Should You Paint Before or After Installing New Flooring?

Introduction

You're renovating your Bay Area home—new floors, fresh paint, the whole transformation. Then you face the question: should you paint first or install new flooring first? Your painter says one thing, your flooring installer says another, and online advice is contradictory.

At Lamorinda Painting, we've been coordinating with flooring contractors in Bay Area renovations since 2003. We're based in Lafayette and serve Lamorinda, the East Bay, and the greater Bay Area. We've worked through hundreds of renovation sequences and learned what actually works versus what causes problems.

The professional answer: it depends on flooring type, renovation scope, and practical logistics. There's no universal rule. Hardwood installation creates massive dust that ruins fresh paint. Vinyl plank is clean but requires painted walls first to avoid gaps. Each flooring type has optimal sequencing.

In this guide, you'll learn the right sequence for different flooring types, how to protect surfaces, and how to coordinate contractors for smooth renovations. And if you want professional guidance through your renovation, we're always happy to provide a free estimate.

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General Principle: Floor Type Determines Sequence

Different flooring materials create different challenges.

The Basic Logic

According to construction sequencing best practices:

Paint first when: Flooring installation is clean and won't damage fresh paint Floor first when: Installation creates dust, debris, or damage that would ruin fresh paint Hybrid approach when: Major painting before flooring, touch-up painting after

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Hardwood Flooring: Floor First, Then Paint

Why Hardwood Comes Before Paint

Hardwood installation is messy:

• Sanding creates fine dust that settles everywhere
• Cutting boards creates sawdust
• Finishing/staining releases fumes
• Heavy equipment and traffic risk damaging fresh paint

According to NOFMA (National Wood Flooring Association) installation standards, hardwood should be installed, sanded, and finished before final painting.

The Sequence

Step 1: Remove old flooring Step 2: Basic wall prep (repairs, patching) Step 3: Install hardwood Step 4: Sand hardwood Step 5: Finish/stain hardwood
Step 6: Clean thoroughly (remove all dust) Step 7: Paint walls and trim Step 8: Install baseboards (if not already installed)

Protection: Hardwood flooring contractors should protect finished floors during painting with rosin paper or protective film.

Bay Area note: Many older Lafayette, Orinda, and Oakland homes get hardwood refinished during renovations. This creates extreme dust requiring complete cleaning before painting.

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Carpet: Paint First, Then Carpet

Why Paint Comes Before Carpet

Carpet installation is relatively clean. Painting after carpet installation risks:

• Paint splatter on new carpet
• Ladder marks and traffic damage
• Difficulty protecting soft, plush surface

According to carpet industry installation guidance, walls should be painted before carpet.

The Sequence

Step 1: Paint walls and ceilings Step 2: Paint baseboards/trim (if existing) Step 3: Let paint cure 48+ hours Step 4: Install carpet

Protection: Painters should protect new carpet with drop cloths if any touch-up needed after installation.

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Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Laminate: Paint First

Why Paint Comes First

LVP and laminate installation is clean and quick. These floors:

• Click together without dust or mess
• Don't require sanding or finishing
• Install easily around existing baseboards

However, according to vinyl flooring manufacturer installation instructions, walls should be painted first to avoid gaps at wall-floor junction.

The Sequence

Step 1: Paint walls Step 2: Paint baseboards/trim (if keeping existing) Step 3: Install LVP/laminate Step 4: Touch up baseboards if needed

Gap consideration: LVP and laminate float and need expansion gap at walls, covered by baseboards. Painting after installation can create visible gaps where roller doesn't reach.

Bay Area context: LVP is increasingly popular in Bay Area condos and townhomes (Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Pleasant Hill) for durability and easy installation.

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Tile Flooring: Floor First, Then Paint

Why Tile Comes First

Tile installation is messy:

• Cutting tiles creates dust
• Grout mixing creates mess
• Mortar/thinset work is dusty
• Heavy tile and tools risk damaging fresh paint

According to tile industry standards (NTCA), tile should be installed before final painting.

The Sequence

Step 1: Basic wall prep Step 2: Install tile Step 3: Grout tile Step 4: Clean thoroughly Step 5: Let tile cure 48-72 hours Step 6: Paint walls Step 7: Touch up baseboards/trim

Protection: Tile installers should protect finished tile during painting with protective paper.

Bay Area note: Tile is common in Bay Area bathrooms and kitchens. Renovations often include new tile, requiring proper sequencing.

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Refinishing Existing Floors: Depends on Condition

Refinishing Hardwood Already in Place

If keeping and refinishing existing hardwood:

Option 1 - Floor first (traditional):

• Sand and finish floors
• Clean thoroughly
• Paint walls and trim

Option 2 - Hybrid approach:

• Do major wall painting first
• Protect walls during floor sanding
• Clean thoroughly
• Touch up walls as needed
• Finish floors
• Final wall touch-ups

Which is better: Option 1 (floor first) is cleaner but wastes some paint protecting floors. Option 2 saves materials but requires coordination.

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Trim and Baseboard Considerations

Trim painting affects sequencing significantly.

Installing New Baseboards

Best sequence:

1. Paint walls
2. Install flooring
3. Install baseboards (protect walls from nail guns)
4. Paint baseboards in place OR paint before installation

Benefit: New baseboards cover wall-floor junction perfectly, hiding any gaps or imperfections.

Keeping Existing Baseboards

Best sequence:

1. Paint walls and baseboards
2. Install flooring (carefully)
3. Touch up baseboards if damaged

Challenge: Flooring installers working around painted baseboards risk damage.

