Short, practical answers to the questions we hear most.
Both can look like wood. The core is what makes them different.
Laminate has a wood-fiber core with a printed image layer. It feels firm and natural, but it is not waterproof.
Luxury vinyl is PVC-based, so the surface resists water. It is usually the better choice for kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms.
Two kinds of rigid-core vinyl, and how to choose.
SPC (stone plastic composite) has a dense, limestone-filled core: very hard and dent-resistant.
WPC (wood/plastic composite) has a foamed core: a bit softer and quieter. Both click together and float over the subfloor.
What to look for before installing a new floor.
Planks that flex or click, gaps between boards, visible dips, or doors that drag can all point to an uneven subfloor.
Flatness has to be measured on site with a straightedge — photos can only show clues.
A few good photos help us review your project faster.
Take wide shots of each room from the doorway, then close-ups of the existing floor and any damage.
Include doorways, transitions to other floors, stairs if included, and the label of your new flooring if you have it.
How to get ready for install day.
Clear furniture and items from the floor, take down wall decor near the work area, and plan for pets and kids.
If your flooring needs to acclimate, have the boxes delivered early and stored flat in the room.
The small details that make a floor look finished.
Floating floors need a small gap at the walls. Baseboards or quarter-round cover that gap.
Transitions protect plank edges at doorways and where two floors meet.
Nosing, risers and how stairs are measured.
Every step is measured on its own because older stairs are rarely identical.
Nosing is the front edge of each step. Matching it to your floor keeps the stairs safe and consistent.
A short checklist to protect your project.
Ask what preparation is included, how removal and debris are handled, and who supplies transitions and trim.
Get the scope in writing and ask how surprises, like hidden subfloor damage, are handled.