Flooring Mistakes to Avoid When Renovating

Don’t Make These Mistakes During Home Flooring Installation!

Renovating your floors can completely transform the look and feel of a space—adding warmth, style, and value underfoot. But even the most beautiful flooring can fall flat if a few critical steps are missed. After more than 20 years in the industry, Flooring Liquidators has seen how common mistakes when installing vinyl plank flooring can lead to frustration, unexpected costs, and do-overs that no homeowner wants.

Whether you’re renovating a condo in Toronto, a family home in Ottawa, or a commercial space anywhere across Canada, avoiding these pitfalls can help your floors look great and last for years.

Mistake #1: Poor Subfloor Preparation

A flawless floor always starts below the surface. One of the most common mistakes when installing vinyl plank flooring is skipping proper subfloor preparation. Uneven surfaces, leftover debris, moisture, or cracks can cause planks to lift, shift, or separate over time.

While vinyl plank flooring is known for its durability, it still needs a clean, level base to perform properly. Investing time—or professional help—into subfloor prep protects your flooring investment from premature wear and damage.

Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Material

Not all vinyl plank flooring is suitable for every room. High-traffic areas, basements, kitchens, and commercial spaces all require different performance features. Selecting the wrong thickness, wear layer, or finish can lead to scuffs, dents, or moisture issues down the road.

Flooring Liquidators’ knowledgeable team helps customers navigate these choices every day. With access to trusted domestic and international brands, we tailor recommendations to each project—because no two renovation paths are the same. You can learn more about our experience and approach on our About Us page.

Mistake #3: Skipping Acclimation

Vinyl plank flooring needs time to adjust to your home’s temperature and humidity before installation. Skipping acclimation is a subtle but costly error that can cause planks to expand or contract after installation, resulting in buckling or gaps.

This step is especially important in Canada’s varied climate, where seasonal temperature swings can impact materials quickly.

Mistake #4: Underestimating Long-Term Costs

Trying to save money upfront by rushing installation or cutting corners often leads to higher costs later. Repairs, replacements, and wasted materials add up fast. Professional installation ensures proper spacing, alignment, and finishing—saving money and stress in the long run.

Flooring Liquidators offers in-house installation services, backed by decades of hands-on experience working with homeowners, builders, contractors, designers, and even HGTV projects. For a helpful visual overview of vinyl plank flooring installation, this video guide offers useful insight.

Before You Start: A Simple Flooring Checklist

Before installing vinyl plank flooring, make sure:

• The subfloor is clean, level, and dry
• The flooring is suited for the room’s traffic and moisture level
• Planks have been properly acclimated
• Long-term durability and maintenance are considered
• Professional installation is an option if needed

Renovate with Confidence

With 16 showrooms across Ontario and Canada-wide shipping, Flooring Liquidators makes expert flooring guidance accessible no matter where your renovation takes place. Our wide product selection, personalized service, and professional installation help homeowners avoid costly mistakes and achieve polished, lasting results.

Ready to get your renovation started the right way? Visit one of our Ontario showrooms or find the location nearest you using our store locator and let Flooring Liquidators help you build a foundation you’ll love for years to come.