How To Choose, Install and Care For Your Flooring – Your Ultimate Flooring Guide By The Flooring Lady

I've got a quick question for you...

If you are planning to install a new floor for your home, tell me if any of these statements sound familiar to you​.

"I have to construct a new home. Which is better flooring: marble, granite or tiles?"

"What’s the best type of flooring for a kitchen?"

"How do you figure out how much flooring you need?"

"Is there a way to waterproof laminate flooring?"

"What is the best flooring if you have pets?"

If you said “Yes” to any of the above, then read the rest of this article.

Where Do You Start?

It’s not as simple as saying that one type of flooring is better than the rest.

You need to consider a number of factors such as:

  • Function
  • Location
  • Foot Traffic
  • Exposure to sunlight and moisture
  • Aesthetics
  • Ease of Installation
  • Budget

In this post I’m going to show you the different types of flooring that’s available, where they are best used, the pros and cons, the methods of installation and proper maintenance and repair of each type.

Let’s jump right in…

The Different Types Of Flooring

Hardwood or Solid Flooring

Hardwood or Solid Wood Flooring. These are made of real timber strips usually ¾ inch thick and 2.5 to 8 inches wide. The most common hardwood species include oak, maple, cherry and walnut. Exotic or imported species like Brazilian cherry, mahogany, teak and wenge are also available.

Pros of Solid Hardwood

It is the most durable among wood type flooring and most resistant to wear and tear. Since it is made of wood all throughout, it can be refinished and sanded over and over again.

Cons of Solid Hardwood

There is the possibility of deformation due to moisture if not kiln dried properly before installation. The stain or varnish finish can easily fade if it is frequently exposed to sunlight. Solid wood is the most expensive wood flooring, it can come pre-finished or can be finished on site.

Recommended Areas for Application

Ideal for almost any room except for wet areas like the bathroom.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Each plank is made of a thin real wood veneer overlay with a plywood or recycled wood backing.

Pros of Engineered Wood Flooring

It is more cost effective than solid wood flooring.

Cons of Engineered Wood Flooring

Because of the thin layer of veneer on top, it is more prone to dents and doesn’t resist wear and tear as well as solid wood.

Recommended Areas of Application

Any room except for wet areas like the bathroom, basements and areas below grade.

Laminate Flooring

It is composed of a realistic photograph that mimics wood or stone and is covered on top by a protective plastic layer.

Pros of Laminate Flooring

The clear plastic layer helps resist scratches and discoloration.

Cons of Laminate Flooring

The printed image may look fake and unnatural compared to real wood floors. Depending on quality, the wood planks need to be replaced if the outer layer has been scratched.

Recommended Areas for Application

Any areas above grade except for bathrooms and laundry areas, or areas for pets.

Ceramic Tile

It is made from a clay mixture, pressed and then baked in a very hot kiln. There are four basic types of ceramic tiles: glazed, unglazed, porcelain or homogeneous, and terracotta.

Pros of Ceramic Tile

A traditional flooring material that’s known for its durability and resistance to scratches, dents and discoloration.

Cons of Ceramic Tile

Prone to breakage during installation if not handled properly. Material cost is more expensive and requires the help of a skilled worker during installation.

Recommended Areas for Application

Areas for pets, areas prone to dirt.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is also known as resilient flooring, it is made of PVC resin combined with various additives. It comes in different thicknesses to meet various requirements.

Pros of Vinyl Flooring

Comes in various colors and patterns and very easy to install. Very cost effective, the top layer is highly durable and requires minimal maintenance.

Cons of Vinyl Flooring

Even if it can copy the look of stone or wood, it still appears unnatural. Not ideal for areas that are going after a classy aesthetic.

Recommended Areas for Application

High Traffic Areas and Areas for Pets, Play Area for Kids

Linoleum Flooring

It is composed of linseed oil as the primary ingredient, combined with resins, limestone, and powdered wood. The various colors are products by adding mineral pigments.

Pros of Linoleum Flooring

Like vinyl, it is also resilient and durable. Easy to maintain.

Cons of Linoleum Flooring

Durability and resistance to scratches and dents vary depending on brand or supplier. Requires a moisture-free, smooth and level subfloor.

Recommended Areas for Application

Play area for kids and pets

Natural Stone Flooring

Most common stone flooring used are marble, granite, limestone, slate and travertine.

Pros of Natural Stone Flooring

Makes any space look luxurious and elegant. Harder and polished stones are highly durable and resistant to scratches and stains.

