Frequently Asked Questions

We serve five Johnson County, Kansas cities: Prairie Village, Overland Park, Lenexa, Shawnee and Olathe — see the areas we serve. We keep the map deliberately small so every job is a short drive from our Prairie Village shop, which is what lets us hold start dates and come back quickly on warranty work.

Yes! We are fully licensed and insured for your protection. Our hardwood installation team includes NWFA (National Wood Flooring Association) certified installers, and our tile specialists are waterproofing certified. We carry comprehensive liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage.

Our team has over 35 years of combined experience in the flooring industry. We've completed thousands of installations across the Kansas City metro, from small bathroom renovations to large commercial projects. Our experience means we've seen it all and know how to handle any challenge.

Absolutely! We provide free, no-obligation estimates for all flooring projects. We'll visit your home, take accurate measurements, discuss your vision and preferences, and provide a detailed quote within 24 hours. There's never any pressure to commit. Call us at (913) 808-5383 to schedule.

Solid hardwood is 100% solid wood throughout (typically 3/4" thick). It can be refinished 5-7 times over its lifetime and offers timeless, authentic hardwood. Best for main levels and above-grade installations.

Engineered hardwood has a real hardwood veneer on top (2-6mm) with plywood layers underneath. It's more stable in humidity changes, can be installed below-grade (basements), and costs 10-30% less. Can be refinished 1-3 times depending on veneer thickness.

Most hardwood refinishing projects take 3-5 days depending on room size and finish choice. Here's the typical timeline:

Day 1: Sanding (3-4 passes with progressively finer grits)
Day 2: Staining (if desired) and first coat of finish
Day 3: Second coat of finish
Day 4: Final coat (water-based finishes dry faster)
Day 5: Cure time before moving furniture back

You can walk on floors after 24 hours, but wait 72 hours before replacing furniture.

Matte (10-25% gloss): Modern, natural look. Hides scratches well but shows dirt more. Popular in contemporary homes.

Satin (25-40% gloss): The most popular choice! Subtle sheen, hides imperfections, easy to maintain. Works with any décor style.

Semi-Gloss (40-60% gloss): High shine, more formal look. Shows scratches more but easiest to clean. Great for high-traffic areas.

We recommend satin for most Kansas City homes—it's the perfect balance of durability and aesthetics.

Based on Janka hardness ratings:

Hickory (1820): Hardest domestic wood, excellent for busy households
Hard Maple (1450): Very durable, light color, great for modern looks
Red Oak (1290): Classic choice, good durability, prominent grain
White Oak (1360): Slightly harder than red oak, smoother grain, water-resistant

For Kansas City homes with kids and pets, we often recommend white oak or hickory for maximum durability.

Water-Based:
✓ Low odor, minimal VOCs
✓ Dries quickly (2-3 hours between coats)
✓ Stays clear, won't amber over time
✓ Easy cleanup
✗ More expensive
✗ Shows grain less prominently

Oil-Based:
✓ Rich, warm amber tone that deepens over time
✓ Extremely durable
✓ More affordable
✓ Classic hardwood look
✗ Strong odor during application
✗ Slower drying (24 hours between coats)

We recommend water-based for bedrooms and occupied homes, oil-based for maximum durability and traditional aesthetics.

Yes! Quality luxury vinyl (LVP/LVT) is 100% waterproof throughout. Unlike laminate (which is only water-resistant), vinyl won't swell, warp, or get damaged from standing water. This makes it perfect for Kansas City basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

We install premium brands like Lifeproof, DuraLux, and Neptune that come with waterproof warranties. The key is professional installation with proper moisture barriers and sealed seams.

Luxury Vinyl (LVP/LVT):
✓ 100% waterproof
✓ Softer, quieter underfoot
✓ Better for basements and wet areas
✓ More flexible, less prone to damage
✓ Pet-friendly with scratch-resistant wear layer

Laminate:
✓ Only water-resistant (not waterproof)
✓ Harder surface, more wood-like feel
✓ Can swell if water seeps into seams
✓ Not recommended for bathrooms/basements

For Kansas City's humidity and basement applications, we strongly recommend vinyl over laminate.

Absolutely! Luxury vinyl is THE best flooring choice for Kansas City basements. It's 100% waterproof, handles humidity changes perfectly, and installs directly over concrete with proper moisture barriers.

We test concrete moisture levels before installation and use premium underlayment to prevent moisture transmission. Unlike carpet (which can mold) or hardwood (which warps), vinyl thrives in below-grade environments.

The wear layer protects against scratches and wear. Here's our guide:

12 mil: Light residential use (guest rooms, closets)
20 mil: Standard residential (bedrooms, offices) - Most common
28-30 mil: Heavy residential/light commercial (kitchens, living rooms, entryways)
40+ mil: Commercial grade (high-traffic, pets, kids)

For Kansas City families with pets or kids, we recommend at least 20 mil, ideally 28-30 mil for main living areas.

