Summer is the most popular time of year for home renovations and flooring projects are at the top of the list. With warm weather, more time at home, and guests on the way, it feels like the perfect moment to upgrade your space.
But peak season also brings tight schedules, overbooked installers, and rushed decisions. If you don’t plan ahead, you may run into costly flooring installation mistakes that could delay your project or compromise the results.
To help you get the best outcome, we’ve listed the top five pitfalls to avoid when scheduling flooring installation during the summer rush and how to do things right from the start.
Mistake #1: waiting too long to book your installer
In peak season, flooring professionals are booked weeks in advance, sometimes months. Waiting until your vacation week or back-to-school deadline is around the corner could leave you scrambling for help (or settling for whoever is available).
Pro tip:
Book your consultation at least 3–4 weeks before your target date. The earlier you commit, the more likely you are to:
- Secure your preferred time slot.
- Choose from a wider selection of materials.
- Get ahead of any prep work or changes needed.
Flooring installation mistakes often start with poor timing, don’t let that happen to you.
Mistake #2: not choosing the right flooring for the season
Summer can bring humidity, temperature swings, and even heavy foot traffic from guests, kids, and pets. Some materials don’t perform well in these conditions, especially solid hardwood, which expands and contracts.
Better alternatives:
- Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): waterproof, stable, and summer-proof.
- Tile Flooring: great for moisture-prone spaces like bathrooms or kitchens.
- Engineered Hardwood: looks like real wood but handles climate shifts better.
- Laminate: durable and budget-friendly if installed in climate-controlled areas.
Choosing the wrong material is one of the most common flooring installation mistakes, especially in climates like Missouri and Illinois.
Mistake #3: underestimating the prep time
Flooring installation isn’t just about the day of the job, it’s everything that comes before it. Many homeowners forget about the work involved in:
- Moving or protecting furniture.
- Removing old flooring.
- Leveling subfloors.
- Allowing materials to acclimate (depending on the type).
Failing to prepare can cause unexpected delays, added costs, or poor installation quality.
Pro tip:
Ask your flooring provider for a prep checklist. At MAR Flooring, we walk clients through every step so there are no surprises on install day.
Mistake #4: ignoring the installer’s timeline and workflow
Another overlooked issue? Unrealistic expectations. Installing 1,500 sq. ft. of new flooring isn’t a half-day job and that’s before you account for drying time, curing, or furniture reassembly.
Many flooring installation mistakes stem from assuming everything happens in one quick step. Rushed installs lead to gaps, uneven seams, and other quality issues.
What to do instead:
- Ask for a clear project timeline.
- Understand how long the area must be traffic-free.
- Plan alternate spaces to use during install days.
Trust the pros to do it right, not just fast.
Mistake #5: hiring based on price alone
We get it, everyone wants a deal. But choosing a contractor solely based on the lowest bid can lead to huge problems later on:
- No warranty.
- Low-quality materials.
- Inexperienced installers.
- Messy or rushed work.
What to look for instead:
- Verified reviews and portfolio.
- Written warranty (like our 1-year service guarantee).
- Transparent pricing.
- Clear communication from start to finish.
Some of the worst flooring installation mistakes happen because homeowners didn’t vet who they were hiring. It’s worth investing in a team you can trust.
Bonus tip: choose a team that makes it easy
At MAR Flooring, we make summer flooring upgrades stress-free, even during peak season.
- We monitor the market to guarantee the best price.
- We help you choose the right material for your climate and lifestyle.
- We walk you through prep, install, and maintenance.
- We stick to deadlines and deliver quality you can count on.
- And we back our work with a 1-year service warranty.
Avoid common flooring installation mistakes by working with professionals who do it right the first time.
Ready to upgrade your floors this summer without the stress?
Let MAR Flooring help you plan ahead, avoid mistakes, and enjoy stunning results that last.