April 4, 2025
You’ve just spent thousands of dollars on new flooring, only to find it creaking and separating within a few months. Frustrating, right? What’s worse — this happens more often than you think.
Flooring repair projects can go south quickly, not because the materials are bad, but because of simple mistakes that most homeowners don’t realize they’re making.
It’s easy to think flooring repair is straightforward — lay down some boards, glue them in place, and you’re good to go. But it’s not that simple.
The truth is, poor flooring repair can make your home look worse than it did before. Even a tiny misstep can lead to uneven surfaces, water damage, and endless squeaking.
You can avoid all this if you know what to watch out for. In this post, we’ll walk you through the top five flooring repair mistakes that homeowners make and how renovation contractors can help.
If you want your floors to look flawless and last for years, keep reading.
The subfloor is like the foundation of your home’s flooring. If it’s not solid, you’re setting yourself up for failure — literally. An uneven or damaged subfloor can cause creaking, gaps, or even visible bumps in your floor.
Your subfloor is what gives your floor stability. If it’s weak or uneven, your new flooring will never sit right. No matter how expensive or high-quality your flooring material is, it won’t last if the base underneath isn’t properly prepared.
Before installing new flooring, take the time to inspect the subfloor. Look for any cracks, soft spots, or uneven areas. If you notice moisture damage, that’s a red flag. Fix any issues by replacing damaged sections or levelling out uneven spots.
A professional contractor can assess the subfloor and make sure it’s solid before the new flooring goes down. Skipping this step is like putting makeup on a broken mirror — it won’t look good for long.
Not all flooring materials are suitable for every room. Installing hardwood in a moisture-heavy bathroom or kitchen? That’s a recipe for disaster.
Different materials react differently to humidity, temperature changes, and foot traffic. If you use the wrong material, you’ll end up dealing with warping, staining, and premature wear and tear.
Think about the room’s environment before choosing a flooring material:
A quick chat with a flooring expert can save you from a costly mistake. Plus, you’ll avoid the horror of watching your expensive hardwood floor curl up like a potato chip.
Most flooring materials, especially wood, need time to adjust to your home’s temperature and humidity levels. Skipping this step is like you’re asking for trouble.
Wood expands and contracts depending on the humidity and temperature. If you don’t give it time to adjust before installation, you could end up with gaps, warping, or buckling.
Let your flooring materials sit in the room where they’ll be installed for at least 48 hours. Some materials might need even longer, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.
During this time, keep the room’s temperature and humidity at typical living conditions. This allows the flooring to adjust and settle naturally, preventing issues down the line.
Trying to install flooring yourself without the proper tools or knowledge? It’s tempting to go the DIY route, but improper installation can leave you with visible seams, uneven boards, and gaps.
Incorrect installation doesn’t just look bad — it also reduces the lifespan of your flooring. If the boards aren’t properly aligned or secured, they can shift, creak, or even pop up over time.
So, unless you’re confident in your skills, hire a professional. An experienced contractor knows how to handle different materials and situations. They’ll make sure the boards are cut, aligned, and secured properly.
If you’re set on doing it yourself, take time to research and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines closely. And remember — “measure twice, cut once” isn’t just a saying. It’s a flooring survival rule.
So, you’ve installed your new flooring, and it looks amazing. Now what? Flooring needs regular care to stay looking good. If you skip maintenance, you’re setting yourself up for issues down the road.
Dirt, moisture, and wear and tear will break down even the most durable floors over time. If you don’t clean and protect your floors regularly, you’ll notice fading, scratching, and even cracking.
Different flooring materials need different types of care:
Taking care of your floors isn’t hard. Just think of it like brushing your teeth — a little daily attention goes a long way.
At Reno King General Contractors, we specialize in home renovations, flooring repairs, and general contracting in Edmonton. Our experienced team ensures your flooring is installed correctly and built to last.
Looking to upgrade your floors? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how we can transform your home!
