Best flooring contractors near Newton, IA

When you install laminate flooring, you have to install spacers (also called expansion gaps) along the edges. This space along the edges gives the flooring the room it needs to naturally expand and contract. When you don't have an expansion gap, you can end up with damaged or warped planks. This can lead to uneven flooring, which is unsightly and can cause a trip hazard.

Porcelain and ceramic tile are two of the longest-lasting kitchen flooring materials. However, while these materials can withstand a good amount of daily wear and tear, they’re likely to crack if you drop something heavy on them, and they’re pricier than many other options. On average, installing a ceramic tile kitchen floor costs between $1,240 and $11,250. Other durable kitchen flooring options include natural stone and concrete.

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.

Costs depend on carpet type, labor rates, and additional services like padding or transitions.