Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: flooring. It may not be the flashiest part of home design, but it sets the tone—literally—for your entire space. Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen, redoing the basement, or outfitting a new build, choosing the right flooring is key. The team at American Flooring, Cabinets & Granite (serving the entire Gulf Coast area with stores in Pensacola, Foley, and Mobile) is here to help you steer clear of the most common (and costly) flooring mistakes.
Top 10 Mistakes Consumers Make When Choosing New Flooring (And How to Avoid Them!)
American FCG
We rounded up the Top 10 Flooring Mistakes homeowners make—and how to avoid them like a pro.
1. Relying Only on Online Photos
We get it—scrolling through beautiful flooring photos online is fun (and addictive). But making a flooring decision based solely on pictures? That’s a risky move.
Why It's a Mistake:
Colors, textures, and finishes can look drastically different on-screen versus in-person. Lighting, screen brightness, and photo filters can all distort what you're actually getting.
How to Avoid It:
Instead of guessing from your screen, visit one of our showrooms in Pensacola, Foley, or Mobile to see (and feel!) your flooring options up close. Our team can walk you through the most popular styles, explain the differences in materials, and help you envision how they’ll look in your space.
👉 Pro Tip: Bring photos of your space, wall colors, and decor to help our team guide you to the perfect match!
2. Ignoring Your Lifestyle
Your floors need to match your life—not just your Pinterest board. Are you a barefoot-wine-and-movie person, or do you have dogs, toddlers, and a dirt-trailing teenager? Flooring that can’t hold up to your daily life is going to wear down fast.
Why It's a Mistake:
Beautiful but delicate flooring choices like high-gloss wood may show scratches, dings, or stains in a heartbeat. Not ideal for active homes.
How to Avoid It:
Choose materials like LVP (luxury vinyl plank) or tile that are known for durability. Ask the pros at American FCG about the best options for your home’s needs—trust us, they’ve seen it all!
3. Forgetting About Maintenance
Some floors need way more love than others. That stunning natural stone? Gorgeous—but it requires sealing, cleaning, and care. If you're not ready to commit to maintenance, it's probably not the right choice.
Why It's a Mistake:
You might find yourself spending more time and money maintaining your floors than enjoying them.
How to Avoid It:
Ask about the cleaning and upkeep before you commit. If you want easy-care, think about laminate, vinyl, or engineered wood that resists stains and scratches with less upkeep.
4. Choosing the Wrong Material for the Room
Not every type of flooring works for every space. Moisture, temperature, and foot traffic vary from room to room, and your flooring choice should reflect that.
Why It's a Mistake:
Putting hardwood in a bathroom or laundry room can lead to warping, mold, and costly repairs. Likewise, plush carpet in the kitchen? Let's not go there.
How to Avoid It:
Know your room’s environment and needs:
- Bathrooms/Laundry: Waterproof vinyl, porcelain tile
- Kitchens: Tile or waterproof vinyl
- Living Rooms/Bedrooms: Hardwood, LVP, carpet
- Basements: Mold-resistant vinyl or tile
5. Not Thinking About Resale Value
While bright purple carpet or faux zebra tile might feel very you, it could scare off future buyers. Flooring is a big-ticket item, and most buyers want neutral, timeless options they won’t need to rip out.
Why It's a Mistake:
Going too bold or trendy can hurt your home’s resale appeal and value down the road.
How to Avoid It:
Keep major flooring decisions classic and add personality with rugs, decor, or wall color. Think oak tones, grays, or warm neutrals that blend with most design styles.
6. Going Too Cheap
Yes, we all love a bargain. But when it comes to flooring, you usually get what you pay for. Bargain-bin laminate might seem like a steal—until it warps, fades, or peels within a year.
Why It's a Mistake:
Low-quality materials may not stand up to wear and tear, leading to more frequent replacements or costly repairs.
How to Avoid It:
Find the sweet spot between quality and cost. American Flooring, Cabinets and Granite offers affordable yet durable options without sacrificing style. We also have an incredible selection of Closeout Items of materials we have an overabundance of allowing us to offer them to you at a great deal!
7. Underestimating Installation Costs
You may have budgeted for the materials, but what about installation? And underlayment? And baseboards? Oh—and removing that ancient shag carpet?
Why It's a Mistake:
Surprise costs can derail your budget and timeline fast.
How to Avoid It:
Get a full quote upfront that includes everything from prep to cleanup. At American Flooring, Cabinets & Granite, our team gives transparent, all-inclusive estimates so you're not left guessing.
8. Ignoring Acoustics and Sound
Open-concept homes and hard surfaces can bounce sound like nobody’s business. Without the right acoustics, your space might sound more like an echo chamber than a cozy retreat.
Why It's a Mistake:
Floors that are too hard can amplify noise, especially in multi-story homes or rooms with high ceilings.
How to Avoid It:
Add area rugs, underlayment, or choose softer materials like cork or carpet for upstairs rooms and bedrooms. Sound absorption is comfort, too!
9. Trying to DIY Tricky Installations
We love a good DIY spirit, but flooring installation can get tricky fast—especially with tile, hardwood, or glue-down options. Misalignments, gaps, or bad cuts are not only frustrating but also expensive to fix.
Why It's a Mistake:
Incorrect installations can void warranties and reduce your floor’s lifespan.
How to Avoid It:
Unless you're experienced, leave it to the pros. The certified installers at American FCG ensure every plank is perfect—so you don’t have to spend your weekend with a saw and regret.
10. Not Visiting a Showroom
Shopping for flooring online is convenient, but it’s no substitute for walking on, touching, and comparing samples in real life.
Why It's a Mistake:
Photos online don’t show texture, true color, or how it feels underfoot.
How to Avoid It:
Visit one of American FCG’s beautiful showrooms in:
Or explore options at AmericanFCG.com—where you can also schedule a Free Consultation.
Bonus Tips from the Pros at American Flooring, Cabinets & Granite
- Mix Materials Smartly: Combining tile in kitchens and LVP in living spaces creates zones without sacrificing cohesion.
- Check Warranties: Good flooring comes with good coverage—make sure yours does!
- Prep Matters: Subfloor prep is just as important as the flooring itself. A level base = a flawless finish.
FAQs
Q: What flooring is best for high-traffic areas?
A: Vinyl plank, tile, and engineered hardwood hold up well in busy households.
Q: How long does flooring installation take?
A: It depends on the material and size of the space—typically 1 to 5 days. American FCG provides accurate timelines during your quote.
Q: Can I put new flooring over old tile or wood?
A: Sometimes yes, but it depends on condition and material. Our flooring pros can assess your space for the best solution.