Cons of Natural Stone Flooring

Comes at a higher price range. Can be slippery when wet especially if the stone is highly polished.

Recommended Areas for Application

Areas with high traffic such as the kitchen, and bathrooms.

Cork

Its base material is taken from a bark of a tree, which a tree can regenerate every 8 or so years, making cork a sustainable material. It has unique grain appearances and is manufactured in plank or tile sizes with a structure similar to that of a laminate.

Pros of Cork Flooring

Makes a room appear warm and cozy and is soft underfoot.

Cons of Cork Flooring

Though it comes as prefinished, it needs to be resealed after every few years to prevent it from wearing and to seal out moisture. Not very cost-friendly and needs to be installed by a professional.

Recommended Areas for Application

Most designers & contractors would recommend this cork flooring for the kitchen because it absorbs impact better and reduces breakage of dropped items. It is also quieter when stepped on and is more resistant to molds and mildews.

Carpet

It is usually produced by attaching a layer of wool or other fibers to a woven backing using techniques like tufting or weaving. When choosing carpet, the higher the fiber density or fibers per square inch, the better the quality.

Other carpets also indicate a rating of 1 to 5 that refers to the durability of the carpet, with 5 being the highest. The standard material for carpet is wool, but synthetic fibers are also starting to grow in popularity, which includes nylon, acrylic, polyester and polypropylene olefin.

Pros of Carpet

Comes in a wide range of colors, designs and textures. Gives a room a soft and cozy ambiance and can last for years if maintained properly. It is also a source of insulation during the summer and winter months.

Cons of Carpet

If you choose wool carpet, it comes at a very high price. Nylon and other synthetic carpets are cheaper, but still more expensive compared to other flooring types except for natural stone. Not recommended for residents that have asthma and allergic reactions to fiber. If the flooring was flooded, molds can develop and you won’t have a choice but to dispose it.

Recommended Areas for Application

Entertainment room where sound absorption is important, small dry areas like bedrooms.

Concrete or Cement Flooring

Concrete is a very basic material used in construction, and is composed of aggregates like gravel and sand and is mixed with cement binder and water. For flooring applications, it is mixed with an additive called a densifier to cover the pores, and then buffed continuously until the desired polish is achieved.

Pros of Concrete and Cement Flooring

Cost effective and gives a charming and modern look. Strong, durable, with minimal maintenance required.

Cons of Concrete and Cement Flooring

Installation of polished concrete is harder than it looks. The timing is crucial and should be done only by someone who knows how.

Recommended Areas for Application

Ideal for basements and areas with possibility of exposure to moisture; since basements are prone to moist, it could damage wood flooring faster.

Now that you know the different flooring types to choose from, in this chart below is a roundup of around how much each type of flooring cost:

Type of Flooring                             

Approximate Cost Including Installation

Solid Wood

$5 to $10 per square foot

$14 per square foot for exotic species

Engineered Wood

$4 to $9 per square foot

Laminate

Cell 3 / 2

Ceramic

$5 to $112 per square foot

Vinyl

$2 to $6 per square foot

Linoleum

$4 to $8 per square foot

Stone

$7 to $110 per square foot

Cork

$8 to $13 per square foot

Carpet

$2 to $14 per square foot

Cement

$4 to $5 per square foot

What’s next? Keep reading...

What You Need Before You Buy

If you are going to install a new floor to an existing house, first consider if it’s a match.

When you have your mind set on a type of flooring material, you will have to think about the color and/or the design. Lighter flooring can make any room look brighter and larger, and easily matches with any furniture color. Darker flooring can give a more relaxed or sophisticated feeling, but dust and pet hair is more visible. You can also choose the middle ground by going for a more neutral color.

Give it a second thought. Do you really need to replace old flooring or can you still refinish the existing one that you have?

Measure the space to get the quantity. First, get the room’s width and length and then multiply them to get the floor area.

For Example:

Room width = 10 feet, Room length = 18 feet

Room Area = 10 x 18 feet = 180 square foot

When buying hardwood, each box of hardwood is around 20 feet in coverage. Note that you need to add around 10% for wastage in installation. So:

180 square foot x 110% = 198 square foot

198 square foot / 20 feet per box = 9.9

If we round it off, you need 10 boxes of hardwood for a 180 square foot room

Laminates and vinyl tiles usually also have the same area of coverage per box. Ask your supplier to verify.

