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Floors or Walls: What Should Come First?

Myths about hardwood flooring can be misleading. It’s time to debunk and discover the advantages of hardwood flooring.
Master the renovation process: Learn whether floors or walls should come first for a smooth project. Photo: Pexels

When starting a renovation process, a common question homeowners face is whether to remodel the floors or the walls first. Each option presents its own challenges—installing floors first could lead to dust damaging newly painted walls, while painting walls first risks staining them during floor installation. The answer largely depends on the specific details of your project and which elements of the renovation are more delicate. Let's explore when it’s best to tackle the walls first and when the floors should take priority.


When Should You Do the Walls First?

There are several situations in which it makes more sense to begin your renovation process with the walls. Here are some key examples:


1. If Your Flooring is Easy to Install

When you're installing flooring that doesn't create much mess or require significant curing time, it may be best to paint or treat your walls first. For instance, options like vinyl flooring or SPC laminate flooring are relatively clean to install and don’t generate a lot of dust. As a result, painting or wallpapering the walls first can prevent your project from being delayed by the drying or curing process of paint or wall treatments.


2. When Existing Floors Won’t be Saved

If you're planning on replacing old, worn-out flooring, you might not mind if some paint spills or dust lands on them during the wall work. Old floors that will be removed, whether they're made of solid timber flooring or outdated tiles, don’t require protection. This allows you to freely focus on the walls first without worrying about damaging the floors.


3. To Get a True Sense of Space

Renovating walls first can often provide a clearer picture of a room’s size and layout. Removing wallpaper or old paint can visually change the proportions of a room, making it look larger or smaller. Once the walls are fresh and finished, you’ll have a better sense of how to maximise the room’s layout, making it easier to decide on flooring materials, like engineered wood or SPC flooring, that suit your style and space.


When Should You Do the Floors First?

On the other hand, there are instances when installing the floors before the walls is the more practical option. Here’s when that makes sense:


1. If Your Flooring Requires Time to Settle

Certain types of flooring, like solid timber flooring or composite decking flooring, need significant sanding or curing time. For example, hardwood flooring often involves a messy sanding process, which could damage freshly painted walls with dust and debris. In these cases, it’s wise to complete the flooring first, allowing the area to settle before finishing the walls.


2. Delicate Wall Paint

If you’re using wall treatments or paints that are easily damaged, it might make sense to install the floors first. This approach ensures that once the walls are done, you won’t have to worry about protecting them during the potentially messy flooring upgrade. After the floors are laid down, protecting them during wall work is usually simpler, especially if you use durable options like SPC laminate flooring or vinyl flooring.


3. When Flooring Installation Is More Complex

In many cases, installing floors is a more complex and time-consuming task than dealing with the walls. For example, laying down materials like engineered wood or composite decking requires precision and often involves cutting and measuring, which can kick up dust and debris. By completing the floors first, you’ll save yourself from having to clean and protect your finished walls, ensuring the job is done efficiently and cost-effectively.


How to Plan Your Renovation

Ultimately, deciding which comes first—floors or walls, depends on the specific details of your renovation process. As a rule of thumb, tackle the element that takes longer to finish or is more susceptible to damage. By carefully considering your materials, timeline and project goals, you can create a renovation plan that delivers the best results without unnecessary delays or costs.


Make the Right Move

When tackling a home renovation, knowing whether to start with the floors or the walls is crucial for a smooth and successful project. Each approach has its benefits, whether it’s ensuring clean, dust-free walls or allowing your floors to settle without risk of damage. By assessing your materials, project scope, and timing, you can make the right choice and avoid unnecessary delays. Remember, the right flooring—whether it’s vinyl, SPC, or engineered wood, can enhance your home’s style and functionality, adding value for years to come.


Floorrich has earned a 4.9-star Google rating from satisfied homeowners.


Contact Floorrich today to see why our flooring solutions are so well-loved and to explore how we can help you maintain beautiful, clean floors year-round. All our products are pet-friendly, eco-friendly, stain-resistant, water-resistant, and long-lasting. Additionally, our SPC, SPC Plus, and vinyl options are also fire-resistant for added protection.

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