When should the finish flooring be installed?

The finish flooring should be installed before the interior trim is installed. This order of operations helps to ensure that the flooring is laid down completely and correctly, creating a clean, finished look. If the trim is installed before the flooring, there may be a risk of damaging the trim during the flooring installation, as the flooring material may require cutting or maneuvering along the edge of the trim.

Installing flooring first allows for the correct measurement and fitting of the trim to the floor, resulting in a more precise and aesthetically pleasing finish. It also prevents potential issues with misalignment or gaps that might occur if the trim is placed prior to flooring installation.

In many cases, it's also beneficial to have the walls painted before the flooring is installed, as this can help prevent accidental paint splashes on the new flooring and also allow for thorough cleaning after the paint job.