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What to Know Before Buying Flooring: A Complete Local Buyer's Guide

Thinking about new flooring? You're making one of the biggest visual investments in your home. The average homeowner spends $3,000 to $10,000 on a flooring project.

Walk into any flooring store and you'll face hundreds of choices. Hardwood, vinyl, laminate, tile—how do you pick the right one for your home, lifestyle, and budget?

This guide covers everything you need to know before buying flooring. We'll help you compare types and set budgets. You'll learn the right questions to ask at your local showroom.

We'll walk through the main flooring types available today. You'll learn how to match options to your rooms and lifestyle. We'll share insider tips on getting quality materials without overspending. By the end, you'll feel ready to make a confident decision.

What should I know before buying new flooring?

Before buying new flooring, consider four key factors. First, think about room function—kitchens and bathrooms need water-resistant options. Second, consider household activity—pets and kids require durable, scratch-resistant surfaces. Third, plan your installation budget—materials range from $2 to $15 per square foot, plus labor. Fourth, understand maintenance commitment—some floors need regular sealing or special cleaning.

Hardwood adds resale value but scratches easily. Luxury vinyl offers durability at lower cost. Tile works well in moisture-prone areas.

Visit a local showroom to see samples in person. Our flooring specialists understand Spokane homes and can discuss your specific needs. We'll help you find options that work for your space and budget.

Main Types of Flooring for Your Home

You'll encounter six main flooring categories when you shop. Each type has different strengths, price points, and ideal uses.

Hardwood flooring comes in two forms: solid and engineered. Solid hardwood is real wood throughout. Engineered hardwood has a real wood top layer over plywood. Both add classic beauty and home value. They require regular maintenance and can scratch from pet claws or dropped items. According to the National Wood Flooring Association, proper installation and maintenance help hardwood floors last for generations.

Vinyl and LVP (luxury vinyl plank) have become popular choices. They resist water better than most options. The cost stays budget-friendly compared to hardwood. Today's vinyl looks realistic—you'll see convincing wood grain patterns. In our showroom, we've seen a significant shift toward LVP for kitchens over the past five years. Many Spokane homeowners appreciate its combination of durability and water resistance.

Laminate flooring gives you a wood look at an affordable price. A tough surface layer resists scratches well. Many homeowners install it themselves because it clicks together. It can't handle standing water like vinyl can. Our wood and laminate flooring options include a range of styles and durability levels.

Tile (ceramic and porcelain) works best for moisture. You'll find endless design options in colors, sizes, and patterns. Tile feels cold underfoot unless you add radiant heating. It lasts decades when installed correctly.

Carpet provides softness and warmth. It dampens sound between floors. Carpet isn't ideal if you have allergies or high-traffic areas. Stains can be tough to remove completely.

Flooring Quick Guide

  • Hardwood
    • Best rooms: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms
    • Durability: 3/5
    • Price range: $8–$15+ per sq ft
  • Vinyl / LVP
    • Best rooms: Kitchens, bathrooms, basements
    • Durability: 5/5
    • Price range: $2–$7 per sq ft
  • Laminate
    • Best rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, offices
    • Durability: 4/5
    • Price range: $2–$5 per sq ft
  • Tile
    • Best rooms: Kitchens, bathrooms, entryways
    • Durability: 5/5
    • Price range: $5–$15+ per sq ft
  • Carpet
    • Best rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, stairs
    • Durability: 2/5
    • Price range: $2–$8 per sq ft

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Try Our Flooring Visualizer Before You Buy

Our flooring visualizer takes the guesswork out. You can see your space transformed instantly.

Upload a photo of your room. Select a product from our collection. Watch the transformation happen right away. The realistic rendering shows you exactly how different floors will look in your actual space.

Step 1: Upload your photo. | Step 2: Select a product. | Step 3: Instantly see the transformation!

Use the visualizer to narrow down favorites online. Then request those specific samples to test in person. This combination gives you both digital convenience and hands-on confirmation.

