Flooring installation: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What flooring installation is

Flooring installation removes the old floor, prepares the subfloor and installs new flooring such as hardwood, laminate, vinyl, tile or carpet, then trims the transitions. People need it when the old floor is worn, damaged or stained, or when a room needs a different material for moisture, sound or style.

Signs you need it

  • Boards or tiles are cracked, lifting, or have gaps that catch dirt and water
  • The floor feels soft, bouncy or uneven when you walk across it, which can mean subfloor damage
  • Pet stains or water damage have soaked into the floor and will not clean out
  • The floor is cold or hard, and you want a warmer or quieter surface for the room
  • You are changing a room to a more water-resistant material, such as a kitchen, entry or bath

What the pro does

  • Remove the old flooring, underlayment, adhesive and trim, and check the subfloor for damage and flatness
  • Repair any soft or damaged subfloor, fasten loose areas and level the surface to the tolerance the new floor needs
  • Test for moisture on concrete or the subfloor, and install a vapor barrier where the product requires one
  • Lay the new floor with the layout planned so the pattern and the plank ends fall well across the room
  • Install the transitions, thresholds and reducers, and cut around vents, doors and the base of the walls
  • Reinstall or replace the baseboard and quarter round, then clean the floor and walk through the finished room with you

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Room size and the number of rooms, plus any stairs, closets and irregular shapes
  • The flooring material chosen, and whether it is a click product, a glue-down product or a nailed product
  • The condition of the subfloor, including repair, leveling and any moisture control needed
  • Removal of the old floor and the disposal of the material, which can add significant work
  • Trim, transitions and baseboard work, including whether the trim is replaced or reused
  • Pattern layout, diagonal installs and the extra cutting needed for angled or curved walls

What a written quote should spell out

  • Square footage by room, with the waste allowance and the number of boxes or rolls included
  • Floor product brand, line and finish, along with the underlayment type
  • Subfloor preparation steps named, including leveling compound and moisture barrier if used
  • Removal and disposal of the old floor, and whether the furniture moves are included
  • Transitions, thresholds and baseboard work listed, with the warranty stated

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What condition is the subfloor in, and what do you do if it is soft or water-damaged?
  • Did you test the concrete or subfloor for moisture before choosing the material?
  • What underlayment do you use, and is it right for the product I chose?
  • How do you handle transitions to other floors and the trim at doorways?
  • How much waste do you plan for, and what happens if we need more boxes later?
  • Can you show me a floor you installed with the same product in a room of similar size?

Red flags

  • The pro installs new flooring over a soft or damaged subfloor without repairing it
  • The pro skips the moisture test on a concrete slab or a basement floor
  • The quote has no line for removal, disposal or transitions
  • The pro says the floor needs no expansion gap at the walls

What you can do yourself

Removing baseboard, clearing furniture, and tearing out old carpet or a floating floor in a room with no damage are reasonable homeowner tasks. Subfloor repair, leveling, moisture work and any floor laid over a suspected asbestos-containing old tile or sheet should be checked and handled by a professional first.

Licenses and permits

Flooring installation commonly does not need a license, but subfloor and joist repair may need a permit or qualified carpentry. Check with your state or local licensing agency and your local building department about the rules for structural subfloor work.

Flooring installation questions

Can I install new flooring over the old floor?

Sometimes, if the old floor is flat, firmly attached and in good condition. Ask the pro to check for layers, height change at doors and the condition of the old floor before deciding.

Which flooring is best for a basement?

Moisture is the main issue, so the choice depends on the test results and the moisture control. Ask the pro which products are rated for the moisture level in your basement.

How long does flooring installation take?

A single room often takes a day or two, and a whole house takes longer with the removal and the subfloor work. Ask for the schedule by room and what happens if the subfloor needs repair.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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