Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
General Flooring FAQs
What types of flooring do you offer?
We offer a wide selection of hard surface and soft surface flooring—including hardwood, engineered wood, laminate, luxury vinyl (plank, tile, and sheet), ceramic and porcelain tile, carpet, and eco-friendly options like cork. Each category features various styles, finishes, and performance features such as scratch resistance, waterproofing, and stain protection.
How do I choose the best flooring for my home?
The best flooring depends on your lifestyle, budget, and the room's function. For high-traffic areas, consider durable options like tile. For a warm, classic look, hardwood is ideal. Our team can help you assess your needs and recommend the perfect solution.
Can I install new flooring over my existing floor?
In some cases, yes. For example, vinyl and laminate can often be installed over existing flooring if it is level and in good condition. However, for the best results and warranty coverage, we usually recommend removing old flooring first.
What’s the difference between solid hardwood and engineered wood?
Solid hardwood is made from a single piece of wood, offering long-term durability and the ability to be sanded and refinished multiple times. Engineered wood consists of a hardwood veneer on top of layered plywood, making it more stable in areas with moisture or temperature fluctuations—such as basements.
What is the most durable type of flooring?
Tile are among the most durable options. Tile resists scratches, stains, and moisture, while luxury vinyl provides comfort with added scratch and dent resistance. Laminate is also a strong contender for high-traffic homes when using a high AC-rated product.
Can I mix flooring types in different rooms?
Yes. It’s common to use tile or vinyl in wet areas like bathrooms, and hardwood or carpet in living areas. Choosing complementary colors and consistent transitions between flooring types helps maintain a cohesive look.
What is floor acclimation and do I need to do it?
Yes, most flooring—especially wood, laminate, and vinyl—needs to acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity before installation. This prevents expansion or contraction after installation. Acclimation usually takes 48–72 hours.
Do you carry eco-friendly flooring options?
Absolutely. We offer sustainable materials like cork, carpet tile, and carpets made from recycled plastic bottles. These choices support green building goals and are ideal for environmentally conscious homeowners.
Installation FAQs
How long does the installation process take?
Installation times vary by flooring type and room size. Most standard rooms can be completed in 1–2 days, while larger or more complex projects may take longer. Our team will give you a timeline estimate during your consultation.
Do I need to move my furniture before installation?
Yes, furniture should be removed from the installation area. We offer optional furniture-moving services if needed. All electronics and fragile items should be handled by the homeowner.
Do you provide removal and disposal of old flooring?
Absolutely. We offer complete removal and eco-friendly disposal of your old flooring as part of our installation package.
What happens if the subfloor is damaged or uneven?
Installers will assess your subfloor before and during the project. If they find issues (e.g., rot, excessive moisture, or leveling problems), they’ll recommend repairs before installation continues. Some issues may require additional time or cost.
How is flooring installed on stairs?
Stairs require specialized techniques. Most stair installations involve custom cutting and secure fastening of treads and risers using glue or nails. Matching stair noses or nosings are used to finish the edges for safety and aesthetics.
Can you install flooring around built-ins like cabinets or islands?
Yes, installers will cut flooring to fit around permanent fixtures. Floating floors should not be installed under heavy cabinetry to allow proper expansion and movement.
Do you install baseboards or quarter-round molding?
In most cases, yes. Depending on the details of your project, existing baseboards can often be carefully removed and reinstalled after the new flooring is in place. Alternatively, new quarter-round or shoe molding may be added to cover any expansion gaps left along the walls. It's always a good idea to ask your installer whether finishing trim is included in your project estimate.
How long should I wait before placing furniture on new floors?
The amount of time you should wait depends on the type of flooring and the installation method used. For glue-down vinyl or wood, it's recommended to wait 24 to 48 hours before placing furniture. Carpeted areas are typically usable the same day, although it's best to wait until any adhesives have fully cured. Your installer will give you specific instructions based on your flooring and installation conditions.
What if I notice squeaks, gaps, or loose boards after installation?
Contact your flooring provider immediately. Minor adjustments may be needed, especially as the floor settles. Most installation warranties cover workmanship for a specified period (e.g., 1 year).
Care & Maintenance FAQs
How do I clean and maintain my new floor?
Each flooring type has specific care instructions. Generally, regular sweeping or vacuuming and light mopping will keep floors clean. Avoid harsh chemicals or excessive moisture on wood and laminate floors.
For detailed care tips by flooring type, check out our Care & Maintenance Guides to keep your floors looking their best and to maintain warranty coverage.
Are your floors pet-friendly?
Yes! We offer many flooring products designed to withstand scratches, spills, and wear from pets, such as luxury vinyl and tile. Ask about our pet-resistant options.
