Engineered timber flooring is an investment in comfort, aesthetics, and the value of your property. However, even the best material can lose its beauty and durability if installation is approached without proper expertise. Based on over a decade of experience, we’ve identified the 9 most common mistakes — and how to avoid them.

❌ Mistake #1: Judging the material by a small sample🔎 Why this is a problem:
Showroom samples are usually taken from the “perfect” parts of a plank — free of knots, cracks, and color variation. They don’t represent the natural diversity of real wood.
✅ Expert tip:
Always request full-length planks before deciding. This helps you appreciate the true texture, tone, and character of the timber.

❌ Mistake #2: No control during plank placement🔎 Why this is a problem:
Even within the same batch, tone and grain can differ significantly. Without pre-sorting, the result may look chaotic or inconsistent.
✅ Expert tip:
Lay out and sort planks before installation, creating a logical, aesthetic sequence. If appearance matters, be present during installation to help choose the order.

❌ Mistake #3: Choosing the wrong installation method🔎 Why this is a problem:
The method (glue-down or floating) determines durability and stability.
✅ Expert tip:

• Large areas (40m² and more): glue-down is best for stability and minimal gaps.
• Smaller rooms: floating installation is acceptable.

❌ Mistake #4: Incorrect material calculation🔎 Why this is a problem:
Too little stock leads to work delays and mismatched batches; too much increases costs.
✅ Expert tip:

• 100m² and above — 5% extra is sufficient
• Up to 100m² — allow 7–10% extra, sometimes more
• Consider room layout, short boards in packaging, and the level of natural variation if you plan to hand-select planks.

❌ Mistake #5: Ignoring floor thickness when fitting doors/windows🔎 Why this is a problem:
Engineered timber with adhesive or underlay is usually 14mm+ thick. If ignored, doors may not open, sliding doors may not fit, or glass frames may be blocked.
✅ Expert tip:
Clarify thickness before installing doors and frames, and inform all contractors involved.

❌ Mistake #6: Poor or skipped subfloor preparation🔎 Why this is a problem:
An uneven subfloor is one of the most common causes of defects.
✅ Expert tip:
Check level and correct with grinding or leveling compound. Pay special attention near doors, sliding systems, and kitchens.

❌ Mistake #7: Wrong installation order (floor vs. kitchen)🔎 Why this is a problem:
Mistiming leads to gaps, trimming issues, or even dismantling.
✅ Expert tip:

• Glue-down method: install the floor first, then the kitchen directly on top.
• Floating method: kitchen can be placed first, but without side panels, plinths, or skirting.

❌ Mistake #8: Installing skirting boards too early🔎 Why this is a problem:
Skirtings are a finishing detail, not an intermediate step.
✅ Expert tip:
Install skirting boards only after the floor is fully finished.
❌ Mistake #9: Choosing the wrong contractor🔎 Why this is a problem:
Even the best materials can be ruined by poor installation.
✅ Expert tip:
Work with experienced specialists who value detail and provide strong references.

Why FOREST COVER?At FOREST COVER, we don’t just supply engineered timber flooring — we ensure it’s installed to the highest standard. With more than 10 years of expertise, we guide clients through every stage: from material selection to flawless installation.
Your floor is more than a surface. It’s the foundation of your home’s comfort, elegance, and long-term value.