Best flooring contractors near Delhi, IA

When considering cork flooring pros and cons, you may have toyed with the idea of getting other types of flooring, including hardwood. But how does it compare in price? Your new cork flooring can cost less than hardwood, depending on the wood type you choose. Cork costs about $5 to $19 per square foot, while hardwood costs $6 to $25 per square foot.

Although hardwood floors have a costly upfront expense, most homeowners find them to be worth the investment. They are incredibly durable and can last for decades with proper maintenance. Hardwood floors can also provide a high return on investment (ROI)—up to 118% on average—and add significant value and appeal to your home. Additionally, because they are easy to keep free of dust, pollen, and pet dander, they can sometimes help alleviate allergies for household members.

Each flooring material has its own maintenance requirements and cleaning techniques. For example, hardwood floors may require occasional refinishing and specialized cleaning products, while vinyl and laminate are easy to clean with regular sweeping and mopping. Concrete and natural stone, on the other hand, may need periodic sealing to maintain their appearance and durability. Follow manufacturer recommendations and utilize appropriate cleaning methods to preserve the integrity of your chosen flooring material.

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.