Brush & Roll Painting Learning Center

Should You Paint Walls or Install Floors First?

Written by Kaylea Kuhlman | Jan 10, 2025 2:37:07 PM

Home improvement projects can feel like a juggling act. If you’re remodeling, chances are you’ve found yourself debating the right order of events. When it comes to painting walls and installing new flooring, you may wonder: which should go first? Getting it wrong could mean extra costs, damaged finishes, or headaches trying to fix mistakes.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve worked with countless homeowners in Omaha since 1996 tackling remodels and makeovers. We’ve seen every scenario—painting before, painting after, or even mid-project touch-ups—and know how to minimize disruptions and maximize quality.

In this article, you’ll learn the pros and cons of painting before or after flooring installation. We’ll also explore special considerations, like taping techniques to protect surfaces, coordinating timelines with contractors, and what to do about baseboards. By the end, you’ll have the information you need to make a decision that works for your project.

Painting Walls and Baseboards: Before or After Flooring Installation?

When planning your remodel, one of the most debated decisions is whether to paint your walls and baseboards before or after new flooring goes in. Each approach has pros and cons; your choice will depend on your project’s needs. Let’s break it down.

Painting Before Flooring Installation

Many homeowners opt to paint first because it simplifies the painting process. Here’s why it could work for you:

  • Easier Cleanup: Without flooring in place, you don’t need to worry about drips, spills, or overspray on the new surface.
  • Cost Efficiency: Since painters don’t need to spend time masking or taping off flooring, the process can go faster and be less expensive.
  • Convenience: Painters can work more freely without worrying about damaging the floor. This is especially true for staining or painting baseboards, which often require precision near the floorline.

However, there are some downsides to painting first:

  • Risk of Damage: Installing flooring is a messy process. Heavy equipment, adhesives, and sawdust can scuff or soil freshly painted walls and baseboards.
  • Likely Touch-Ups: Even with care, flooring installation might leave baseboards and lower walls needing additional touch-ups.

Painting After Flooring Installation

Painting after flooring is often preferred by professionals, as it minimizes the risk of touch-ups and allows for a more polished finish. Here are the benefits:

  • Fewer Touch-Ups: Since the flooring is already installed, you don’t have to worry about painters fixing areas damaged during flooring installation.
  • Cleaner Edges: Painters can ensure clean, seamless lines where the walls meet the flooring and baseboards. This is especially helpful if you’re using bold or contrasting wall colors.
  • Final Adjustments: Seeing your new flooring in place can help confirm that your wall colors work well with the overall design.

Special care is needed when painting after flooring to avoid damaging your investment. Professional painters use high-quality tape designed for delicate surfaces and carefully mask off areas to protect the new floor. This ensures a professional-grade finish without any mishaps.

Coordinating Timelines with Painting & Flooring Contractors

One of the biggest challenges in home improvement projects is scheduling. Here’s how to ensure smooth coordination between your flooring and painting crews:

  1. Set a Clear Timeline: Decide when each task should happen and communicate it to both contractors.
  2. Leave Time for Curing: Allow paint and flooring adhesives to cure before starting the next phase to avoid issues.
  3. Work with Professionals: Experienced contractors understand the importance of staying on schedule and respecting other trades.

Painting & Installing Flooring In Your Home

When deciding whether to paint before or after flooring, consider these factors:

  • Your Timeline: Do you have time for touch-ups after flooring? If not, painting last might make more sense.
  • The Finish You Want: For a seamless, professional look, painting after flooring ensures no surprises or mismatched edges.

Should You Paint Before or After Installing New Flooring?

Choosing whether to paint before or after installing flooring comes down to your project’s specifics and priorities. Painting first can save time and reduce costs, while painting after often delivers the best finish. 

Brush & Roll Painting has years of experience helping Omaha homeowners navigate these choices. If you’re planning a project and need expert advice or a professional team to handle the job, click below to get a quote today.

If you’re not ready to get a quote for your painting project, take this time to prepare to hire the best painter for your project. Click the button below to download the ultimate guide to hiring a painter. This guide will help you research painters, compare quotes, and choose which one is right for your project.