Ceramic Tile:
• More affordable ($2-8/sq ft)
• Easier to cut and install
• Great for walls and backsplashes
• Slightly more porous (not ideal for showers)
• Wide variety of colors and patterns

Porcelain Tile:
• Premium durability ($3-12/sq ft)
• Nearly zero water absorption (<0.5%)
• Perfect for showers, floors, and outdoor use
• More scratch and stain resistant
• Can withstand freeze/thaw cycles

For Kansas City bathrooms and high-traffic floors, porcelain is worth the investment.

Professional waterproofing is critical for leak-free showers. Our process:

1. Proper Substrate: Cement board or Schluter Kerdi-Board (never drywall)
2. Waterproof Membrane: RedGard liquid membrane or Schluter Kerdi system
3. Sealed Corners: Special corner treatments and pre-formed shelves
4. Pan Waterproofing: Hot-mopped or PVC pan liner
5. Proper Slope: 1/4" per foot slope to drain

We're waterproofing certified and back all shower installations with our leak-free guarantee. This isn't where you want to cut corners!

Straight, consistent grout lines are the hallmark of professional tile work. We use:

• Laser levels: For perfectly straight reference lines
• Tile leveling systems: Prevent lippage (uneven tile edges)
• Premium spacers: Ensure consistent grout width
• Dry layout: We plan the entire pattern before setting any tile
• Experienced installers: 35+ years combined experience

We take pride in precision. Your grout lines will be perfectly aligned, and tile edges will be flush and smooth.

Timeline varies by project type:

Kitchen Backsplash: 1-2 days (install + grout)
Bathroom Floor: 2-3 days (prep, install, grout)
Full Shower: 4-7 days (waterproofing, tile, grout, cure time)
Large Floor (200+ sq ft): 3-5 days (substrate prep, install, grout)

Complex patterns and mosaics add 1-2 days. We never rush—proper curing time between steps ensures a lifetime of durability.

Material Costs:
• Solid hardwood: $4-12/sq ft
• Engineered hardwood: $3-10/sq ft
• Exotic species: $8-18/sq ft

Installation: $3-8/sq ft (includes underlayment, labor, finish)

Refinishing: $3-5/sq ft for sand and refinish

Example: A 300 sq ft room with mid-grade oak and installation typically runs $2,100-$4,500 total. We provide detailed, transparent quotes with no hidden fees.

Material Costs:
• Builder grade: $1.50-3/sq ft
• Mid-range (Lifeproof, CoreLuxe): $2.50-4/sq ft
• Premium (COREtec, Mohawk): $4-6/sq ft

Installation: $2-4/sq ft (includes underlayment, vapor barrier)

Example: A 500 sq ft basement with quality LVP averages $2,250-$4,000 installed. Much more affordable than hardwood, with better waterproofing!

Material Costs:
• Ceramic: $2-8/sq ft
• Porcelain: $3-12/sq ft
• Designer/Specialty: $10-20+/sq ft

Labor Costs:
• Standard floor install: $5-8/sq ft
• Complex patterns/mosaics: $10-15/sq ft
• Shower with waterproofing: $12-18/sq ft
• Backsplash: $8-15/sq ft

Example: A 100 sq ft bathroom floor with mid-grade porcelain runs $800-$1,500 installed.

We accept multiple payment methods for your convenience:

• Cash
• Check
• Credit/Debit cards
• Venmo, Zelle, PayPal

Payment Schedule:
• 50% deposit upon contract signing
• 50% upon completion and your satisfaction

No payment is due until you're 100% satisfied with the work!

Yes! We handle all necessary furniture and appliance moving as part of our service:

Included:
• Standard furniture moving
• Appliance disconnect/reconnect (fridge, dishwasher)
• Toilet removal/reset
• Vanity removal (if needed)

We recommend you remove:
• Fragile items, breakables
• Personal valuables
• Wall decorations
• Electronics

We treat your home with respect and protect all items we move.

We use professional dustless sanding systems that capture 95-99% of dust at the source. Our process:

• HEPA filtration: Industrial vacuums with HEPA filters
• Plastic containment: We seal off work areas from the rest of your home
• Air scrubbers: Capture airborne particles
• Daily cleanup: We vacuum and clean at the end of each day
• Final detail cleaning: Complete cleanup before final walkthrough

You'll be amazed how clean we keep your home during refinishing!

Yes! Old flooring removal is included in most of our installations. We handle:

• Carpet removal and disposal
• Old tile removal (floor and wall)
• Vinyl/linoleum removal
• Laminate removal
• Subfloor repairs if needed

We haul away all debris and dispose of it properly. You won't have to worry about a thing—we leave your home clean and ready for beautiful new floors!

Vinyl & Tile: Absolutely! These installations are relatively quiet with minimal odor. We seal off work areas, so you can use the rest of your home normally.

Hardwood Refinishing: We recommend staying elsewhere for 2-3 days during sanding and finishing due to:
• Sanding noise
• Finish odors (especially oil-based)
• Limited room access

Water-based finishes have much less odor if you prefer to stay. We work with your schedule to minimize disruption.