Can I use a steam mop on my floors?
That depends on the type of flooring. Steam mops are generally not recommended for hardwood, laminate, or vinyl. The heat and moisture can cause warping, swelling, or finish damage. For best results, use a microfiber mop dampened with an appropriate floor cleaner approved by the manufacturer.
What kind of cleaner should I use?
You should always use a cleaner that's specifically formulated for your type of flooring. Ammonia, vinegar, and bleach-based products can be too harsh and may damage the surface. Avoid abrasive powders, oil-based soaps, or waxes, as they can leave residue and dull the floor’s appearance. If you're unsure, refer to the care instructions provided with your flooring or ask your retailer for guidance.
How do I prevent scratches on my floors?
To minimize the risk of scratches, avoid dragging heavy furniture across the floor. Instead, lift and reposition it carefully. You can also place soft felt pads under furniture legs and use protective mats in high-traffic areas or entryways. Keeping your floors free from dirt, sand, and debris will help too, as small particles can act like sandpaper. If you have pets, trimming their nails regularly can also make a big difference.
How often should I clean my floors?
Most floors benefit from a daily or regular sweep or vacuum to remove dust and debris. A weekly light mopping with a mild floor cleaner can help keep them looking their best. For carpets or hardwoods, a seasonal deep clean or professional service is a great way to refresh them and maintain longevity.
What’s the best way to clean up spills or pet accidents?
It’s best to clean spills immediately to avoid stains or moisture damage. For hard surface floors like vinyl, laminate, or wood, wipe the area dry after cleaning to prevent water from soaking in. On carpet, blot the spill instead of rubbing it, and use a suitable spot remover if needed. Pet accidents should be cleaned promptly with an enzyme-based cleaner to neutralize odor and protect the floor.
Will direct sunlight damage my floors?
Yes, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade or discolor certain flooring materials, especially hardwood, vinyl, and some carpet fibers. To prevent this, consider using curtains or blinds to reduce UV exposure. You might also rearrange furniture or rugs periodically to help your floors age evenly. UV-resistant finishes are available and offer an added layer of protection.
How do I maintain grout in tile flooring?
Keeping grout clean involves using a pH-neutral tile and grout cleaner on a regular basis. Sealing the grout every one to two years is recommended to keep it resistant to moisture and stains. Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals, as they can break down grout over time.
How can I protect floors from seasonal changes?
Wood and laminate floors are affected by humidity and can expand or contract with seasonal shifts. To keep your floors stable, try to maintain a consistent indoor environment. A humidifier can be helpful during dry winter months, while a dehumidifier can prevent swelling in summer. Ideally, indoor humidity should remain between 35 and 55 percent.
Can I refinish my floors if they start to look worn?
If you have solid hardwood flooring, yes—refinishing is a great way to restore its appearance, and it can typically be done multiple times. Engineered wood may be refinished once or twice, depending on the thickness of the top layer. Laminate and vinyl, on the other hand, cannot be refinished, but individual planks or tiles can usually be replaced if damaged.
Do area rugs damage floors?
Area rugs are safe when used correctly. Choose rugs with non-staining, breathable backings and avoid those with rubber or latex that can trap moisture or discolor the floor over time. It's also important to occasionally lift the rug to clean underneath and rotate it if placed in sunny areas to prevent uneven fading.
Cost & Warranty FAQs
How much does new flooring cost?
Costs vary depending on the type of flooring, square footage, and installation requirements. We provide free estimates to help you understand your options and stay within your budget.
Do you offer warranties on flooring and installation?
Yes, most of our flooring products come with manufacturer warranties ranging from 10 years to lifetime coverage. Our installations also include a workmanship warranty for added peace of mind.
Do you offer free in-home estimates?
Yes, we offer free in-home estimates or showroom consultations. A trained flooring consultant will measure your space, evaluate any installation needs, and provide a detailed quote with no obligation to purchase.
What factors affect the cost of new flooring?
Several factors impact the total cost of your flooring project, including the type of material selected, the square footage of the area, the condition of the existing floor or subfloor, the complexity of the installation (stairs, transitions, custom cuts), and whether any accessories or finishes like trim or underlayment are needed. Installation and removal of old flooring may also affect the final price.
Do you offer financing options?
Yes, we offer financing plans, including interest-free or deferred-payment options through third-party providers. These programs can make it easier to spread payments over time. Financing is usually subject to credit approval and terms.
Is installation included in the price?
In some cases, yes. Some quotes are “all-in” and include materials, underlayment, installation, and cleanup. Others may break out installation as a separate line item. Be sure to review your estimate carefully and ask your flooring provider for a detailed breakdown to avoid surprises.
What kind of warranty comes with the flooring product?
