Are you feeling a little stressed about your house construction or remodeling project? House construction is a demanding job, even if you’re merely supervising and reviewing the work of the contracted company.
It requires crucial decision-making that can affect the cost and accuracy of the remaining tasks. One such decision is choosing if you should cover flooring or doors first.
It seems like a simple enough choice, but things are rarely simple in construction. You’ll need to consider the pros and cons, the feasibilities, the potential cost of the decision, etc.
The good news is that I can help you answer the question, explain my reasons, and discuss the alternative.
So, let’s get started!
Ready for a Flooring Quiz?
Should You Cover Flooring or Doors First?
I think you should get the flooring done before you start working on your interior doors. There are several reasons why getting done with flooring first is a much better option in this scenario.
1. Doors Will Not Disrupt Tile Installation.
The problem with installing the doors is that they will come in the way when workers shift to flooring.
Construction workers must ensure that the door is restricted from moving and change the position when they reach the other end. It may not take too long, but it is an unnecessary hassle.
Additionally, installing doors first means the flooring will need to be adjusted according to the door frame.
Cutting tiles is more complicated, so installing the flooring and then installing door frames accordingly is much better. The task will be more straightforward and time and cost-effective.
2. Leveling the Doors Becomes Easier
Determining the door’s height from the surface is much easier when you already have the flooring installed and ready to go.
It serves as a reference and allows workers to position the door correctly. In contrast, chances of doors getting set up at a lower or greater height than intended without the flooring.
Neither scenario is ideal, but lower installation is worse since it will disrupt the progress on tiling.
3. Helps Mitigate Other Costs
It is no secret that flooring is expensive to install. Once you install it, you are less likely to risk messing up operations that will damage it and potentially incur a substantial fee for correction.
Hence, installing flooring first is an excellent way to ensure people are less reckless and more contained when working on your house construction.
Potential Con of Opting for Flooring First
When considering whether to install flooring or doors first, you must choose the former because it has fewer disadvantages.
The only risk of installing the flooring is that you are more likely to incur floor damage if someone drops the door or causes other issues.
A destroyed floor is a substantial expense, but let’s face it. Anyone working in your home knows the consequence of carelessness and will go the extra mile to ensure things run smoothly.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Installing Doors First?
I have given my opinion about why I am team flooring first, but forcing you to decide based on that alone won’t be fair.
Therefore, I want to present the pros and cons of installing the doors first to help you make the right decision.
1. Pros
- No Floor Damage – Firstly, you won’t need to worry about floor damage during the door installation process. Accidents may damage the door depending on their severity, but there will be no floor to take the brunt of the door’s fall. Hence, you can breathe a sigh of relief.
- Installing Door Frames is Simpler – Installing or removing door frames is a much simpler process than installing or removing flooring. Therefore, realizing that the first installation is faulty will be far more expensive if you get the flooring done first.
- Door frames can be adjusted more quickly, so you need not worry about them.
2. Cons
Installing doors first will remove your ability to adjust them at the correct height and inclination. There will be no reference point, and you may need to work more to correct it later.
Additionally, as mentioned above, installing doors first means they will be in the way when installing flooring. So setting them up later is a good option.
Does This Rule Apply to All Flooring?
Yes, this rule applies to all flooring and doors, so you don’t have to worry about making the wrong choice. If you feel conflicted, you can ask an expert, but they will mention the same things.
Related: How Far Apart Should Newel Posts Be?
Wrapping Up
To conclude, when deciding if you should install flooring or doors first, opt for the former. It is a major part of the construction process, so getting it done take a significant burden off your shoulders.
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog and invite you to read other blogs on flooring to increase your knowledge.
