At what point should I install my floor when renovating or building?

When tackling a renovation or building project, timing is everything—especially when it comes to flooring installation. Installing your floor too early can lead to unnecessary damage or complications as other work progresses. So, when is the right time to lay your new floor? In this post, we’ll explain why flooring should be one of the final steps in your renovation or construction process to ensure the best results.

Why flooring installation should be one of the final steps

1. Preventing damage

Installing your floor too early can expose it to a range of potential damage. Heavy equipment, tools, and debris from ongoing construction work could scratch, dent, or stain your new flooring. Whether you're renovating or building from scratch, protecting your floor should be a priority, and the best way to do this is to leave it until all major tasks are completed.

By saving the installation of your floor until the end, you’ll avoid any damage caused by ongoing work. This ensures your floor remains in perfect condition when it’s time to reveal the finished space.

2. Avoiding moisture and temperature issues

Floors, especially materials like wood and laminate, and subfloors need to acclimatise to the room’s temperature and moisture levels before installation. If you install flooring too early, before your space has had time to settle or dry out properly, you might face issues like warping or swelling. Waiting until the room is fully prepared and free of any dampness or temperature fluctuations will help ensure the longevity of your new floor. Make sure to check the guidelines in the installation instructions when it's the best time to install your floor.

Tip:

Calculate at least 10% extra surface area when ordering your new floor to account for waste and cutting loss during installation.

Key steps to complete before installing your floor

Before you get to the flooring stage, it’s essential to ensure that all other work is complete. Here are the major steps that should be finished first:

1. Structural work and drying

Any major structural work, such as framing, insulation, and plastering, should be completed first. In addition, it’s vital to allow enough drying time for any plaster, paint, or other materials that may still release moisture into the room. Your subfloor must also be dry and stable before laying your floor to avoid any complications down the line.

2. Electrical and plumbing installations

Electrical and plumbing installations often require cutting, drilling, and moving heavy materials. Ensuring all these installations are finished before your floor goes down will protect it from potential damage. This is particularly important in areas like kitchens and bathrooms, where appliances and fixtures might require final adjustments after being installed.

3. Wall finishes and paint

Completing your walls before installing the floor is mostly preferred. This includes applying finishes such as plaster, paint, or wallpaper. Any accidental drips, splashes, or spills can permanently stain or damage a new floor. It’s also much easier to paint and finish walls without worrying about protecting your freshly installed flooring.

However, you might prefer to install the floor before doing the final paint layer. That way you can completely avoid damaging your paint or wallpaper, and it will be much easier to install the paintable skirting and paint it together with the wall. In this case it's crucial to lay protection over your freshly installed floors.

Benefits of installing your floor last

1. A pristine finish

By waiting until the final stages of your project, you ensure your floor is installed in a clean, dust-free environment. This creates a pristine finish with fewer chances of dirt or debris being trapped under the flooring during installation. Your floor will also remain free of scuffs, scratches, or other damage caused by workers moving equipment through the space.

2. Better floor protection

Once all other renovation or building work is done, you can focus entirely on laying the floor properly. You won’t have to worry about people walking on the freshly installed surface or heavy tools damaging it. This way, your flooring gets the attention it deserves, and you can protect your investment.

3. Improved Longevity

Installing your floor at the end of the project ensures it is only exposed to its intended environment, free from any moisture or debris. This not only improves the appearance of your new floor but also ensures its durability and longevity.

Final considerations: Preparing for installation

Once you’ve completed all other renovation tasks, there are a few last steps to take before you begin installing your floor:

• Ensure the subfloor is level, clean, and dry: This provides a solid foundation for the new floor, ensuring it lasts longer and looks better.
• Acclimate the flooring material: If you're using materials like wood or laminate, allow them to acclimatise to the room’s conditions for at least 48 hours before installation.
• Choose the right underlay: Depending on the flooring type, underlay can help with soundproofing, insulation, and moisture protection.