Removing and Reinstalling Baseboards

Best sequence:

1. Remove baseboards carefully
2. Paint walls
3. Install flooring
4. Reinstall baseboards (painted or unpainted)
5. Paint baseboards in place OR before reinstalling

Benefit: Cleaner floor installation, better wall-floor junction

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Whole-House Renovation Sequencing

For major Bay Area renovations, proper sequencing matters.

Ideal Sequence

According to general contractor best practices:

Phase 1 - Demolition and Rough Work:

• Remove old flooring
• Remove old baseboards
• Do any necessary drywall repair, replacement

Phase 2 - Messy Floor Installation:

• Install hardwood (if applicable)
• Install tile (if applicable)
• Sand hardwood
• Finish hardwood

Phase 3 - Painting:

• Prime and paint ceilings
• Prime and paint walls
• Prime baseboards (if pre-painting)

Phase 4 - Clean Floor Installation:

• Install carpet, LVP, or laminate (if applicable)

Phase 5 - Trim Work:

• Install baseboards
• Paint baseboards (if not pre-painted)
• Install crown molding, door trim
• Paint trim

Phase 6 - Final Touch-Ups:

• Touch up paint as needed
• Final cleaning

Reality: This ideal sequence often gets modified based on contractor availability, timeline pressures, and budget.

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Protection Strategies

Regardless of sequence, protection is critical.

Protecting Fresh Paint During Flooring Work

• Use rosin paper (not plastic—paint needs to breathe)
• Tape carefully at baseboards
• Instruct flooring crew to minimize wall contact
• Plan for minor touch-ups afterward

Protecting New Floors During Painting

• Use clean drop cloths (not dusty ones from previous jobs)
• Rosin paper for hardwood (breathable)
• Protective film for tile
• Multiple layers for carpet
• Remove protection daily to check for paint drips

Bay Area consideration: Dust from dry conditions (especially inland Walnut Creek, Concord, Antioch) requires extra protection and cleaning.

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Common Mistakes in Paint/Floor Sequencing

Mistake #1: Painting After Hardwood Sanding

Hardwood sanding dust settles on fresh paint, ruining finish. Always paint AFTER hardwood is fully finished.

Mistake #2: Installing Carpet Before Painting

Paint splatter on new carpet is nearly impossible to remove completely. Always paint before carpet.

Mistake #3: Poor Protection

Assuming contractors will protect surfaces carefully. They won't, unless specifically contracted and paid to do so. Build protection into scope.

Mistake #4: Not Coordinating Contractors

Painter doesn't know flooring is being installed next week. Shows up to paint, can't work because floor installer is there. Coordinate schedules explicitly.

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Cost Implications

Sequencing affects costs.

Touch-Ups Add Cost

If painter must return for touch-ups after flooring, expect:

• Minimum service call fee ($150-300)
• Hourly touch-up rate
• Potential color matching challenges if significant time has passed

Solution: Build touch-ups into original contract if sequencing requires it.

Protection Materials

Proper floor protection costs $50-200 depending on room size. Worth every penny to avoid damage.

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When to Hire Professionals

Coordinating painting and flooring is complex.

At Lamorinda Painting, we've been coordinating with flooring contractors since 2003. We know proper sequencing for every flooring type, we protect surfaces meticulously, and we communicate clearly with other trades. We build appropriate sequencing and protection into our bids.

We're fully licensed and insured. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and estimates are always free. If you're in Lafayette, Lamorinda, or anywhere in the East Bay, contact us today for a free estimate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I paint before or after hardwood floors?

Paint after hardwood installation, sanding, and finishing. Hardwood work creates extreme dust that would ruin fresh paint. Let hardwood fully cure, clean thoroughly, then paint.

Q: Can I paint after carpet installation?

You can, but it's risky. Paint splatter on new carpet is very difficult to remove. Better to paint first, let cure 48+ hours, then install carpet. If you must paint after, use extreme care and protection.

Q: What about luxury vinyl plank—before or after painting?

Paint before LVP installation. LVP installation is clean and won't damage fresh paint. Painting after LVP can leave gaps at wall-floor junction that show under baseboards.

Q: Should baseboards be installed before or after flooring?

After flooring is best. Baseboards installed after flooring cover the wall-floor junction perfectly and hide any gaps or cut edges. However, existing baseboards can stay in place if protected carefully during flooring installation.

Q: How long should paint dry before installing carpet?

Minimum 48 hours, preferably 72 hours. Paint needs to cure adequately before carpet installation traffic and tools. In humid Bay Area coastal areas (Richmond, El Cerrito), allow extra time.

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Conclusion

The right painting and flooring sequence depends on flooring type. Messy installations (hardwood, tile) come before painting. Clean installations (carpet, LVP, laminate) come after painting. Coordinate contractors, protect surfaces, and build touch-ups into contracts when needed.

At Lamorinda Painting, we help Bay Area homeowners navigate renovation sequencing expertly. We're based in Lafayette and serve Lamorinda, the East Bay, and the greater Bay Area.

Contact us today for a free estimate. Your satisfaction is our top priority.

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Internal Links:

• Interior Painting Services
• How to Prepare Walls for Painting

External Links:

• NOFMA Hardwood Installation Standards

Schema Markup: Article + FAQPage + BreadcrumbList + HowTo

Images Needed:

• Sequencing flowchart for different floor types
• Hardwood sanding dust damage to fresh paint
• Proper floor protection during painting
• Paint-first vs floor-first comparison
• Baseboard installation covering wall-floor junction