Alright, let's talk flooring. I've been doing this a long time here in Tahlequah, and I hear the same questions pop up again and again. It makes sense; putting in new tile or flooring is a big deal, and you want to get it right. So, I figured I'd lay out some honest answers to the stuff folks ask me most often. No fluff, just what you need to know.
What's the best flooring for a busy household with kids and pets?
This is probably the number one question I get, and for good reason. You need something tough. For busy homes, I usually steer people toward Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) or porcelain tile. LVP is a fantastic option; it's waterproof, incredibly durable, and can really take a beating from spills, scratches, and everyday chaos. It looks great too, mimicking wood or stone pretty convincingly. You can mop it, vacuum it, whatever. Porcelain tile is another champion. It's super hard, stain-resistant, and practically indestructible. The downside is it can be colder underfoot and harder if someone takes a tumble. Natural stone like travertine or marble? Beautiful, sure, but high-maintenance for a busy family. It'll scratch, stain, and chip a lot easier than porcelain. Hardwood is classic, but it'll show wear from pets and toys over time, even with good finishes. For a true workhorse, LVP or porcelain tile are your best bets.
How long does a typical tile or flooring installation take?
That's a tough one to give a single answer for, because it really depends on the size of the area, the type of material, and what kind of prep work is needed. A small bathroom floor might be a day or two for tile, including grout drying time. A whole house with LVP could be a week or more. Here's a general breakdown:
- Small Bathroom (floor only): 1-3 days (includes demo, prep, setting, grouting, and drying).
- Kitchen Floor (tile): 3-5 days, sometimes longer if it's a big kitchen or has a complex pattern.
- Whole House LVP (1500-2000 sq ft): 5-10 days, depending on how much furniture we're moving and if there's old flooring to rip out.
- Backsplash: Usually 1-2 days.
The biggest variables are always demolition, subfloor repair, and leveling. If we hit a snag there, like a rotten subfloor from an old leak, that adds time. We always try to give you a realistic timeline upfront, and we build in a little buffer for the unexpected.
Do I need to remove my old flooring before you install new?
Not always, but often it's the best way to go. For LVP, sometimes we can install right over existing vinyl or even some types of tile, as long as the old floor is perfectly flat, stable, and clean. Carpet and hardwood almost always need to come out. With tile, you almost always want to remove the old stuff. Trying to tile over old tile can create height issues with doors and appliances, and it adds a lot of unnecessary weight to your subfloor. Plus, you never know what issues are hiding underneath that old layer. Removing it lets us inspect the subfloor properly, make sure it's sound, and get a perfectly flat, clean surface for the new installation. It's extra work and cost upfront, but it prevents headaches down the road. Trust me on this one.
What's the deal with grout? Do I really need to seal it?
Yes, you absolutely need to seal most types of grout, especially here in Tahlequah where we get a lot of red dirt tracked in and plenty of humidity. Standard cementitious grout is porous, meaning it's like a sponge. It'll absorb water, dirt, grease, and anything else that spills on it, leading to stains and discoloration. Sealing it creates a barrier that repels those things, making your grout much easier to clean and keeping it looking good for longer. There are some newer grouts, like epoxy or urethane-based ones, that are stain-resistant and don't require sealing, but they're often more expensive and a bit trickier to work with. If you're going with traditional grout, plan on sealing it shortly after installation and then every 1-3 years, depending on traffic and how well you clean it. It's a small investment that makes a huge difference in the longevity and appearance of your tile.
How much does new flooring or tile cost per square foot?
This is another one where there's no single answer, because the range is huge. You've got your basic materials, then the labor for installation, and then any prep work. Here's a rough idea, but remember these are just estimates and can vary wildly based on the specific product, complexity, and current material costs:
- Basic LVP: $4 - $8 per square foot installed.
- Mid-Range Porcelain Tile: $8 - $15 per square foot installed (this includes the tile, mortar, grout, and labor).
- Higher-End Natural Stone or Intricate Tile Patterns: $15 - $30+ per square foot installed.
- Hardwood: $10 - $25+ per square foot installed, depending on the wood species and finish.
These prices usually include basic demolition and disposal, but significant subfloor repairs or leveling can add to the cost. Don't just look at the material price; the installation labor is a big part of the total. A cheap tile installed poorly will look worse and fail faster than a mid-range tile installed by pros like us at All Star Bathrooms & Kitchens.
Can I install tile or flooring myself to save money?
You can, sure. But should you? That's a different question. For something like a simple floating LVP floor in a perfectly square room, a handy DIYer might manage. But when you get into tile, especially in a bathroom or kitchen, it gets complicated fast. You're dealing with precise cuts, level surfaces, proper mortar coverage, grout lines, and waterproofing. If you mess up the subfloor prep, you'll get cracked tiles. If your mortar isn't right, you'll get hollow spots. If you don't waterproof correctly in a shower, you're looking at leaks and mold down the line. I've seen plenty of DIY jobs that end up costing more to fix than if the homeowner had just hired a professional in the first place. If you're confident in your skills, go for it, but for most folks, especially with tile, it's worth bringing in someone who does it every day. We've got the tools, the experience, and we know how to handle the quirks you find in older Tahlequah homes, like those uneven foundations.
Hopefully, that clears up some of your questions. If you've got more, just give us a call or stop by. We're always happy to talk through your project.