Try Pro Floors and Blinds Flooring Visualizer today!

What to Consider When Choosing Flooring

Match your flooring choice to your specific situation. Different rooms, lifestyles, and home conditions require different solutions.

Room-by-room considerations matter most. Kitchens and bathrooms need water resistance—spills and humidity happen daily. Bedrooms prioritize comfort and warmth underfoot. Entryways need durability because they take the most traffic and dirt.

Lifestyle factors determine how long your floor will look good. Pets bring scratches from claws and accidents from puppies. Choose water-resistant, scratch-resistant options like LVP or tile. Kids mean spills, dropped toys, and constant activity. Stain-resistant surfaces save you stress. If elderly household members live with you, slip resistance becomes important for safety.

Climate and subfloor conditions affect which products will work. Spokane basements can have moisture issues—test before installing wood products. Concrete subfloors need different underlayment than wood subfloors. Our regional humidity levels stay moderate, but seasonal changes still matter.

Aesthetic goals shape your final look. Open floor plans work best with one flooring type throughout. This creates visual flow between spaces. You can also choose room-specific options that match your existing trim and cabinetry colors.

Resale value impact varies by choice. Hardwood in main living areas typically adds value to Spokane homes. Buyers expect quality flooring in kitchens and bathrooms. Quality matters more than following trends—a well-installed mid-grade floor beats a poorly installed premium floor.

Best Flooring For Common Situations

  • Best for pets: Luxury vinyl plank, tile, or sealed concrete
  • Best for basements: Luxury vinyl plank, engineered hardwood, or tile
  • Best for high traffic: Tile, luxury vinyl, or high-AC-rated laminate
  • Best for resale value: Hardwood in living areas, quality vinyl or tile in wet areas
  • Best for cold Spokane winters: Carpet in bedrooms, or any flooring with radiant heating
  • Best for allergy sufferers: Hardwood, tile, or luxury vinyl (avoid carpet)

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How Much Does Flooring Cost? (Budget Planning Guide)

Set realistic expectations before you shop. Total project costs include more than just the flooring you see in the showroom.

Material costs vary by type and quality. Budget options run $2 to $4 per square foot. Mid-range products cost $4 to $8 per square foot. Premium materials start at $8 and can exceed $15 per square foot. The quality difference shows in durability and appearance.

Installation labor typically adds $3 to $8 per square foot. Complex patterns cost more than straight layouts. Tile installation runs higher than vinyl plank. Stairs and detailed cuts increase labor time. Professional installation protects your investment—poor installation ruins even expensive materials.

Hidden costs catch many homeowners off guard. Subfloor repairs add up if your existing floor has damage. Underlayment provides cushion and sound dampening. Trim and transitions finish the edges between rooms and flooring types. Furniture moving takes time and care. Old flooring removal and disposal cost extra if you're not doing it yourself.

Room size affects your total investment. An average bedroom at 150 square feet costs less than whole-home projects. A 1,500 square foot main floor becomes a significant expense. Multiply your square footage by material and labor costs, then add 20% for the extras.

We always recommend adding 10% to 15% to your material budget. This covers waste during installation and future repairs. In 20 years of installations, we've seen too many homeowners unable to match discontinued products. Buying extra boxes now saves frustration later.

Sample Project Cost Breakdown (200 sq ft Kitchen)

  • Luxury vinyl plank materials (200 sq ft @ $5/sq ft) – $1,000
  • Professional installation (200 sq ft @ $5/sq ft) – $1,000
  • Underlayment – $150
  • Transitions and trim – $100
  • Old flooring removal – $200
  • Total Project Cost$2,450

How to Choose the Best Flooring for Your Home

Take practical steps to make a confident purchase. Smart preparation prevents expensive mistakes.

See samples in person before you decide. Photos don't capture texture, sheen, or how flooring looks in your lighting. Colors appear different under LED versus natural light. Touch samples to feel the surface. Check how they look next to your cabinets and furniture.