For carpets, it’s best to layout your room in a diagram then divide the width of the room by the width of the carpet roll.

Where To Buy

The most common place to buy different types of flooring would be at your local big box home improvement store like Home Depot. The advantage of it being that you can see the flooring choices right there and these big stores are reliable and buying from them is convenient.

Compared to other suppliers, the products offered also come in competitive prices. It’s a one-stop shop for all your home improvement needs. Aside from Home Depot, the other well-known big box stores include Lowe’s, Lumber Liquidators and Menards.

However, if you go ahead and make your purchase at big-box stores without looking at other options, you might be missing out on better deals and prices. Going directly to supplier brands gets you a higher chance of getting bigger discounts as stores like Home Depot usually offer only up to 5 percent, while suppliers can give you up to 10 to 15 percent.

linoleum flooring in housewares hypermarket

You can also check out the small hardware stores near you. Their prices can also be competitive and since they are smaller, the customer service is more personalized and their staffs are more helpful.

Dedicated flooring stores that have many branches nationally, or even the local and the family-owned ones are also worth checking out. Carpet One is a carpeting store but also sells different kinds of flooring materials like laminate, ceramic tiles and vinyl. They carry their own brands: Invincible, Rustic River and Voyager. Floor & Décor has over 54 branches nationwide with cost-friendly products. Flooring America is the umbrella retailer of many smaller retail brands.

Lastly, try looking into online home improvement retailers. One of them is BuildDirect, a Canada based online store with 12 warehouses nationwide. Other good online flooring suppliers include: Green Building Supply, Greenhome Solutions, Wayfair, South Cypress, SimpleFLOORS, iFloor, and Floors To Your Home.

Flooring Brands To Consider

Here’s a list of flooring brands for each type of floor to help you choose your flooring even further:

Wood Flooring

Armstrong - leading brand for vinyl flooring products. Also includes hardwood (Bruce brand), engineered wood and laminates, linoleum and ceramic tiles.

Mullican - has been a hardwood flooring supplier for many years and now also manufactures engineered wood.

Laminate

Pergo - at the forefront of lamiante floors after its invention and is the largest manufacturer of laminate flooring in the US.

Lucida Surfaces - carries the TimberCore brand, which is the first to use premium pressed poplar wood unlike MDF and HDF. The outcome is a soft wood with a bounce feel. It also introduced a recent technology called nuClick, a locking mechanism that is 10 times stronger than the ones used commercially. It also lets you install, remove and reinstall the wood planks over and over. Another innovation is called mBrace, an injection-molded casing around wood planks, making it moisture resistant. It protects flooring from swelling and warping.

Ceramic and Stone

Florim USA - one of the largest manufacturers of porcelain tiles in North America.

Porcelanosa - porcelain tile brand that originated in Spain and started operation in the US 20 years ago.

Emser - an LA based producer of natural stone and ceramic tiles.

Vinyl

Forbo - a global brand for linoleum and vinyl floor products.

Mannington - much like Forbo, is also a leading brand for vinyl flooring and also established as a supplier of solid wood, laminate and porcelain tiles.

Linoleum

Tarkett - started as a linoleum supplier in Europe, now also offers other types of flooring worldwide.

Cork

Globus Cork - Pioneer in creating cork with color

WE Cork - has been manufacturing cork for over 5 generations.

Wicanders - leading market brand for cork flooring

Carpet

Mohawk - leading carpet supplier who now also offers laminate (Quick-Step brand), vinyl (Congoleum), stone (American Olean) and ceramic (Dal-Tile) flooring.

Shaw Floors - another carpet manufacturer that now offers wood, laminate and ceramic after acquiring Anderson Flooring.

Cement

Elite Crete Systems - specializes in high performing flooring products.

Dulux - Australian brand that started with paint, but now offers fast-cure cement flooring products.

Who Should Install Your Flooring

Solid wood flooring is best installed by someone who is experienced because it contracts and expands depending on site conditions. He should be able to assess the best way to install the hardwood floor.

Ceramic tiles, stone, carpets and polished concrete floors are also best installed by a professional.

Engineered Wood, Laminates, Vinyl Tiles and Linoleum can be a DIY process.

How To Prepare The Surface For Installation

As with all types of flooring, the subfloor or the bare concrete floor should already be dry, free from moisture and cleaned properly. The room should also have the correct temperature and ventilation. Your installer may conduct a moisture testing before fitting the flooring.

