Flooring
Laying a floor covering is a critical and intricate process. The aesthetic appearance of a room,
warehouse, or office depends on it, as does the ease of movement within the space.
Therefore, it is essential that floor coverings are installed by professionals using only highquality tools and materials. Our team of proven specialists offers comprehensive services for
the laying, installation, and removal of floor coverings. With their expertise, you can be
confident your floor will be durable and of the highest quality.
Install the Flooring of Your Choice
Hardwood
Engineered hardwood
Engineered hardwood flooring offers a unique blend of durability and style that few other materials can match. For homeowners who love the look of traditional hardwood but need a more practical option, engineered hardwood may be the ideal flooring choice, especially in high-traffic areas or for homes with pets.
Engineered hardwood is designed for installation over concrete and helps mitigate potential moisture issues. Its cross-layer construction prevents the floor from expanding as much as solid hardwood when exposed to moisture. This allows engineered hardwood to be installed anywhere in the home, including basements. Engineered floors are also more environmentally friendly and less expensive than solid hardwood, as the veneer is only a few millimeters thick rather than the full 3/4-inch or 5/16-inch thickness. Unlike laminate, which has a printed paper veneer, engineered hardwood features a real hardwood surface that can often be sanded and refinished. Be sure to check the manufacturer's warranty for specifics on refinishing.
Solid hardwood flooring
In comparison, solid hardwood flooring is an elegant option that can breathe new life into any interior, but may not be the best choice for homes with dogs or high foot traffic. Solid hardwood is ideal for above-ground level installations, as it expands more when exposed to moisture than engineered floors. As a result, solid hardwood can only be installed over a plywood subfloor. For homes with a crawlspace, it's recommended to use a moisture barrier underneath the solid hardwood to help control moisture coming up from the ground.
Solid hardwood floors come in a variety of thicknesses, typically 3/4-inch or 5/16-inch, and plank widths ranging from 2-1/4 inches to nearly 7 inches. These floors are available unfinished or prefinished, in a wide range of colors from brown to gray to off-white. Homeowners can also consider unique hardwood floor patterns like herringbone, chevron, basketweave, or diagonal to add visual interest.
Waterproof hardwood
Bamboo flooring
Finally, bamboo flooring is a durable and sustainable alternative to traditional hardwood. Available in both solid and engineered versions, bamboo is three times denser than hardwood, making it highly scratch-resistant and pet-friendly. Solid bamboo can be installed over plywood or concrete, while engineered bamboo works over a variety of subfloor types,
including tile, vinyl, and concrete.
Benefits:
• Offers a stylish, classic look that can improve your home's resale value
• Provides some protection against scratches and water damage
• Hardwood floors can last for many years with the right care and home environment
• Waterproof hardwood options offer increased moisture protection
Considerations:
• Can be more expensive than other flooring materials
• May not offer sufficient protection against spills and accidents
• Relatively susceptible to scratches and wear
• May not perform well in consistently wet environments
• Can be prone to staining and discoloration over time
• Darker colors can more easily show dander and pet hair
Verdict:
• A preferred choice if you love the look of natural hardwood
• For maximum scratch resistance, opt for the hardest hardwood species
• A rustic hardwood finish can help camouflage minor scratches
• Hardwood is a timeless option for high-end interiors
• Hardwood will require regular maintenance and cleaning
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring stands up against scratches and stains, making it great for active pets. It’s also easy to maintain for most homeowners, putting it near the top when it comes to the best flooring for dogs.
Benefits:
• Cost-effective for big and small spaces
• Scratch resistant laminate is tough and durable
• Resists stains and markings from messes
• Easy to clean with minimal effort
• Heated laminate can be comfortable in colder climates
Considerations:
• Water resistant laminate is required for most pet-friendly spaces
• Can be loud without more costly noise resistant laminate
• Slippery surface can be problematic for aging pets
Verdict:
• An excellent choice for homeowners who value durable, easy-to-clean flooring
• Slickness could be bad for aging dogs
• Water can cause long-term damage if you’re not diligent
Tile
Porcelain, ceramic, and stone tiles have long been popular flooring choices for pet owners. These durable, timeless materials offer numerous benefits:
Benefits:
• Highly durable and long-lasting
• Waterproof or water-resistant, and scratch-resistant
• Provides a classic, elegant style
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Cool surface can feel soothing on pets' paws
Considerations:
• Porcelain is a better choice than ceramic for dog owners, as it is more durable and less permeable
• Thin grout lines can make floors slippery
• Hard surface may be tough on aging pets
• Can be expensive, though more affordable options exist
Verdict:
Overall, tile flooring is an excellent option, especially in warm climates. The cool surface and easy cleanup make it well-suited for pet owners. While the hard surface has some drawbacks, these can be addressed with rugs and pet beds to create a comfortable environment. The timeless style and durability of tile also add value to the home.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for homeowners with pets, offering a durable and costeffective solution. Homeowners can choose from a variety of options, including commercialgrade vinyl and antimicrobial vinyl, to find the best coverage for their family and pets. Vinyl's many advantages make it well-suited for homes with dogs.
Benefits:
• It is economically efficient and water-resistant, making it easy to clean.
• Scratch- and stain-resistant vinyl can withstand active, larger pets.
• The comfortable, slip-resistant surface is ideal for older pets.
• Vinyl plank designs can mimic natural materials like stone and wood, providing stylish options.
• Vinyl works well with radiant heating systems and stays cool and comfortable for dogs.
Considerations:
• However, thinner vinyl may be prone to fading, and it is generally considered less environmentally friendly than some other flooring options.
Verdict:
Overall, vinyl flooring provides a budget-friendly, durable, and easy-to-maintain solution for pet owners. Homeowners should also note that a more stylish vinyl choice could increase a home's resale value.
Will Easy Handy Guys move my furniture before installation?
As part of our carpet installation service, we will move major household furniture items like side tables, coffee tables, bedside tables, and disassembled bed frames at no additional cost. However, we charge an extra fee to transport complex or oversized furniture.
Please note that we do not move certain items, including pianos, aquariums, waterbeds, antiques, pool tables, holiday decorations, freestanding gas heaters, large exercise machines, safes, and electronic equipment such as computers, music centers, home theaters, televisions, medical equipment, and alarm systems.
Will I need underlayment for my new floor?
Underlayment offers important benefits - it protects your new floor from moisture and reduces noise when walking. We can help you select the appropriate underlayment for your project. However, it's important to note that underlayment is not always necessary. Some flooring manufacturers pre-apply underlayment during production, negating the need for a separate underlayment installation.
Will I need trim for my new floor?
Trim and molding are important for a hardwood floor. Trim covers expansion gaps around the perimeter of the room. Transitions help a wood floor flow from room to room or transition into another floor surface.
What does flooring installation include?
Our flooring services include:
• Estimate the measurements to calculate the required amount of materials
• Site inspection prior to commencement of work to check current floor covering and identify any existing damage to baseboards and/or walls
• Basic floor preparation up to 1/4 inch, including minor scraping and sweeping to create a clean, smooth work surface
• Installation of foam padding, if any
• Installation of new vinyl flooring
• Quarter or shoe molding installation (base molding installation available for an additional fee)
• Cleaning the workplace