds warmth and texture to a space. However, when you try to take on flooring as a DIY project, the risks can sometimes outweigh the rewards.
Hidden damages are common shortcuts and mistakes that can quickly turn an inexpensive project into an expensive one. It’s time to look at some of the biggest DIY flooring mistakes you will make.
No Skipping the Subfloor Preparation
Skipping to prep that subfloor leaves you welcoming uneven surfaces, squeaks and even cracks in your new flooring. You need to have a clean, dry, level subfloor to lay any material on top of. Without this, your gaps or sagging in places will develop in your floor, making your entire project look unprofessional. Investing a bit of extra time here will go a long way to lengthening the life of your floors.
Using the Wrong Adhesive
Some flooring types require different adhesives and choosing the wrong one can and will mean disaster. For instance, warping or buckling is caused by a water based adhesive on hardwood. Also, an ill advised adhesive can cause tiles or planks to peel up. So double check and make sure you’re purchasing the recommended adhesive suitable to the flooring you plan to buy.
Skipping Acclimation Process
According to Mr Sander, hardwood and laminate are flooring materials that require room temperature and humidity to match what they are used to. If you skip this step, when the material goes down, you’re going to have serious expansion or contraction that’s going to cause gaps or warping. Allowing your floor to sit in the installation room for 48 hours just allows it to perform better to give you a seamless, lasting finish. This step should not be rushed as this is a recipe for future floor gaps and problems.
How To Measure The Room Correctly
However, accurate measurements are key, and it’s sadly quite common for people to skip this part and leave gaps or uneven edges. A small miscalculation can mean you are short on material or you have odd cuts, and the whole room will look out of alignment. At least, measure each side of the room twice, including any walls or singular architectural features.
Overlooking Moisture Levels
While excess moisture is never fun for flooring, things like hardwood, laminate or carpet, it can be a bad nightmare. Failing to correct moisture levels and not properly testing and treating them can lead to mold, warping, and bubbling, all underneath your new siding. For basement or ground-level installations, a vapor barrier is a must to keep moisture from seeping up through the concrete. If you skip this step, you risk damage, which will only become a major problem later.
Not Leveling the Floor
According to Moovick, any successful flooring installation requires a perfectly level surface, but many DIYers don’t seem to think about this. Planks or tiles won’t sit flush on the floor when it’s not level, resulting in an uneven surface and visible gaps. This uneven floor will put more unruly stress on some areas, which can make material chips or wear out quicker than usual. The time invested to level the floor can save you in the future with squeaks and tilts.
Use Incompatible Underlayment
Cushion, soundproofing, and moisture protection underlayment make your floors more comfortable. But using the wrong type will cause your floors to get in trouble. In the real world, for example, there’s an unfair amount of hardwood that, with too soft an underlayment, and can shift, squeak, and even crack. So, check your flooring type’s need for underlayment. Poorly matched underlayment can hurt comfort and life span.
Installing Over Old Flooring
Layering brand-new flooring over an existing floor might seem like a quick and easy solution. Flaws in the original floor will be your new surface’s flaws, resulting in an uneven appearance. Furthermore, stacking allows moisture to become trapped in a floor, increasing your chances of having it warp and develop mold. Removing the old flooring first is the best way to go for a new start.
Improper Sealing of Edges
Edge sealing is very important, as it is with bathrooms and kitchens in particular, as spills are inevitable. Moisture can seep in between gaps if you don’t seal or use the wrong materials and swell, mold or rot. Even in small spaces, it’s possible to see water damage over time if attention isn’t paid to this. Sealing edges will ensure that your floor is intact, and clean to keep.
Restrictions on Expansion Gaps Allowed
As wood laminate and vinyl expand and contract with temperature changes it’s important to leave a small gap around the edges. Without the expansion gaps, the flooring will try to push on walls and buckle. Typically a quarter inch gap is sufficient to allow for movement without being visible. Base these around cover this gap with for a clean finish.
Ignoring the directions of the Manufacturer
DIY’ers tend to ignore the specific installation guidelines for each type of flooring. It may sound like a time saver but skipping these instructions can result in voided warranties and undisclosed damage. The details surrounding adhesive recommendations, setting times, and other details matter when you’re striving for a professional finish. A simple way to avoid pointless roadblocks is to stick to the guidelines of the manufacturer.
Incorrect Cutting Techniques
Cutting tools and techniques are properly used to get a snug fit, but rushed means uneven edges and wasted material. An ugly and inefficient floor with jagged cuts or poorly aligned planks is one. Purchase the right cutting tools and spend time fitting each piece correctly. The cuts are precise so that it is clean, durable, and looks nice.
Putting in a lot of Screw Pressure When Installing
Your flooring materials need a perfect fit, but overstressing them can lead to peeling, cracking or splintering. Taping down with just the right amount of force is important: Too much taping down can distort the floor’s shape or leave surface marks behind. From the get-go, try to be gentle in the touch to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
15 Common Mistakes That Unknowingly Make
15 Common Mistakes That Unknowingly Make Your Home Look Bad
Bring Nature Indoors with These DIY Terrarium Ideas