Ask about warranty and durability ratings. AC ratings for laminate range from AC1 to AC5—higher numbers mean better durability. Wear layer thickness matters for vinyl—thicker layers last longer. Janka hardness ratings tell you how wood resists dents. Get these numbers in writing before you buy.

Consider installation timeline and requirements. Some products need to acclimate in your home for 48 to 72 hours. This prevents warping after installation. Understand how long the installation takes. Plan where you'll stay if installers need to work in bedrooms or kitchens.

Request references and see completed installations. Reputable stores show you real-world examples. Ask to contact past customers. Drive by completed projects if possible. Quality work speaks louder than promises.

Get multiple quotes but compare apples to apples. The lowest price might mean lower quality materials. It could mean rushed installation or unlicensed workers. Compare the same product grades and installation services. Ask what each quote includes and excludes.

We encourage customers to take samples home for 24 hours. Seeing them in your actual lighting changes everything. Place them next to your furniture and wall colors. This simple step prevents buyer's remorse.

Showroom Visit Checklist

  1. Bring room measurements and photos of your space
  2. Note any subfloor concerns or moisture issues
  3. Ask for product warranties in writing
  4. Request installation timeline estimates
  5. Get AC ratings, wear layer specs, or Janka hardness numbers
  6. Ask about underlayment requirements
  7. Discuss acclimation time needed
  8. Request references from recent installations

Money-Saving Tips When Buying Flooring

Maximize your budget without sacrificing quality. Smart choices stretch your dollars further.

Choose mid-grade materials in high-visibility areas. Use budget options in closets and secondary spaces. Guests never see your closet floors. Save premium products for living rooms and kitchens where they make the biggest impact.

Consider DIY installation for floating floors. Laminate and some vinyl products click together without glue or nails. You need basic tools and patience. Watch manufacturer videos before you start. Skip DIY for tile or glue-down products—these need professional skills.

Buy extra boxes during your initial purchase. Matching dye lots later is difficult or impossible. Manufacturers discontinue styles regularly. Having extra boxes in storage prevents mismatched repairs. Store them in a dry location.

Ask about remnants, overstock, and discontinued styles. Local stores often discount these products. The quality stays the same. You might find premium materials at mid-grade prices. Check our showroom regularly for special inventory.

Time your purchase strategically. End-of-season sales offer good deals. Holiday promotions can save you 15% to 30%. New collections arrive in spring and fall—older styles get marked down. Call ahead to ask about upcoming sales.

Work with local stores that offer installation packages. Bundling materials and labor can often save 10% to 20%. We coordinate the entire project. You avoid scheduling headaches with multiple contractors. Our installers know our products and stand behind their work.

Red Flags: When to Walk Away from a Flooring Deal

⚠️ Pressure tactics to buy immediately without time to think
⚠️ No written warranty or vague warranty terms
⚠️ Unlicensed installers or no proof of insurance
⚠️ Prices too good to be true—often means low-grade materials
⚠️ Unwillingness to provide references from recent customers
⚠️ Cash-only payment demands with no paper trail

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Ready to Find Your Perfect Flooring?

Choosing the right flooring comes down to understanding your options. Match them to your lifestyle and room requirements. Set a realistic budget. Work with knowledgeable professionals who can guide you through the selection process.

You now know the main flooring types and their strengths. You understand how to match products to your specific needs. You can plan a realistic budget that includes all project costs. You have a framework for evaluating quality and asking the right questions.

Ready to transform your home with new flooring? Visit our Spokane showroom to see hundreds of samples in person. Touch and compare textures. Talk with flooring specialists who understand local homes and installation requirements.

We're located at 6018 E Broadway Ave Suite #1, Spokane, WA 99212. Personal consultations happen by appointment—call ahead for scheduling.

Ready to see samples in person? Visit our Spokane flooring store to browse options and get expert guidance or Call us at (509) 866-6776 for a free consultation and quote.