Best flooring contractors near Nokomis, IL

In most cases, you do not need to put padding or underlayment under carpet tiles. Unlike traditional carpet, which requires a separate pad, carpet tiles are designed to be installed directly onto a firm subfloor like plywood, concrete, or tile. Many carpet tiles come with a built-in underlay and attach with peel-and-stick adhesive, double-sided carpet tape, or glue. For a more comfortable, cushioned feel, especially in residential settings, you can opt for padded carpet tiles that have a thicker underlay attached. While it's generally not recommended to install a separate pad, a compact underlayment might be used in some situations, though this typically requires professional installation. An acoustic underlay may also be considered in commercial spaces or multi-level homes where noise reduction is a priority.

Yes, flooring should go under the fridge and your other large appliances. Installing it underneath creates a seamless appearance and makes it easier to move appliances for cleaning or replacement. It is also essential for protecting your subfloor. A kitchen contractor will help you find suitable flooring that is durable enough to handle the weight of your fridge without denting or cracking.

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.

Not all attic floors are created equal—size, layout, and square footage often vary. The amount of weight an attic floor can hold depends on several factors including the joist size and position, any structural supports or subfloors, and the original intent of the attic design. Without structural reinforcement, your floor might only be able to support about 10 pounds per square foot of floor load before collapsing.