Question 1

How much does it cost to install new flooring?

Accepted Answer

Flooring costs vary dramatically by material type and installation complexity. Per square foot installed: Carpet costs $3-$8 (budget), $8-$15 (mid-range), $15-$25+ (luxury); Vinyl plank/LVP costs $4-$8 (basic), $8-$12 (quality), $12-$18+ (premium); Laminate costs $5-$10 (basic), $10-$15 (quality); Hardwood costs $8-$15 (engineered), $12-$20 (solid domestic), $15-$30+ (exotic); Tile costs $8-$15 (ceramic), $12-$20 (porcelain), $20-$40+ (natural stone). For a typical 1,000 sq ft home: Carpet $3,000-$8,000, vinyl/LVP $4,000-$12,000, laminate $5,000-$15,000, hardwood $8,000-$20,000, tile $8,000-$20,000. These prices include materials, installation labor, and basic underlayment. Additional costs: Removal and disposal of old flooring ($1-$3 per sq ft), subfloor repair or leveling ($2-$5 per sq ft for damaged areas), transition strips and molding ($3-$8 per linear foot), and moving furniture ($200-$500 for professional movers). Complex layouts, stairs, or pattern installations add 15-30% to labor costs. Geographic location affects pricing - expect 20-40% higher costs in major metropolitan areas.

Question 2

How long does different flooring last?

Accepted Answer

Flooring lifespan varies significantly by material and maintenance. HARDWOOD: Solid hardwood lasts 50-100+ years with proper care. Can be refinished 4-7 times over its life. Engineered hardwood lasts 20-40 years, can be refinished 1-3 times depending on wear layer thickness. High initial cost but longest lifespan offsets expense. LUXURY VINYL PLANK (LVP): Quality LVP lasts 15-25 years. Cannot be refinished but extremely durable and waterproof. Premium brands (Coretec, Shaw, Mohawk) at higher end of range. LAMINATE: Quality laminate lasts 15-25 years in appropriate applications (no moisture exposure). Cheap laminate fails in 8-12 years. Cannot be refinished - when damaged, must replace. CARPET: Budget carpet lasts 5-10 years, mid-range 10-15 years, high-quality 15-20 years. High-traffic areas show wear first. Cannot be restored - requires replacement when worn. Professional cleaning every 12-18 months extends life. TILE: Ceramic tile lasts 20-30 years, porcelain 30-50 years, natural stone 50-100+ years. Tile itself is nearly indestructible - grout needs resealing every 2-3 years and occasional regrouting ($2-$5 per sq ft). FACTORS AFFECTING LIFESPAN: Traffic level - High-traffic entries age 30-50% faster. Maintenance - Regular cleaning extends life significantly. Pet damage - Claws scratch most surfaces except tile/LVP. Water exposure - Destroys laminate, damages hardwood, ages carpet. Quality matters - Premium materials last 50-100% longer than budget options. Typical replacement cycles: Kitchen/entry floors every 10-15 years, living areas every 15-25 years, bedrooms every 20-30 years.

Question 3

Should I choose engineered or solid hardwood?

Accepted Answer

Choice depends on installation location, budget, and long-term plans. SOLID HARDWOOD: PROS - Can be refinished 4-7 times (50-100+ year lifespan), authentic solid wood throughout, adds maximum resale value, wide variety of species and grades available, can change stain color multiple times. CONS - Expensive ($12-$20 per sq ft installed), expands/contracts with humidity (can cup or gap), cannot be installed below grade or over concrete slabs, not suitable for moisture-prone areas, professional installation required. BEST FOR - Above-grade main living areas, long-term homeowners, traditional homes, maximum value-add. ENGINEERED HARDWOOD: PROS - More stable (resistant to humidity changes), can be installed below grade and over concrete, costs less ($8-$15 per sq ft), easier DIY installation, suitable for more locations, real wood top layer provides authentic look. CONS - Limited refinishing (1-3 times depending on wear layer), shorter lifespan (20-40 years), perceived as "lesser" by some buyers, thinner wear layer in budget versions. BEST FOR - Basements, over radiant heat, areas with humidity fluctuations, budget-conscious buyers, modern or contemporary homes. SPECIFIC SCENARIOS: BASEMENT/BELOW GRADE - Engineered only option (solid hardwood fails in high humidity). OVER CONCRETE SLAB - Engineered works, solid requires floor raising with sleeper system ($3-$5 per sq ft extra). OVER RADIANT HEAT - Engineered handles temperature changes, solid may crack. RENTAL PROPERTY - Engineered (lower cost, adequate durability). FOREVER HOME - Solid hardwood (maximum longevity and refinish options). FLIP/SHORT-TERM - Engineered (lower cost, good enough for resale appeal). RECOMMENDATION: Main floor of permanent home above grade with normal conditions: Solid hardwood best long-term value. Everywhere else: Engineered hardwood more practical and cost-effective.

Question 4

Is luxury vinyl plank (LVP) as good as real hardwood?

Accepted Answer

LVP and hardwood serve different needs with distinct tradeoffs. LVP ADVANTAGES: WATERPROOF - Can handle bathrooms, kitchens, basements, laundry rooms where hardwood fails. Spills don't damage it. DURABILITY - Scratch and dent resistant, better for pets and kids. Won't show wear patterns like hardwood. MAINTENANCE - Zero maintenance beyond sweeping/mopping. No refinishing, sealing, or special care. COST - $6-$12 per sq ft versus $12-$20 for hardwood. Save $6,000-$8,000 on 1,000 sq ft. DIY FRIENDLY - Click-lock installation manageable for DIYers, saving $3-$5 per sq ft. STABILITY - Never expands, contracts, cups, or gaps regardless of humidity. HARDWOOD ADVANTAGES: AUTHENTICITY - Real wood with natural variation. Can't replicate the feel of genuine hardwood underfoot. LONGEVITY - Solid hardwood lasts 50-100+ years and can be refinished. LVP lasts 15-25 years then requires replacement. RESALE VALUE - Hardwood adds more value and appeal to buyers. Premium buyers expect hardwood in main areas. REFINISHING - Can change color, fix damage, refresh appearance. LVP damaged sections must be replaced. ENVIRONMENTAL - Real wood renewable resource. LVP is plastic (vinyl) with environmental concerns. WHERE EACH WINS: KITCHENS/BATHROOMS - LVP waterproof nature clear winner. Hardwood risks water damage ($2,000-$8,000 to repair/replace). BASEMENTS - LVP only practical option (humidity destroys hardwood). LIVING/DINING ROOMS - Hardwood for premium homes/resale value. LVP acceptable for budget-conscious or high-wear households. BEDROOMS - Either works. Hardwood more luxurious, LVP more practical with kids/pets. RESALE HOMES - Hardwood in main living areas maintains value. LVP in wet areas practical. FOREVER HOMES - Depends on priorities: authentic beauty (hardwood) or practical durability (LVP). VERDICT: Not "as good" but "different strengths." Use both - hardwood in main living areas, LVP in kitchens/baths/basements.

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How much does it cost to install new flooring?

How long does different flooring last?

Should I choose engineered or solid hardwood?

Is luxury vinyl plank (LVP) as good as real hardwood?