do you paint before or after installing new flooring
Every year, Americans spend more than $6,000 on home upgrades — from small décor tweaks to full-scale renovations. Among the most common projects are new flooring installations and fresh paint jobs. Both can dramatically transform a space, but doing them in the wrong order could lead to costly mistakes.
If you’ve ever wondered whether to paint first or install flooring first, here’s the smart sequence to follow for a cleaner, smoother home remodel.
Start From the Top: Handle Ceiling Work First
When remodeling, it’s best to begin with the messiest tasks. Ceiling work tops that list. Repairs, patching, or repainting your ceiling can create a lot of dust and debris that will inevitably fall to the ground — and possibly onto your walls.
You’ll also need ladders to reach high areas, and it’s much safer to do this before your new floors are installed. Completing the ceiling first allows you to work your way down the room systematically, avoiding unnecessary damage to your finished surfaces later.
Remove Old Flooring and Trim Before Painting
Once the ceiling is done, turn your attention to the old floors. Removing outdated flooring is a dusty, dirty job, so it should be completed before painting. This prevents debris from getting trapped in wet paint and ruining the finish.
While you’re at it, take off the wall trim. You can repaint or repair it separately, then reinstall it after the new flooring goes in. Installing new floors before putting trim back ensures a perfect fit without unsightly gaps.
Prep the Walls Before Laying Down New Flooring
Next, prep your walls for painting. Even if you don’t plan to paint immediately, completing wall prep before installing flooring can save time and effort later. Wall prep may include patching, sanding, removing wallpaper, and filling cracks — all of which create dust and debris you don’t want landing on new floors.
Doing this step early keeps your flooring safe from unnecessary cleanup or damage.
Install Your New Flooring
After wall prep, it’s finally time to install the new floors. This should always come before painting the walls. Flooring installation — especially for hardwood — often involves sanding or staining, both of which can produce dust or splatter. Completing this first means you won’t have to touch up your paint job later.
Once the flooring is in, reattach the trim around the edges to ensure everything fits perfectly. It’s smart to do this before painting so you can cover any nail or screw marks while you paint.
Protect Your Floors While Painting
With your new floors in place, protect them carefully before painting. Use drop cloths, plastic sheeting, or professional-grade floor masking to cover the entire surface. Secure the covering to the trim to prevent accidental spills or splashes.
If you’re not confident painting near new flooring, consider hiring professionals. Experienced painters know how to protect your surfaces and deliver a flawless finish.
The Smart Sequence for a Seamless Remodel
To summarize, the ideal order for repainting and flooring installation is:
Do ceiling work first.
Remove old flooring and trim.
Prep your walls.
Install new flooring.
Mask and paint last.
Following this order ensures that your remodel is efficient, clean, and damage-free — giving you beautiful new floors and a fresh paint finish without any regrets.
Looking for expert advice or quality floor coating solutions? Reach out today — we’ll help you transform your home the right way.
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