Services
Flooring installation services
Organized into three categories. All work is performed in-house; where a project requires a trade outside our scope, we will refer you rather than take it on.
Material selection
Vinyl plank vs. engineered vs. laminate
All three perform well, and they perform differently. The correct specification depends on your substrate, household use and how long you intend to stay in the home.
| Luxury vinyl plank | Engineered hardwood | Laminate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface | Printed film + urethane wear layer over a rigid or flexible core | A real sawn or sliced hardwood veneer over a plywood or HDF core | Printed film over high-density fiberboard, sealed with melamine |
| Water | Waterproof core — the safest choice for baths, laundry and kitchens | Water-resistant at best; standing water will cause damage | Water-resistant to waterproof depending on the core; check the specific product |
| Refinishable | No. Replaced at end of service life | Usually once, sometimes twice, depending on wear-layer thickness | No |
| Underfoot | Softer, quieter and warmer underfoot, particularly with an attached pad | The feel of solid wood, because the wear layer is wood | Harder and louder unless the underlayment is correctly specified |
| Over a slab | Excellent. Handles the humidity and temperature swings of coastal slab-on-grade | Suitable with the correct adhesive and a moisture barrier | Good as a floating floor over a proper vapor barrier |
| Dogs & kids | The most durable of the three in these conditions | Will show claw marks over time as the surface develops a patina | Scratch-resistant surface, though edges can chip under impact |
| Resale | Neutral to positive in most South Orange County homes | The strongest of the three in higher-end homes | Neutral |
General material characteristics, not a manufacturer warranty. Specifications vary by product; we will review the actual data sheet for whatever you are considering.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Undecided on material?
Describe the rooms and how they are used, and we will narrow the specification before you spend a weekend in a showroom.