Best flooring contractors near Lake Placid, FL

Whether you install flooring before or after kitchen cabinets depends primarily on the type of flooring you are using. For materials like hardwood, tile, and sheet flooring, the best practice is to install the flooring first. This ensures the cabinets are installed at the correct height and on a stable surface. However, you should not install cabinets on top of floating floors, such as laminate or luxury vinyl plank (LVP). These types of flooring need room to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. Placing heavy cabinets on top can restrict this movement, potentially causing the floor to buckle and making the cabinets unstable. For floating floors, install the cabinets first and then lay the flooring up to them. Other reasons to consider installing cabinets before the flooring include saving money on materials (since you won't need flooring under the cabinets) and avoiding potential damage to your new floor during cabinet installation. Additionally, installing cabinets directly on the subfloor might prevent voiding your flooring's warranty.

It all depends on what you’re looking for in a floor. Cork flooring is certainly softer and more sound-absorbing than hardwood floors, and the two share very similar maintenance routines. That said, for some homeowners, the pristine appearance of hardwood floors may be more appealing, and they may be less prone to scratches and dents than cork flooring. Hardwood flooring also tends to be more expensive than cork flooring.

Few home upgrades add resale value above their installation cost, including terrazzo floors. However, they are still a good option if you like the look. While terrazzo may be expensive, it has a solid return on investment of around 55% to 70%. The durability and low maintenance requirements of terrazzo can be appealing selling points, as many buyers will appreciate flooring that can last 40 to 100 years.

Sealed tile, polished concrete, and rigid core vinyl resist pet accidents best. Their sealed, non-porous surfaces stop urine from soaking in, so a quick wipe handles messes.