Flooring or Painting First? Here’s the Pros and Cons of Each

When you’re remodeling your home, one of the decisions you will have to make is whether to do flooring or painting first. It’s a valid concern. Both options have their own set of pros and cons, so it can be difficult to decide which route to take.

Not sure which option works best for you? Virgin Carpets and Flooring has your back!

In this article, the Virgin Carpets team will go over the advantages and disadvantages of either choice and offer our recommendations. Then, you can make the best final decision for your home remodel.

Floors First

If you choose to install flooring before you paint, you will be able to make a color selection more easily for the walls, because you will have a finished floor to match the paint color to. Also, if you floor first, you won’t have to worry about damaging your fresh paint job during the flooring installation.

Another reason to do flooring first is the removal of baseboard or trimming. If they need to be removed to make way for new baseboards and trim, that could potentially damage a new paint job. You could prevent this from happening by painting the walls later.

If you floor first, you run the risk of paint dripping on your new wood floors, vinyl flooring, or carpet. With a professional paint contractor this is less of an issue, as they will insure there is proper floor covering, but if you’re doing the work yourself, it’s something to be aware of!

Painting First

If you choose to paint first before flooring, you can avoid any messes that may occur while flooring is being installed. You will also have a chance to change your mind about the color of your flooring after seeing the paint on the walls. Since it’s a lot easier to change wall paint than flooring, it may be a good idea to get the color up first.

However, if you paint first and then decide to install flooring, you may need to do some touch-ups or repair work to newly painted walls where it meets the floors. When installing flooring, trimming, and caulking are often necessary for everything to look neat and tidy. Additionally, dust and dirt generated from laying flooring could damage your newly painted walls.

Our Recommendation

Although there are pros and cons to each choice, the team at Virgin Carpets recommends installing flooring first. Why? Because the disadvantages of painting first outweigh the disadvantages of flooring first.

The Bottom Line

Flooring and carpet installations are often a messy and laborious job. It can generate heaps of dust and even the most careful installer can bump your freshly painted walls causing scratches.

Painting is often considered the finishing touch and for good reason. Paint is delicate and you do not want to risk damaging it while other remodeling is going on.

Too Long Didn’t Read?

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of flooring first or painting first:

Floors First

• Advantage: You will have a finished floor to walk on while painting.
• Advantage: You will be able to select your wall color more easily.
• Advantage: You will have no fear of damaging the paint job.
• Disadvantage: You may possibly drop paint on your new floor or carpet.

Paint First

• Advantage: You can more easily change your mind about wall color than flooring.
• Disadvantage: Repair work on walls where it meets the floor or any scratches caused by flooring work.
• Disadvantage: Dust generated by flooring could damage the paint.

Virgin Carpets is Here to Install Your Flooring Right

So, which should you do first: flooring or painting? Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer, but your type of flooring may play a role in the decision. Generally, installing your flooring first is a good rule of thumb.

If you’re not sure which option to choose, or if you just want some professional advice, our team at Virgin Carpets is here to help. Installing flooring can be a daunting task, but our team is here to make it as easy and stress-free as possible.

We have years of experience in both flooring and painting installation, so we can help you make the right decision for your home. Customer satisfaction is always our priority!

Homeowners, call us today to start your new flooring journey at 412-653-3424 or use our online contact form and get a free estimate. Say goodbye to old flooring and hello to new floors from Virgin Carpets!