20th October 2025
Choosing new flooring is exciting, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. With so many styles, materials and options out there, it’s easy to get carried away by how something looks… and forget to think about how it’ll actually live.
At Frank’s The Flooring Store, we’ve been helping North East families turn their houses into homes for over 25 years. We’ve seen it all – from bargain buys that didn’t last a year to fancy floors that looked great in the showroom but flopped at home.
So here’s a bit of tough love: the five most common flooring mistakes people make, and how to avoid them.
We get it. That sleek grey laminate looks stunning, or maybe you’ve seen a patterned carpet online that’s bang on trend. But if it can’t handle muddy boots, pets, kids or your daily cup of tea, you’re going to regret it.
The mistake: Picking flooring based purely on looks, not lifestyle.
How to avoid it: Start with how you use the room. Got kids? Pets? A busy hallway? Choose something hard-wearing and low-maintenance first. Then find a style that fits because, trust us, there’s always something that looks good and works hard.
This one’s a non-negotiable. Underlay might not be glamorous, but it makes a huge difference to how your flooring looks, feels and lasts.
The mistake: Trying to save money by skipping underlay or choosing the cheapest option.
How to avoid it: Use the right underlay for your floor type and room. Good underlay improves insulation, reduces noise and helps flooring wear evenly. At Frank’s, we’ll match the right underlay to your new floor – no guesswork, no corner-cutting.
Photos can be deceiving. What looks light grey on screen might be blue in real life. And you can’t feel softness, texture or quality through your phone.
The mistake: Ordering flooring online based on pictures alone, only to be disappointed when it turns up.
How to avoid it: Always see it in person. Come into your local Frank’s store and get hands-on with samples. You’ll see the true colour, feel the texture and know exactly what you’re getting.
It sounds simple, but measuring mistakes are one of the most common issues we see and they can cost you time, money and a whole lot of hassle.
The mistake: Guessing your measurements or forgetting to account for stairs, alcoves or tricky shapes.
How to avoid it: Let us do it. At Frank’s, we offer a complimentary estimating service, so you don’t have to worry about getting it wrong. We’ll measure everything accurately and give you a proper quote – no guesswork, no overspending, no horror stories.
Some floors are better suited to certain environments. Put the wrong product in the wrong place, and you’ll run into issues with warping, swelling or wear.
The mistake: Installing non-waterproof flooring in wet areas, or delicate flooring in high-traffic spaces.
How to avoid it: Ask the experts. We’ll advise you on what works where – vinyl for bathrooms, water-resistant laminate for kitchens, stain-resistant carpet for busy bedrooms. The right floor in the right place makes all the difference.
We’ve all seen those bargain basement deals online, but remember – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Cheap flooring often means low quality, limited warranties and zero support if things go wrong. At Frank’s, we offer unbeatable value without cutting corners.
Flooring is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home. It’s under your feet every single day, so getting it right matters.
Avoid the regret and get yourself down to your local Frank’s, speak to people who know their stuff, and get flooring that looks good, lasts longer and fits your lifestyle.