Acclimatization is the process of storing the boxes of flooring inside the room where it is to be installed, applies specially to wood flooring. Solid wood flooring requires an acclimatization of 5 to 7 days, 3 to 4 days for engineered wood and 24 hours for laminates.

Laying Pattern And Direction

For wood flooring, a good rule of thumb is to run the planks in the same direction as the room. If you’re installing them on top of existing wood floors, then the direction should be in 90-degree angle to the existing flooring. To have a better look, wood planks should have an offset of 300mm from one end instead of offsetting it from the center.

For ceramic or vinyl tiles, they are best centered in a room or at a doorway for a balanced appearance.

Best Methods For All Types Of Floor Installations

Wood Floor Installation Using Adhesive

Wood planks can be glued directly to the concrete subfloor using an adhesive.

Tools needed:

  • 3 to 4.8mm notched trowel

Directions: Spread the adhesive evenly on the concrete to ensure that each plank attaches to the floor fully. Don’t glue the joints together because this will leave no room for expansion and can cause cracking

Floating Wood Floor Installation

Wood flooring can be installed over a subfloor without directly attaching with glue, screws or nails, hence the term “floating."

For the underlay, ask the supplier which works best for the space condition. Some of the common types are: moisture resistant paper, polystyrene boards, foam insulation, damp proof membrane and damp proof barrier.

Tools Needed: 

  • Adhesive/ Vapor Tape
  • Tapping Block

Directions: Start at one corner of the room and place the planks end to end then side by side, making sure they are fitted snugly using a tapping block or hammer. The excess cut from one plank can be used to start the next row of planks. (More info on installing floating hardwood flooring.)

Wood Floor Installation Using Nails

A tongue and groove wood floor can be nailed to a wood subfloor or wood joist framing.

Tools Needed:

  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • Moisture Resistant Tape

Directions: Lay the moisture barrier paper on top of the wood subfloor or floor joists then attach the joints with a moisture resistant tape. This will seal off moisture from the holes once the nails are put in. The planks should be laid out in 45 or 90 degrees angle to the subfloor and it should be nailed to every joist. Again, don’t glue the joints of the flooring.

Expansion Gaps

Maintain a gap between flooring and walls, door jambs, columns, stairs and other terminations to provide room for wood expansion. The minimum gap is 10 to 15mm for solid wood and 8mm for laminates.

Use spacers along the walls for uniformity but don’t forget to remove them before you put a wooden base board. Base boards should be fixed directly to the wall so it won’t affect movement of the wood flooring.

Underfloor Heating

It is recommended that you use engineered wood if you plan to have underfloor heating because it is more firm than solid wood.

If placing underfloor heating over a concrete subfloor, the relative humidity should be 70% or lower. If placed over a wood subfloor, the moisture content should be below 11%. If these standards are not met, then you need to install a damp proof barrier.

Require the supplier to fully conduct all tests to ensure that the heating system is working properly before the flooring is installed.

Ceramic or Stone Tile Installation

Ceramic tiles are laid on top of concrete subfloor and attached by mortar or tile adhesive. Since leveling and alignment are important in stone or ceramic tile installation, it is recommended that you hire professional service providers.

Tools needed: 

  • Level
  • Hammer / Mallet
  • Sponge
  • Notched Trowel
  • Tile Cutter

Directions: Draw reference lines on where the tiles should be placed. Mix the mortar on the floor or in a bucket as instructed by the manufacturer. It should match the recommended consistency. Start spreading the mortar using the thin side of the trowel at the center reference line. Then comb the mortar using the notched side of the trowel. Lay the first tile at the crossing of the reference lines, pressing it lightly to make sure it glues to the mortar. Place tile spaces at the edges and continue to the next. Once you’re done with a portion, use a rubber mallet and carpenter’s level to nudge and align the tiles.

Once dry, remove the tile spacers between tiles. Mix the grout and apply it into the joints removing excess grout. Allow the grout to dry for around 20 minutes and then wash off excess grout on the surface with a sponge. Don’t let anyone step on the floor for 72 hours to allow it to dry.

Vinyl Tile Floor Installation

Vinyl Tiles are easy to install whether on concrete, wood subfloor, or even on existing vinyl tiles. Just make sure to remove loose or damaged vinyl flooring.

Tools needed:

  • Hammer
  • Pencil
  • Utility Knife
  • Notched Trowel
  • Sponge

Directions: If installing over concrete, make sure it’s level, dry and free from cracks. To level some uneven areas, you can use a coarse sanding disc. Remove minor bumps with a chisel. If you’d rather not remove the old flooring, you can cover it with plywood as a flooring underlay.

