Is Your Floor Installer Cutting Corners? What to Look for in a Professional
long-lasting floor and one that causes costly issues down the track. While many claim to be professionals, not all installers deliver the quality, precision, and customer care that your home deserves. In South East Melbourne, where home design and detail matter, cutting corners isn’t just frustrating, it can compromise the look and lifespan of your investment.
At RG Timber Floors, we’ve been called in to repair or replace flooring that wasn’t installed correctly more times than we’d like to count. With over 18 years of hands-on experience, we know exactly what separates a true professional floor installer from one cutting corners.
Here’s what to watch for, what to expect from a reliable tradesperson, and how RG Timber Floors ensures every job is completed to the highest standard.
Common Signs Your Floor Installer Is Cutting Corners
Even before the job is finished, there are warning signs that an installer may not be following best practices. Keep an eye out for the following issues:
1. Rushed Subfloor Preparation
The quality of any timber floor installation begins with the subfloor. If it isn’t flat, clean, and moisture-free, your boards will likely move, squeak, or warp. We often find that less experienced installers skip proper preparation to save time.
At RG Timber Floors, we begin every project with a detailed assessment of the subfloor. We correct imperfections, level the surface where needed, and apply appropriate moisture barriers. Skipping this step is never an option.
2. No Acclimatisation of Timber
Timber is a natural material that expands and contracts based on temperature and humidity. If your installer brings the timber to site and lays it immediately, that’s a red flag.
A professional floor installer knows that timber must be left to acclimatise in your home’s environment for at least 48 to 72 hours. This allows it to adjust to local conditions, preventing movement after installation.
3. Poorly Aligned Boards and Gaps
Visible gaps, misaligned boards, and uneven spacing are all signs of rushed or careless work. Proper installation involves careful measurement and a consistent, strategic laying pattern that considers the flow of the home.
We take pride in achieving seamless joins and precise alignment, whether it’s straight planks, herringbone patterns, or custom stair nosing.
4. Low-Quality Trims and Finishing Touches
Many installers can lay a timber floor, but few take the time to finish it with precision. Cutting corners here leads to gaps around walls, visible caulking, poorly fitted trims, or mismatched stair details.
Our team at RG Timber Floors focuses on every detail, including caulking, edging, and stair integration. We manufacture custom stair nosing to ensure every part of the job looks intentional and professionally executed.
5. Inadequate Sanding and Coating
If sanding is rushed or the wrong coating is applied, the timber may look patchy or wear quickly. This is often where cost-cutting becomes most obvious, especially when cheaper coatings are used or the curing process isn’t followed.
We use premium finishes and allow full curing time between coats, ensuring a durable surface with a consistent sheen that enhances the natural grain of the timber.
Qualities to Expect from a Professional Floor Installer
Hiring a professional means more than just getting someone with tools. It means partnering with a team who cares about the outcome as much as you do. Here’s what you should always expect:
1. Experience and Training
Ask how long they’ve been in the industry and what types of timber floors they’ve installed. RG Timber Floors brings over 18 years of experience to every job, starting with a carpentry apprenticeship and evolving into a specialised timber flooring business servicing South East Melbourne.
2. Transparent Quoting and Scope
A reputable installer will give you a detailed quote that includes materials, labour, preparation, and finishing. They should also explain the installation process and answer your questions clearly.
We provide comprehensive quotes with no hidden costs, so you know exactly what to expect from the start.
3. Clean Workmanship and Professional Conduct
From arriving on time to leaving the site clean each day, professional installers treat your home with respect. Our team takes care to protect adjacent surfaces, minimise dust, and complete each stage with precision and care.
4. Full-Service Delivery
True flooring professionals don’t just install boards. They handle every part of the process, from supplying materials to preparing the site, installing custom features, and applying protective coatings.
RG Timber Floors manages the full scope of work, including custom stair installations, sanding and coating, caulking, and final detailing.
5. Aftercare and Advice
Once the floor is installed, your flooring professional should explain how to maintain it properly. This includes how to clean, when to recoat, and how to avoid damage.
We always provide our clients with care guides and are happy to answer questions long after the job is complete.
Why South East Melbourne Homes Deserve Expert Craftsmanship
Suburbs like Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley, Caulfield South, and Bentleigh East are known for their stylish homes and well-executed renovations. Whether you're modernising a mid-century home or fitting out a new build, a poorly finished timber floor can undermine the look and feel of the entire space.
At RG Timber Floors, we understand the expectations of homeowners in South East Melbourne. Our commitment to premium materials, expert detailing, and custom finishes ensures each project reflects the high standards of the area.
How RG Timber Floors Delivers Quality You Can Trust
Our process starts with a clear conversation about your needs and ends with a clean, cutting-edge timber floor that lasts. We supply a wide range of timber, including European oak, blackbutt, spotted gum, and engineered options to suit every home and lifestyle.
Our team handles:
Subfloor preparation
Moisture protection
Timber supply and delivery
Installation of solid and engineered timber
Sanding, staining, and coating
Custom stair nosing and stair installation
Precision caulking and finishing
No shortcuts, no surprises, just quality work delivered with care.
How to Choose the Right Installer for Your Project
When comparing flooring installers in South East Melbourne, ask the right questions:
Do they have experience with your chosen timber and finish?
Can they show you past projects?
Will they manage every stage from prep to finish?
Do they offer guarantees or follow-up support?
If the answers are unclear, or the quote seems too good to be true, you may not be dealing with a genuine professional floor installer.
Ready to Work with a Team You Can Trust?
At RG Timber Floors, we’re passionate about helping homeowners in South East Melbourne get the floors they deserve, ones that are installed correctly, finished to a high standard, and built to last.
Whether you’re updating a single room or completing a full renovation, we’ll guide you through the process with honest advice, premium materials, and workmanship that speaks for itself.
Visit www.rgtimberfloors.com.au to learn more or request a free quote today.