Most flooring products come with manufacturer warranties that range from 10 years to lifetime coverage, depending on the material and brand. These warranties typically cover wear, fading, and manufacturing defects when the floor is properly installed and maintained.
Is installation covered by a warranty?
Yes. We provide a workmanship warranty, commonly for one year, which covers issues like lifting, gapping, or uneven seams caused by improper installation. Always clarify what your installation warranty includes and how to initiate a service call if needed. For more information, please click here.
What voids a flooring warranty?
Warranties can be voided by improper installation, failure to follow care and maintenance guidelines, water damage, or using non-approved cleaning products. For example, steam cleaning laminate or letting standing water sit on wood floors may invalidate coverage. Always read the warranty documentation and ask questions if anything is unclear.
What should I do if I need to file a warranty claim?
Start by contacting the store where you purchased your flooring. Have your original receipt, product details, and photos or documentation of the issue ready. The store will guide you through the next steps, which may include inspection, claim filing with the manufacturer, or service repair under your installation warranty.
Carpet FAQs
What makes carpet different, and how can United Floors help me choose the right one?
Carpet is more than just a textile floor covering that is comfortable to walk on. Carpet is made of different fibers by looping the fiber yarns through the backing material. Choosing the right material and color for carpet for your budget and your space can be a daunting and overwhelming task. Not all carpets perform the same. The technology and fiber material behind different types of carpet make a difference. United Floors has the experts in carpet you need to make an informed choice for your home.
What are the Different Types of Carpet Fiber?
Nylon Carpet Fiber
While there are many different types of carpet fibers used, the most versatile and resilient carpet fiber is nylon. Nylon is a homeowner’s most popular choice because of its durability, which makes it great for high-traffic areas. It also has good stain resistant treatment and is available in a wide variety of colors and shades. Because of its versatility, it is used in a variety of styles and carpet constructions.
It’s important to note that not all nylons are created equal. Buying nylon carpet does not guarantee great stain resistance and durability. This depends on the treatments used on the carpet. It’s also typically a little more costly than other carpet options.
SmartStrand Carpet Fiber
Smartstrand carpet from Mohawk is an exclusive fiber called Triexta. It offers a unique feature called NanoLoc, advanced nanotechnology that completely encapsulates the carpet fiber to create a superior spill and soil barrier that will never wash or wear off. Because of this technology, it has better stain resistance than nylon. It is softer than nylon and more durable than polyester. With the latest technology, it also offers a softer fiber with better colors and styles.
Mohawk’s All Pet Protection & Warranty covers all pets, all accidents, all of the time. Additionally, SmartStrand boasts a lifetime stain and soil warranty, as well as 25 years for abrasive wear, texture retention, and fade resistance.
Wool Carpet Fiber
Wool carpet is the only naturally authentic sustainable fiber. Known for its beauty, durability, warmth and comfort, wool is also fire resistant and biodegradable. It is a super strong and natural carpet material that will last notably longer than synthetic material, but it comes with a higher price tag.
Wool carpet is resistant to stains when properly treated. It naturally repels stains and hides soil stains, although treated nylon and SmartStrand carpet can resist liquid stains better.
Polyester Carpet Fiber
Polyester (PET or polyethylene terephthalate) carpet contains content made from recycled plastics such as water bottles. It is known for its luxurious look, feel and great selection of bright, bold colors and styles. This incredibly soft carpet features polyester fibers which make this type ideal for lower traffic areas like bedrooms. Polyester is less expensive than nylon or wool, making it popular for rentals and short-term needs. The material is inherently resistant to many stains, luxurious, resistant to abrasion and easy to clean.
Olefin Carpet Fiber
Olefin is a generic name for polypropylene, a synthetic fiber. It’s usually used for outdoor rugs or areas where moisture/mold are a possible issue. It is one of the most inexpensive carpet fibers. It’s not as durable as nylon and is typically better used in low-traffic areas to protect it against matting and wear.
What should I consider when choosing the right carpet for my home?
It’s important to be prepared with the right questions to ask to find the right solution for the right carpet in your space. By answering these questions, we can help you determine what grade and style of carpet would work best for your home.
-How is the room going to be used?
-Is there light or heavy room traffic in the room?
-Is the room the center of activity for family or entertaining?
-Is there direct access from outside?
Also, if you have samples or images of the fabric from your drapes and furniture, wallpaper or paint color, it’s helpful to bring those in to determine what color you may choose. This will help us provide a range of colors to match the existing or desired decor. Also, color can affect your mood. Warmer colors make you feel energized while cooler tones provide a sense of calm.
When choosing the perfect carpet for you, our experts can help you match the perfect carpet or flooring for you, your lifestyle and your budget.