Draw two reference lines at the center of the room, one horizontally and the other vertically. Lay-out the tiles without adhesive in one row each to see how it will look like. This way you can adjust the layout so when the tiles meet the wall, more than half of the tile is visible.

Spread vinyl flooring adhesive with a notched trowel. Wipe off excess adhesive immediately. Attach tiles firmly to the floor by using a roller to apply pressure. If you have to kneel on top of a freshly laid tile, put plywood on top of the tile for you to kneel on. For the edges around the room, cut the tiles to fit. (More on Vinyl Installation)

Linoleum Sheet Installation

Linoleum sheets can be installed over concrete, vinyl or plywood underlay.

Tools Needed:

  • Trowel
  • Pry Bar
  • Utility Knife
  • Floor Roller

Directions: Remove all furniture and equipment. Measure the length of the room and then cut the linoleum sheet with excess length. You can trim the excess later on once the flooring is fitted. Position your cut linoleum in the room and leave 3 inches excess all around for the trimming. For wall terminations, press a wood against the wall to mark the linoleum. Then using a straightedge, cut the flooring.

Once the flooring is laid out, pull back half of it to prepare for spreading of adhesive. After applying the adhesive, let it sit for a few minutes depending on manufacturer instructions. Carefully roll the flooring back in place and press it firmly. Repeat the same steps for the other half of the floor. Don’t step on it until after 24 hours. (Step-by-step Directions for installing Linoleum Flooring)

Carpet Installation

You may save money installing carpet on your own, but know that handling a large roll of carpet is not an easy task.

Tools Needed:

  • Tack Strip Cutter
  • Staple Gun
  • Hammer
  • Carpet Knife
  • Power Stretcher

Directions: The subfloor should be clean and smooth. Cut the tack strips and nail it to the floor 1/2” from the wall except along doors and hallways. Lay the carpet pad backing perpendicular to the direction of the carpet and staple it along tack strips.

Measure the length of the room and cut the carpet to size (preferably outdoor) with a bit of excess. Then bring it inside the room, lay it out and cut the excess length. Just leave 3 inches extra to curl up to the walls. Then glue the seams of the carpet edges together using a seaming iron.

Attach the edge of the carpet to one side of the wall using a knee kicker to stretch the carpet to the tack strips. Trim excess carpet with a wall trimmer. Stretch the carpet using a power stretcher towards the opposite wall.

Polished Concrete Flooring Installation

Concrete floors take longer to install, but its cost-effectiveness and subtle beauty is worth the wait. However, polishing concrete requires special equipment and expertise. I would not recommend that you DIY.

Tools Needed: 

  • Hand Float
  • Power Float
  • Vibrating Screeding Machine

Directions: Pour the concrete mixed with additives over the space with a shovel, rakes, and screeding machine. Flatten the concrete surface with a hand float or power float. Then smoothen the top cement surface with a hand trowel or trowel machine. Wait between 4 to 14 hours for the concrete to dry. 

Make sure to pour concrete in ideal temperature. Extreme heat or cold can damage newly poured concrete.

After one month, you can start with polishing and sealing. To polish concrete, you can buff the floor with a scrubbing machine or use a light diamond polishing pad for a medium shine. For a higher sheen, use a heavy diamond polishing pad.

Lastly, seal the concrete flooring to protect the surface. You can use a penetrative sealant or stain-protect products. These are applied using a pump sprayer or wax applicator.

Also check out How to Install Carpet Pad

Best Practices For Floor Care

First off, when you choose floors, base it on your level of willingness to clean the house. Carpets for example are harder to maintain and needs to be vacuumed. Are you ready to change your routine.

Your floor is an investment and you need to take care of it if you want it to last long.

Here are some tips…

Tip #1 Clean Regularly

Sweep or vacuum your floor regularly to prevent buildup of dust and dirt. Use a soft bristled broom or a vacuum with soft brush attachment to avoid scratching of wood floor. Sweeping or vacuuming twice a week can and washing or scrubbing every two weeks make a lot of difference for your floor.

Tip #2 Groom Your Pets

If you’re a pet owner, you better trim the claws of your pets regularly so the scratches will be minimal. Mop out any ‘accidents’ right away so it won’t stain your floor. Choosing a light colored floor will hide the scratches visually. When washing your floors, keep pets out until dry. Of course, always use non-toxic and pet-friendly cleaning products.