Daily/Weekly:
• Sweep or vacuum (use soft brush attachment)
• Wipe spills immediately with dry cloth
• Use microfiber dust mop for routine cleaning

Monthly:
• Damp mop with hardwood-specific cleaner (Bona, Method)
• Never use excessive water, vinegar, or harsh chemicals

Annually:
• Apply hardwood floor polish/refresher to restore shine
• Consider professional recoating every 3-5 years

Protection:
• Use felt pads under furniture
• Area rugs in high-traffic zones
• Trim pet nails

Vinyl is incredibly low-maintenance:

Regular Cleaning:
• Sweep or vacuum regularly
• Damp mop with warm water or vinyl-safe cleaner
• For tough spots: vinyl-specific cleaner or mild dish soap

What to AVOID:
• Abrasive scrubbers
• Steam mops (can damage seams)
• Wax-based products
• Harsh chemicals

Protection:
• Use doormats to reduce grit
• Felt pads under heavy furniture
• Vinyl is waterproof, but standing water should still be wiped up promptly

Tile Cleaning:
• Daily: Sweep or vacuum
• Weekly: Mop with warm water and mild cleaner
• For soap scum (showers): spray cleaner designed for tile

Grout Maintenance:
• Clean grout lines with soft brush and grout cleaner
• Reseal grout annually in showers/wet areas
• Reseal every 2-3 years in dry areas

Stain Prevention:
• Wipe spills quickly (especially acidic foods)
• Properly ventilate bathrooms to prevent mold
• Use pH-neutral cleaners

We seal all grout during installation for maximum stain resistance!

Hardwood:
• Minor scratches: Touch-up markers or wax sticks
• Deep scratches: May require professional spot repair
• Extensive damage: Refinishing restores like new

Vinyl:
• Surface scratches: Vinyl floor polish can help
• Deep damage: Individual planks can be replaced
• Premium vinyl resists scratches well with proper care

Tile:
• Cracked tile: We can replace individual tiles
• Grout cracks: Simple repair with new grout
• Keep extra tiles from installation for future repairs

Call us for any repair needs—we stand behind our work!

Our Warranty Coverage:

1-Year Workmanship Warranty:
• We guarantee all labor and installation quality
• If you're not satisfied, we'll make it right—no questions asked
• Covers installation defects and craftsmanship issues

Manufacturer Warranties:
• Hardwood: Typically 25-50 years (finish warranty)
• Luxury Vinyl: Lifetime residential warranties on quality products
• Tile: Manufacturer defect warranties vary by brand

Waterproofing:
• Leak-free guarantee on all shower installations

We're a local company that stands behind our work. Your satisfaction is our reputation!

Getting started is easy!

📞 Call/Text: (913) 808-5383
📧 Email: Contact form on our website
💬 Online: Live chat during business hours

What to expect:
1. We'll schedule a convenient time to visit your home
2. Bring samples and discuss your vision
3. Take accurate measurements
4. Provide detailed quote within 24 hours
5. No pressure, no obligation

Most estimates take 30-45 minutes. We're flexible with evening and weekend appointments!

We're flexible to work with your preferences:

Option 1 - You Purchase Materials:
• We provide exact quantity calculations
• Recommend specific products and suppliers
• Guide you on quality and specifications
• You buy from Floor & Decor, Home Depot, Lowe's, etc.
• We install your purchased materials

Option 2 - We Source Materials:
• We can purchase materials on your behalf
• Access to contractor pricing
• All-inclusive pricing for convenience

Most Kansas City homeowners prefer Option 1 for cost savings and control over selection. We're here to guide you either way!

Yes, with the right choices! Here's how to make hardwood work with pets:

Best Wood Species:
• Hickory (hardest domestic wood)
• Hard Maple
• White Oak
• Brazilian Cherry (exotic, very hard)

Best Finishes:
• Aluminum oxide finish (most scratch-resistant)
• Satin sheen (hides scratches better than gloss)
• Multiple coats for extra protection

Maintenance Tips:
• Keep pet nails trimmed
• Use area rugs in high-traffic zones
• Wipe up accidents immediately

Alternatively, luxury vinyl offers excellent scratch resistance and is 100% waterproof—perfect for pets!

We work with all major brands, but recommend these for Kansas City homes:

Best Value:
• Lifeproof (Home Depot exclusive) - Great quality, affordable
• TrafficMaster (Home Depot) - Budget-friendly option

Mid-Range:
• COREtec - Excellent waterproofing, good warranty
• DuraLux (Floor & Decor) - Quality at competitive pricing
• Neptune (Floor & Decor) - Solid mid-tier choice

Premium:
• Mohawk SolidTech - Top-tier quality and warranty
• Shaw Floorte - Excellent for high-traffic areas

All recommended brands are 100% waterproof with good wear layer thickness. We'll help you choose based on your budget and needs!

Proper subfloor prep is critical for long-lasting floors. Our process:

Assessment:
• Check for level (max 3/16" over 10 feet)
• Test moisture levels (especially concrete)
• Inspect for damage, rot, or squeaks

Repairs/Prep:
• Level low spots with self-leveling compound
• Replace damaged plywood/OSB
• Screw down squeaky areas
• Clean and vacuum thoroughly
• Install vapor barriers if needed

For Concrete:
• Grind high spots
• Fill cracks and holes
• Moisture testing (critical for Kansas City basements)

We never skip this step—it's the foundation of a quality installation!