No more flooring guesswork

Shawn Rosa, Floor Trader of Lake County • July 6, 2026

From transitions to trim pieces, knowing what’s needed beyond the flooring itself helps ensure a smooth installation.

A pair of hands holds a white, open-top container filled with vibrant orange and purple flower buds.

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is ordering only the flooring itself without considering the materials needed to complete the installation. Transitions, underlayment, adhesives, stair noses and trim pieces all play an important role in achieving a professional-looking result.


Have you ever been handed a flooring material list by your contractor and told, “Take this to the store and order it”? Then you arrive, excited to start your project, only to be asked questions you weren’t prepared to answer.


How many transitions do you need? Does the square footage include waste? Are there stair pieces involved?

If you’re scratching your head, you’re not alone.


Many homeowners don’t realize that a flooring project involves much more than simply choosing a color and style. For example, transitions are the strips used where one type of flooring meets another or where flooring changes height between rooms. Without them, your new floor may not look finished or function properly.


Waste is another important factor. Flooring is rarely installed without cutting boards or planks to fit corners, closets, doorways and unique room layouts. Because of this, additional material—typically 5% to 15% depending on the product and layout—is ordered to account for those cuts and ensure there is enough flooring to complete the job.


At Floor Trader of Lake County, helping customers understand these details is part of the experience. The team knows most homeowners aren’t flooring experts—and they shouldn’t have to be. Whether you’re working with a contractor, tackling a DIY project or updating an investment property, knowledgeable guidance can save time, money and frustration.


That’s why we ask the questions upfront to make sure that the correct amount is ordered. If your measurements don’t include waste or your estimate is missing finishing materials, we can help identify what’s needed before you place your order.


With an extensive in-stock selection and a knowledgeable team dedicated to customer success, Floor Trader of Lake County helps ensure your flooring project starts—and finishes—on the right foot.


Floor Trader of Lake County is located at 1880 Mentor Avenue in Painesville. Call 440-639-1991, follow the company on Instagram or Facebook, or visit FloorTraderLakeCounty.com for more information.


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