Flooring Installation Mistakes to Avoid in Coeur d’Alene
Protect Your Investment with Expert Installation
Installing new hardwood flooring in your Coeur d’Alene home is one of the best ways to add beauty, value, and warmth. But even the best materials can fail if the installation isn’t done right. At Cardwell Floors & Design, we’ve seen every kind of flooring mistake — and we’re here to help homeowners avoid them.
Whether you’re remodeling, building a lake home, or upgrading a downtown condo, avoiding these flooring installation mistakes will save you time, stress, and money.
1. Skipping Proper Subfloor Preparation
One of the biggest errors we see in flooring installation in Coeur d’Alene is skipping subfloor prep. If the subfloor isn’t flat, clean, and dry, your hardwood or engineered flooring will creak, shift, or buckle.
What to do:
Always test subfloor moisture before installation.
Sand down high spots and fill in low areas.
Use the proper underlayment for your specific flooring type.
A smooth, dry base is the foundation of every flawless floor.
2. Ignoring Humidity and Acclimation
Our North Idaho climate changes drastically between seasons — dry winters and humid summers. Installing wood flooring without letting it acclimate can lead to gaps or warping.
Pro tip:
Store your flooring in the room it will be installed in for 48–72 hours before installation.
Maintain indoor humidity around 40–55% year-round.
Professional flooring installers in Coeur d’Alene know how to balance climate conditions to protect your investment.
3. Using the Wrong Adhesive or Fasteners
Not all adhesives and fasteners are created equal. Using a low-quality glue or the wrong nailer can cause floorboards to loosen or squeak.
Avoid this by:
Choosing adhesives rated for hardwood or engineered flooring.
Using the right size fasteners for plank thickness.
Consulting a professional installer for manufacturer-approved products.
At Cardwell Floors & Design, we use only top-rated tools and materials to guarantee long-lasting floors.
4. Poor Layout and Planning
A rushed installation often leads to uneven joints, misaligned planks, and awkward transitions between rooms.
How to prevent it:
Plan the layout before cutting any planks.
Measure twice, cut once.
Ensure the first row is perfectly straight — it determines the look of the entire floor.
A well-planned layout transforms your flooring from good to exceptional.
5. Forgetting Expansion Gaps
Wood expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes. Without proper expansion gaps, your flooring can buckle or lift at the edges.
Best practice:
Leave a ¼-inch gap around walls and fixed objects.
Cover gaps neatly with baseboards or quarter-round trim.
This small detail prevents major flooring problems down the road.
6. DIY Installation Without Experience
Installing hardwood flooring may seem simple, but it’s easy to make costly mistakes.
Professional flooring installers in Coeur d’Alene have the tools, skills, and experience to deliver stunning results. From leveling and cutting to finishing, every step matters.
If you’re investing in high-quality wood flooring, make sure it’s installed with the same level of care.
7. Neglecting Post-Installation Care
Even the best installations can fail if not cared for properly.
Tips:
Wait at least 24 hours before heavy foot traffic.
Avoid cleaning with excessive water.
Use felt pads under furniture to prevent scratches.
Schedule routine maintenance or refinishing as needed.
Our floor refinishing services in Coeur d’Alene can restore your floors to like-new condition whenever needed.
Work with Coeur d’Alene’s Trusted Flooring Experts
At Cardwell Floors & Design, we provide professional flooring installation, refinishing, and sales for homeowners across Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, Post Falls, and Spokane. We make sure your floors are installed correctly — the first time — so they last for decades.
Visit our Private showroom in Hayden, Idaho to explore our wide selection of hardwood, engineered wood, laminate, and luxury vinyl flooring options.
