Best flooring contractors near Newton, IA

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.

Dry rot or severe water damage may warrant a replacement, but you don’t always need to replace damaged subflooring. If your subfloor has warped because it was installed incorrectly, you can sometimes shim the panels (in other words, add a thin, wedge-shaped piece of wood to level the surface). If your subfloor bows upward, you may be able to sand it down at the joist so it’s level, depending on the extent of the damage.

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.

DIY installation is challenging; professionals ensure proper fitting, adhesive application, and long-term durability.