Should I Install Flooring or Doors First?

If you are doing some home renovations or bathroom remodeling, then you might wonder about how to prioritize certain parts of the project. For instance, whether you should install the new flooring or your doors first.

In this post, we are going to cover the ideal order of the projects and how you might go about completing your remodeling project. Let’s dive in!

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Table of Contents

The Verdict

Let’s cut to the chase. The answer to this question largely depends on the flooring and doors you are installing. For example, if you put on hardwood floors, then I recommend you install the floors before the doors.

This is because hardwood floors must acclimate to the room temperature and humidity. If you install the doors first, it could make it difficult for the hardwood floors to expand and contract properly.

In addition, if you are installing new carpeting, you will want to install the doors first. This is because you don’t want the new carpeting to get damaged by the doors being installed.

However, if you are simply installing new flooring, such as tile or laminate, it doesn’t matter which order you do the project in.

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The same goes for if you are only installing new doors. So, if you are wondering whether to install flooring or doors first, it just depends on your project type.

Project Order

Now that we’ve answered whether to install flooring or doors, first, let’s talk about the order of the projects.

If you are doing a complete renovation, I recommend you start with the flooring and work your way up. You would install the new floors, doors, and trim.

The main reason for this order is that it is much easier to install the flooring and doors when the trim is not in place.

However, if you are only doing a partial renovation, you can start with either the flooring or the doors. For instance, if you only install new floors, you can start with that project and leave the doors for last.

How to Install Flooring

Now that we’ve gone over the order of the projects, let’s talk about how to install the flooring.

You must start by acclimating the wood to the room temperature and humidity when installing hardwood floors.

This means you must leave the hardwood floors in the room for at least 48 hours before starting the installation process.

In addition, you will need to ensure that you prepare the subfloor correctly before installing the hardwood floors.

You must sand down any rough spots and ensure the floor is level. After preparing the subfloor, you can start installing the hardwood floors.

If you are installing carpeting, then you will need to start by removing the old carpeting. You will also need to remove any nails or staples left behind.

After you remove the old carpeting, you can start installing the new carpeting.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.

When installing tile, you must start by cleaning the floor and ensuring it is level.

AdvertisementsYou can then lay down the tile according to your design. Use a level so that the tiles are even with each other.

Finally, if you are installing laminate, you will need to start by measuring the room and cutting the laminate accordingly.

You can then install the laminate by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a level so that the laminate is even on the floor.

How to Install a New Door

Installing a new door is a relatively easy project that most people can do independently. However, there are a few things that you will need to keep in mind.

First, you ensure the door is the correct size for the opening.

Second, you will need to make sure that the door is level.

Third, ensure you or someone correctly aligned the door with the frame.

Fourth, ensure you or someone adequately secured the door to the frame.

Finally, you will need to ensure you correctly seal the door, so it doesn’t leak.

To install a new door, start by removing the old door. You will also need to remove any nails or screws holding the door.

Once you remove the old door, you can then install the new door. Use a level so that the door is level.

Also, use shims that correctly align the door with the frame. Once the door is in place, you can secure it to the frame with nails or screws.

Finally, you will need to seal the door, so it doesn’t leak. You can do this by caulking around the perimeter of the door. This step is crucial as you do not want to deal with water damage from your project.

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John Thompson

John Thompson, Writer and Commentator, EvolutDesign.com

Soldier, writer, researcher, consultant, and bon vivant, John Thompson is the author of numerous columns, op-eds, reports, briefs, short stories and books as the “Felicity Files” and “Spirit Over Steel: A Chronology of the Second World War” (version III).  Often found hunched over his computer, or in his garden, and now often found doing both.  His diverse talent has led him to work in industries and projects such as energy, security and home construction and renovation.