When it comes to home improvement, installing new flooring is one of the most impactful decisions you can make. The right flooring not only enhances the aesthetics of your home but also contributes to comfort, durability, and long-term value. At Sho-Me Flooring in Branson, MO, we’ve seen it all—from flawless installations to unfortunate mistakes that could have been easily avoided with the right guidance.
Whether you’re installing hardwood, tile, carpet, vinyl, or laminate, it’s important to be well informed before making choices that could affect your home for years to come. In this blog, we’ll highlight some of the most common flooring mistakes homeowners make and how to steer clear of them.
Choosing the Wrong Type of Flooring for the Room
Not all flooring materials are created equal, especially when it comes to moisture, temperature changes, and foot traffic. One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is installing the wrong type of flooring in the wrong area. For example, hardwood may look beautiful in a bathroom, but the high moisture levels can cause it to warp and buckle over time.
How to avoid it:
Consider the environment and use of each room. For bathrooms and kitchens, go with moisture-resistant options like porcelain tile, ceramic, or luxury vinyl. For bedrooms and living rooms, you can explore options like carpet, hardwood, or laminate, depending on the level of comfort and durability you want.
Skipping the Underlayment
Underlayment is an essential layer that provides support, insulation, and moisture protection beneath your flooring. Homeowners sometimes skip this step to save money or time, only to find their floors creaking, shifting, or even becoming damaged due to a lack of support.
How to avoid it:
Trust our licensed and insured installers at Sho-Me Flooring to guide you through what’s needed beneath your flooring. We never cut corners, and we’ll ensure you have the right underlayment for your specific flooring type and room conditions.
Poor Surface Preparation
Installing flooring over an uneven or dirty subfloor is a recipe for disaster. Any debris or bumps underneath can lead to uneven surfaces, damaged materials, and a shortened floor lifespan. In tile installations, this can also cause cracking.
How to avoid it:
Always prep your surface before installation. Our professional team takes the time to level and clean your subfloor so that your new flooring lays flat, looks great, and lasts longer.
Miscalculating Measurements
Buying too little flooring is a common error that causes major headaches during installation. On the flip side, buying too much can waste money, especially with specialty or non-refundable materials.
How to avoid it:
Let us do the measuring. At Sho-Me Flooring, we use precise measuring techniques to ensure you get just the right amount of flooring, including allowances for cuts, corners, and future repairs if needed.
Ignoring Expansion Gaps
This is a mistake often seen with wood, laminate, and vinyl flooring. These materials expand and contract with humidity and temperature changes. Failing to leave the appropriate expansion gap around the perimeter of the room can cause buckling or warping.
How to avoid it:
We always install with future expansion in mind. Our team knows exactly how much space to leave and how to conceal those gaps with baseboards or trim so you get a flawless finish without compromising functionality.
Not Considering Lifestyle and Foot Traffic
Flooring isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. If you have pets, kids, or high-traffic areas, you’ll want something durable and scratch-resistant. Many homeowners fall in love with gorgeous flooring, only to regret it later when signs of wear and tear appear far too soon.
How to avoid it:
Be honest about your lifestyle. Our knowledgeable team can recommend pet-friendly, scratch-resistant, and stain-resistant flooring options that match your daily needs without sacrificing style.
DIY Without the Right Tools or Knowledge
While we respect a good DIY spirit, flooring installation is a precise task that requires specific tools and experience. Poor installations can lead to visible seams, uneven tiles, peeling corners, and more.
How to avoid it:
Unless you’re experienced, trust the professionals. At Sho-Me Flooring, our installers are licensed, insured, and trained to install all flooring types with care and precision. We also partner with Sho-Me Clean, which means your floors can stay beautiful and clean long after installation.
Overlooking Maintenance Requirements
Every flooring material comes with different maintenance needs. Some require regular sealing, while others need specific cleaning methods. Homeowners who don’t do their research may unintentionally damage their new floors with the wrong cleaning products or habits.
How to avoid it:
When you purchase from us, we don’t just install your floors—we educate you on how to care for them. We’ll provide personalized maintenance tips to help you protect your investment and keep your floors looking their best for years to come.
Choosing Based on Price Alone
Budget is important, but choosing the cheapest flooring option often leads to regret. Inexpensive flooring may wear down quickly, require frequent replacement, or lack the aesthetic appeal you were hoping for.
How to avoid it:
At Sho-Me Flooring, we offer quality products at budget pricing, meaning you never have to sacrifice quality to stay within your price range. We source directly from manufacturers, so we pass the savings on to you without pushing outdated or overstocked products.
Not Getting Professional Advice
With so many options and technical details, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Rushing into a flooring purchase without consulting professionals can lead to expensive and frustrating mistakes.
How to avoid it:
Let us be your guide. Our local, experienced team is here to answer your questions, provide honest advice, and make the entire process smooth from start to finish. Contact Sho-Me Flooring today.
Partner with Sho-Me Flooring for Exceptional Results Every Time
Your flooring sets the foundation for your entire home—literally and aesthetically. Avoiding these common flooring mistakes can save you money, stress, and time in the long run. At Sho-Me Flooring in Branson, MO, we’re here to make sure you get the flooring you love installed the right way, with no surprises. With our direct relationships with manufacturers, professionally licensed installers, and partnership with Sho-Me Clean, you can count on us for a full-service flooring experience that’s built on quality, trust, and value.
Ready to get started? Call 417.263.1963 today for a free consultation, and let us show you the difference local expertise makes.
