Hello from the Felix family and the whole team at Felix Flooring & Co.! Choosing new flooring is an exciting step in enhancing your home. But we know that once you've picked the perfect style, the questions about installation can start to pile up. That's perfectly normal! As a family-owned business deeply committed to our community, we've heard it all, and we're here to provide clear, professional answers to your most common flooring installation questions.
Let's dive in!
1. How long will my flooring installation take?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions, and the answer truly depends on several factors:
- Type of Flooring: Different materials have different installation times. For instance, floating installations like luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or laminate can often be installed faster than intricate patterns or traditional nail-down hardwood.
- Size of the Area: Naturally, a larger room or multiple rooms will take more time than a small bathroom.
- Room Complexity: Areas with many angles, irregular shapes, fireplaces, or existing built-ins will require more precise cuts and adjustments, extending the timeline.
- Material availability: The availability of the material to be installed Generally speaking, if material is in stock we will see it within 3 to 5 business days.
- Preparation Needed: This leads us to our next point...
A professional team can often install 400 to 500 square feet of a floating install per day after preparation. Hardwood and tile can take longer due to acclimation, adhesives, and grout drying times. We'll always provide a clear timeline estimate during your consultation.
2. What preparation do I need to do before installation day?
Proper preparation ensures a smooth and efficient installation!
- Clear the Room: Remove all furniture, décor, wall hangings, and breakable items from the area where the flooring will be If you need assistance with heavy furniture, discuss this with us during your initial quote.
- Remove Old Flooring (Optional): While our installers can typically handle old flooring removal, doing it yourself (if safe and practical) can save on labor costs.
- Removal and Replacing of Appliances: We will work with you to discuss the best option for installation regarding appliances.
- Acclimation: For many flooring types, especially hardwood and laminate, the materials need to acclimate to your home's temperature and humidity for a few days (often 48-72 hours for laminate, 5-7 days for hardwood) before installation. This prevents expansion or contraction issues post-installation. We will advise you on the specific requirements for your chosen flooring.
- Pet and Child Safety: Plan for a safe space for pets and children away from the work area, as installations can be noisy and involve tools and debris.
3. Do I need a new subfloor? And how flat does it need to be?
The subfloor is the foundation of your new floor, and its condition is paramount for a successful, long-lasting installation.
- Subfloor Inspection: Our installers will always inspect your existing subfloor once the old flooring is They'll check for any damage, moisture issues, or unevenness.
- Flatness Requirements: Most flooring manufacturers specify strict flatness tolerances. Generally, the subfloor should not have variations greater than 3/16 inch over a 10-foot span or 1/8 inch over a 6-foot Significant high spots may need to be sanded down, and low spots filled with a leveling compound to not void your warranty.
- Moisture Testing: For concrete subfloors, moisture testing is often critical to prevent future issues like warping or adhesive A vapor barrier may also be necessary, especially for installations below grade or in areas prone to humidity.
- Repairs and Replacement: If the subfloor is severely damaged, unstable, or has significant moisture issues, repairs or even full replacement may be necessary before new flooring can be This vital step ensures the longevity and performance of your new floor.
4. Can new flooring be installed over existing flooring?
Sometimes, yes, but it depends!
- Laminate and Luxury Vinyl: These can often be installed as "floating" floors directly over existing hard surface flooring (like tile, linoleum, or even old hardwood) as long as the existing floor is flat, stable, and in good Carpet, however, must always be removed.
- Hardwood and Tile: Generally, solid hardwood and tile require direct adhesion to the subfloor for stability and performance. Installing over existing flooring is usually not recommended or possible.
- Manufacturer Guidelines: Always follow the manufacturer's specific recommendations for your chosen product. Our team will assess your current situation and advise on the best approach.
5. What factors affect the total cost of installation?
Installation costs are determined by several variables:
- Flooring Material: Different materials have varying labor complexities (e.g., tile installation generally takes more time and specialized skill than laminate).
- Square Footage: The larger the area, the higher the overall labor cost.
- Subfloor Preparation: Extensive repairs, leveling, or moisture mitigation will add to the cost.
- Old Flooring Removal: If we remove and dispose of your old flooring, this is an additional service.
- Furniture Moving: While we ask you to clear the room, if our team needs to move heavy furniture or appliances, there may be an additional charge.
- Stairs and Complex Areas: Staircases, landings, and areas with many intricate cuts (like around cabinets or irregular walls) require more time and precision, impacting labor costs.
- Baseboards and Trim: Installation or reinstallation of baseboards and transition pieces also contributes to the total.
We provide detailed, transparent, itemized quotes that outline all costs involved, so you know exactly what to expect.
6. Should I DIY or hire a professional installer?
While DIY projects can be rewarding, flooring installation is one area where professional expertise truly shines. It is absolutely possible to install flooring yourself. We just want to be fully transparent about the necessities of flooring installation and want our clients to make the best informed decision for the project.
- DIY Pros: Cost savings on labor, sense of accomplishment, flexible schedule.
- DIY Cons: Requires specialized tools (rent or purchase), time-consuming, steep learning curve, potential for costly mistakes (voiding warranties, aesthetic issues, performance problems), and physical demands.
- Professional Pros: Expertise (proper subfloor prep, precise cuts, seamless transitions), efficiency (faster completion), warranty protection (many manufacturers require professional installation for valid warranties), and peace of mind (licensed, bonded, and insured installers protect your home and investment).
- Professional Cons: More expensive, availability constraints.
For significant projects or complex flooring types, the long-term benefits and protection offered by professional installation almost always outweigh the initial labor cost savings of DIY.
Our commitment is to ensure your new floors are not just beautiful, but also installed perfectly for lasting enjoyment and performance. We're here to answer all your questions, guide you through every step of the process, and deliver the exceptional quality our family business is known for.
