5 Flooring Mistakes Asheville Homeowners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

New floors can completely change how your home looks and feels. But getting there isn't always straightforward. Over the years of helping families in Asheville with their flooring projects, we've noticed certain mistakes come up again and again. The good news is that most of these are easy to avoid once you know what to watch for.

Here are the five most common flooring mistakes we see, along with practical advice to help you sidestep them.

Mistake #1: Choosing Style Over Function

It's easy to fall in love with a beautiful floor sample. You see it in the showroom, picture it in your home, and you're sold. But if that gorgeous floor doesn't match how you actually use your space, you'll end up frustrated.

We've seen people install light-colored carpet in a mudroom because it looked amazing in the showroom, only to have it ruined within weeks. We've watched homeowners put delicate hardwood in a kitchen and then stress every time someone spills a glass of water.

How to Avoid This Mistake

Think about your daily life before you think about aesthetics. Who uses the space? How much traffic does it get? Are there kids or pets? Is moisture a factor?

Once you've answered those questions, you can narrow down which materials actually make sense. Then you can focus on style within that functional category. Beautiful floors that also work for your lifestyle are out there, but you need to start with function as your foundation.

For example, if you're updating your entryway and you live near one of Asheville's hiking trails, you're tracking in dirt and moisture regularly. Luxury vinyl plank or tile makes more sense than carpet or hardwood in that situation. You can still find LVP that looks like reclaimed barn wood or tile with character, but you'll have flooring that stands up to the reality of mountain living.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Your Subfloor

Your subfloor is the foundation everything else sits on. If it's not in good shape, your beautiful new floors won't last, won't look right, or both.

Moisture issues, unevenness, squeaks, and structural damage in your subfloor will all cause problems. Installing new flooring over a bad subfloor is like putting a fresh coat of paint on a house with a crumbling foundation. It might look good for a minute, but the underlying issues will surface quickly.

Some homeowners skip subfloor inspection to save money or time. Others simply don't know it matters. Either way, the result is the same: floors that don't perform the way they should.

How to Avoid This Mistake

Before any flooring goes down, have someone inspect your subfloor. Look for signs of moisture damage, especially in basements or bathrooms. Check that the surface is level. Address any squeaks or soft spots.

If there are issues, fix them before installation. This might mean replacing damaged sections, using a leveling compound, or addressing moisture problems with proper barriers or ventilation. Yes, it adds to your project cost and timeline, but it's always cheaper to do it right the first time than to tear out new flooring and start over.

Here in Western North Carolina, moisture is a common concern. Our humidity levels fluctuate, and older homes sometimes have crawl spaces or basements that need attention. A moisture test is a small investment that can save you from major headaches.

Mistake #3: Trying to DIY Beyond Your Skill Level

There's nothing wrong with DIY projects. Plenty of homeowners have the skills and tools to tackle flooring installation themselves. But there's a big difference between "I can probably figure this out" and "I have experience doing this."

Flooring installation looks simpler than it is. You need the right tools, you need to understand how different materials behave, and you need to know how to handle the inevitable complications that come up. An uneven cut, improper spacing, or rushed acclimation can ruin your results.

The most expensive DIY project is the one you have to pay a professional to fix after you've already bought materials and spent your weekend struggling with installation.

How to Avoid This Mistake

Be honest about your skill level. If you've installed flooring before and feel confident, go for it. If this is your first time, consider starting with a smaller, low-stakes room like a closet or laundry room.

For larger projects or materials that require precision (like hardwood or tile), professional installation is usually worth it. You'll get a warranty on the work, the job will be done faster, and you won't spend your evenings watching YouTube tutorials while surrounded by a half-finished floor.

When you work with a flooring company that offers installation, like we do at One Stop Flooring Shop, you're not just paying for labor. You're paying for experience, proper tools, and accountability. If something goes wrong, you have someone to call. When you DIY, you're on your own.

Mistake #4: Forgetting About Acclimation

Different flooring materials need time to adjust to your home's temperature and humidity before installation. This process is called acclimation, and skipping it causes real problems.

Hardwood, laminate, and some types of LVP expand and contract based on the environment. If you install these materials immediately after they're delivered, they might shrink or swell after installation, leading to gaps, buckling, or other damage.

We've seen homeowners eager to finish their project quickly skip acclimation and end up with floors that buckle within weeks. By that point, the damage is done, and fixing it means tearing everything out and starting fresh.

