Flooring Installation FAQs

Having a new flooring installation is exciting and a great way to update your home. Here are some frequently asked questions our customers have when starting their flooring project with Flooring USA in Stuart!

How long will my flooring installation take?

This will depend on the type of flooring being installed and the size of the room. Most flooring projects are finished within 1-3 days. A team of two installers can get 750--1000 square feet installed per day. This does not include time to get new flooring acclimated to your home if needed.


Should I hire a professional flooring installer?

Hiring a pro to install your flooring ensures it is done the right way in a reasonable timeframe. Having flooring installed correctly not only helps with its aesthetic but ensures its longevity.


How much will my flooring installation cost?

This will vary depending on materials and amount of flooring being installed. Our team can provide you an estimate that fits your budget and preferences.


Can I install new flooring over existing flooring?

It depends. There are many factors to consider before placing any flooring on top of another. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.


Best flooring for heat and humidity?

Living in Florida, we know how hot and humid it can get here. The best flooring to combat hot weather is ceramic or porcelain tile, luxury vinyl, rubber, and concrete.


What are the most popular flooring options?

The most popular flooring options for homeowners in 2021 are LVT, hardwood, and carpet.


Is new flooring a safe investment?

Having new flooring installed provides a great return on investment. According to Realter.com, new flooring offers an ROI of 70-80% of dollars spent, improving the home's value.


How do I prepare for flooring installation?

Before installing the flooring, you will want to have the room ready by moving all furniture out of the room or to one side, removing anything on the floor, curtains, and wall hangings. Depending on the room, you may also adjust your lifestyle for a couple of days until the job is complete.


Can I keep the existing carpet pad?

While you technically can, we don't recommend you do. Not all carpet pad is made the same or appropriate for all uses. Also, the old carpet pad retains stains from spills and odors from previous use.


Why does my new carpet smell like chemicals?

New carpet emits off-gassing of VOCs or volatile organic compounds and other agents used to make the carpet. That new carpet smell is not a health concern though, carpet emits lower VOC levels than most flooring, and the smell should subside within 24-48 hours.


Why does the carpet look uneven?

Carpet shading is the optical illusion that makes carpet in one area of a room appear lighter or darker than another area. This is caused by how the carpet piles lay and the lighting. This is more common with plush carpeting and not so much with loop-style carpeting like Berber.


What's the difference between nylon and polyester carpet?

Nylon and polyester refer to the fibers used to make carpet. Nylon tends to be more durable, but it is less resistant to stains and more expensive than polyester. Polyester's main disadvantage is that it tends to crush rather quickly in high-traffic areas.


How do I keep hardwood floors from cupping or gapping?

Hardwood flooring tends to react to temperature and humidity, and when exposed to water, tends to cup, buckle, and gap. Maintaining a home's temperature at 60-80 degrees and 30-50% humidity ensures you will not have this issue with your hardwood flooring.


Will my hardwood floor color change after installation?

It is common for hardwood flooring to change color after installation depending on the species and color. Your wood floors can become more amber or yellow, lighter or darker, and can look different depending on the lighting in the room.


Can you refinish engineered hardwood flooring?

Like natural solid hardwood floors, engineered hardwood flooring can be refinished. Depending on the thickness of the veneer, it can be redone one to three times.


What is the process of acclimating hardwood flooring?

New hardwood flooring needs to be acclimated to the temperature and humidity of the room they're being installed in. Hardwood flooring needs to be placed in the room raised off the floor for 5-7 days to get acclimated. With engineered hardwood flooring, this is not required.


Is laminate flooring good in moist areas?

Generally, laminate flooring is not a great option where moisture is present often. Laminate is made with natural materials that can swell and warp. Laminate is better for half baths rather than full baths or dry finished basements.


What is the difference between laminate and luxury vinyl?

While laminate flooring and luxury vinyl look similar, these materials have a few key differences. Luxury vinyl is waterproof, making it versatile and an excellent option for any room. Laminate flooring usually has a fiberboard core, which makes it susceptible to damage from water. Laminate tends to look more natural than vinyl because it is made of more natural materials.


Are underlayments required?

They are not required but strongly recommended. Underlayments can smooth out an uneven subfloor. They can also help with cushioning and reduce noise and wear. Underlayments are common with laminate and vinyl flooring installations.


Is board thickness important for laminate flooring?

The thicker the board, the less likely there are bends when the subfloor is not even. Board thickness ranges from 7 millimeters to 12 millimeters wide.


Is Flooring USA licensed and insured?

Yes, we are licensed and insured in the state of Florida and can provide you with supporting documentation.


Do you have images of past work?

You can see our work in our project gallery!