Tip #3 Wipe Spills Immediately

Though wood floorings have protective coating, it is still a must to mop off any water or liquid spillage right away. A few drops may be harmless, but it can leave spots if left there. Larger volumes of water if left to pond on the floor can cause major damage.

Tip #4 Tell Your Friends to Leave the Stilettos

Stileto shoes should be taken off and left at the front door especially if you have wood flooring. Any wooden floor would not be able to resist against that kind of impact.

Tip #5 Cover Floors That are Exposed to Sunlight

Constant exposure to sunlight can cause discoloration to wood and vinyl floors. Cover these areas with rugs and mats and move them frequently so the color fading becomes even.

Tip #6 Use Protection When Moving Items

Prevention is better than cure. When moving medium to large size objects across the floor, make sure to use felt protectors and castor cups. This will prevent foot marks from your furniture when you drag it from one point to another.

Tip #7 Protect Your Floor Upon Entry

Invest in durable floor mats and place it at your door. Any grit left under your shoes when you enter a room can scratch your floor. Better yet, have a shoe rack near the door and leave your shoes before entering.

Tip #8 Use Cleaning Kits

Purchase cleaning kits that complement each other. For example, some brands offer cleaning kits that has a mop, cleaning fluid, and spray bottle for all-around cleaning. Make sure to choose the ones that are best for your type of floor.

Tip #9 Shine

For wood, use a paste wax like the one from Johnson’s. Clean the floor first before applying evenly in a swirling motion. For vinyl, linoleum, ceramic and concrete, there are products that you can just pour and mop over to restore that shine.

Tip #10 Refinish

It is recommended that you refinish your floor every two to three years to restore its protective layer. This applies to wood flooring in particular. There are two types of hardwood finishing that you could have for your wood floor: lacquer or oil. Lacquered flooring is shinier while an oil finish has a matte look.

For lacquered floors, you can either spot repair it on areas with scratches. For deeper punctures, you would need to apply a floor filler or sealer. When refinishing the entire floor, you need to lightly sand the floor before applying one or two coats of the lacquer. Allow the lacquer to dry between coatings, and sanding is also required.

For oiled floors, you can also re-touch portion of areas with damage. They are easier to repair but require refinishing more frequently. You can apply a one coat soap or cleaner that cleans and re-shine the floor. You can either stop there or proceed with re-oiling your floor. You can use a sponge, clothe or brush to apply the oil in the direction of the grain. Rub off excess oil after 60 seconds and then wait 24 to 36 hours before stepping on the floor.

Engineered wood can be refinished depending on the thickness of the veneer. You can sand and buff it once if the veneer is 2mm thick, and twice if it’s 3mm thick. If the dent or scratch is deep, you might have to replace it.

How To Repair Floors​

Sometimes your floor needs more than just periodic cleaning. It will also need to be repaired, especially after a few years.

Here are some common issues and how to solve them:

Recovering Swollen Wooden Flooring

One of the causes of swelling is when there’s moisture seeping through your floor and you can’t see it. You have to investigate and remove the source of moisture and you can probably restore the condition of your floor.

If there was flooding, remove the water right away and dry the area completely using dehumidifiers and fans. It may take days or weeks to dry, so test the moisture content with a moisture meter (ideal result is 4 to 12%)/ If the wood has not warped then its form may still return to its original state.

Sometimes, the hardwood is of low quality, which is why it buckled. In this case, you can no long recover it as it may crack if you try to flatten it.

Laminate flooring are more easily damaged when subjected to flooding. Should this happen, try to uninstall them and dry them out one by one. If you don’t separate the flooring, you will end up replacing them anyway.

Never sand the floors until you’re sure that they are fully dry.

Big Take Away

The big take aways that I want you to have after reading this flooring guide are:

  1. What’s the best flooring type for your space based on factors like function, traffic and maintenance
  2. Where can you get the best deals for flooring and what are some brands you can trust
  3. How do you install flooring and if you should get an expert to do it
  4. How to care for your floor and repair it if need

I also hope this guide has helped you answer the questions you have about flooring.

1 thought on “How To Choose, Install and Care For Your Flooring – Your Ultimate Flooring Guide By The Flooring Lady”

  1. This is great! I enjoyed reading. I had a friend of mine who recently had flooding in his home, and we were able to resurface his hardwoods in one room, and replace his laminate with towel. We also were able to save his laminate tile in another with your advice. Great information.

    Reply

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