How to Avoid This Mistake

Follow the manufacturer's acclimation guidelines. Most materials need to sit in the room where they'll be installed for at least 48 to 72 hours before installation begins. Some hardwood products need even longer.

Open the boxes and spread the materials out so air can circulate around them. Make sure your home's temperature and humidity are at normal levels during this period. If you're installing floors in winter and your heat isn't on yet, or in summer before your AC is running, wait until the house is at its typical climate.

This step costs you nothing except time, and it protects your investment. There's no shortcut worth the risk of damaged floors.

Mistake #5: Shopping on Price Alone

Budget matters. We understand that completely. But choosing flooring based solely on the lowest price often backfires.

The cheapest option usually means lower quality materials, shorter warranties, and less durability. You might save money upfront, but you'll pay more in the long run when the floors wear out quickly or need repairs.

Price shopping also sometimes leads people to buy materials online without seeing them in person. That gorgeous floor in the product photo might look completely different in your home's lighting. The texture, color variation, and overall quality might not match your expectations.

How to Avoid This Mistake

Set a realistic budget, then look for the best value within that range. Value means getting quality materials, proper installation, and good customer service for a fair price.

Visit a showroom where you can see and touch samples. Look at them in different lighting conditions. Ask about warranties and what they actually cover. Talk to the flooring company about their installation process and what happens if there's a problem.

Good flooring is an investment in your home. You'll live with these floors for years, so it makes sense to spend a bit more for something that lasts and looks good throughout its lifespan.

When you shop local in Asheville, you also get the benefit of working with people who understand our climate, our homes, and what actually works in this area. We've installed floors in everything from historic homes in Montford to newer builds in South Asheville, and that experience matters.

One More Thing: Underestimating the Timeline

This isn't exactly a mistake, but it's worth mentioning. Flooring projects take longer than most people expect. Even a straightforward installation involves moving furniture, removing old flooring, preparing the subfloor, acclimating materials, installing, and then moving furniture back.

If you need your house put back together by a specific date for a holiday, a visiting family member, or an event, build in extra time. Things come up. Deliveries get delayed. Subfloor issues appear that need addressing. An unexpected weather delay can push everything back.

Give yourself breathing room, and you'll be much happier with the process

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Putting It All Together

Good flooring decisions come from thinking through the details. Consider how you use your space, check your subfloor, be realistic about your skills, let materials acclimate, and focus on value over rock-bottom prices.

When you avoid these common mistakes, your flooring project goes more smoothly, costs less in the long run, and gives you results you're happy with for years.

If you're planning a flooring project in Asheville or the surrounding areas, stop by our showroom at 367 N. Louisiana Avenue. We'll walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you make choices that work for your home and your life. We also offer free in-home consultations if you'd prefer to discuss your project in the space where the floors will actually go.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my subfloor needs repairs?

Walk around the room and listen for squeaks or feel for soft spots. Look for visible water damage, staining, or warping. If you're not sure, a flooring professional can inspect it and let you know what, if anything, needs attention.

Can I install new flooring over my existing floors?

Sometimes, but not always. It depends on what's currently installed and what you're putting down. Installing over old flooring can work in certain situations, but it's not ideal and can cause issues. It's usually better to remove the old flooring first.

How long does flooring need to acclimate?

Most materials need 48 to 72 hours minimum. Some hardwood products require up to a week. Check the manufacturer's specific guidelines for the product you're installing.

Is it worth paying for professional installation?

For most homeowners, yes. Professional installation typically comes with a warranty, gets done faster, and ensures the floor performs as it should. The cost of fixing a DIY mistake often exceeds what you would have paid for professional installation in the first place.

What's the best flooring for Asheville's climate?

Asheville's humidity and temperature changes make moisture-resistant options like LVP and tile particularly practical choices. Engineered hardwood performs better than solid hardwood in fluctuating conditions. The best choice depends on your specific space and needs.

How much should I budget for a flooring project?

Costs vary widely based on the material, room size, and whether you need subfloor work or furniture moving. As a rough guide, budget $5 to $15 per square foot installed for most residential projects. Contact us for a free quote specific to your situation.

Can I live in my home during flooring installation?

Usually, yes. Most rooms can be completed in a day or two, so you can work around the installation schedule. Some materials allow you to walk on them immediately, while others need time to set. Your installer will give you specific guidance.

What happens if I don't like the floor after it's installed?

This is why it's so important to see samples in your actual space before committing. Most reputable flooring companies will work with you if there's a legitimate issue, but preventing disappointment starts with careful selection upfront.