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Know Your Floor - How to Select My Floor

Floor Shopping Checklist

Make sure your store visit goes smoothly by going through our simple checklist below
Before you go:
Consider drawing a simple outline of the room indicating:
  • Room exits – Are their exits to the outside? Are there sliding patio doors?
  • Adjoining room floors – What types of flooring will flow into this room? What are the colors?
  • Sunlight and other lighting – How much natural sunlight comes in during the day, from what directions?
  • What other light sources are in the room?
  • Subfloor – What is underneath the existing floor? (Sometimes you can pull up an in-floor heating duct to see.)
  • Measurement – Measure the length and width of the room in inches or feet. Don’t forget to include closets or other areas that will need Flooring. This will help you explain your new flooring needs to the salesperson.
  • Bring with you to the store samples: swatches of furniture fabrics, draperies, bedspreads, wallpaper and paint that will remain in the room. These will help you match floors with your décor.


Questions the salesperson may ask you:

You might think the salesperson is asking a series of personal questions, but he or she is trying to help you select a floor that performs in your household and fits with your décor. Whether it’s laminate flooring, vinyl sheet, linoleum, hardwood, or ceramic, you can find the perfect floor for your home.
  • Durability/Performance
  • Is there light or heavy traffic in this room?
  • What is the room used for?
  • Do you have children or pets?
  • How long do you want this flooring to last?
  • Is there a door to the outside in the room?
  • Style/Appearance
  • Do you have a certain color in mind?
  • What are the room's lighting sources?
  • What types of furnishings do you have?
  • What's the style of the room? Traditional? Contemporary? Rustic?
  • What's the feel of the room? Casual? Formal? Somewhere in between?


Questions you may want to ask the salesperson:

  • Estimate - Do you charge for an in-home estimate? If so, does it apply to the cost of purchase?
  • Samples - Can I take a sample home to check how the flooring will look in my room? TIP - If they don’t have samples, ask if they have a light box at the store, which offers more home-like
  • Lighting conditions - TIP - If you do take home a sample, check it out during the day and night. Also, look at the sample on the floor, not just at eye-level.
  • Underlayment - What kind of underlayment does this flooring require? TIP – Your installer will advise you if your subfloor needs to be prepared with patch or leveling products, or if you require new wood underlayment. While this will add additional cost, you will dramatically increase the life and performance of your new flooring.
  • Warranties on flooring - What are the guarantees or warranties on the flooring and on the installation?
  • Installation – Remember, flooring installation shouldn't be scheduled until all your painting, wallpapering, or other construction is finished. flooring should be the last part of your remodeling project.
  • what are the charges and procedures for installation? (Some installation systems are more labor or material intensive than others and cost more.)
  • Will the condition of my existing floor affect the cost of installation?
  • Who is responsible for appliance and fixture removal and replacement? TIP - If you can remove the stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, toilet, etc., you will save some money, but be sure to slide them over plywood panels, so you don’t damage your flooring. You may pay extra for the installer to do it, or have to hire other professionals, like a plumber, to disconnect and reconnect a r efrigerator with an ice maker etc.
  • Who is responsible for removing and disposing of old my flooring? Is there an additional fee for that?
  • How quickly will my flooring be installed after I place my order?
  • Will I need new moldings, wall base and toe kick guards? Or can my old ones be removed and replaced? Will this cost extra?


What color should I choose for my floor?

Colors in dim lighting create a different feeling than the same colors in bright sunlight or artificial lighting. In other words, the light source is an important factor in the room. Light colors reflect light and dark colors absorb light. You choose a particular floor not only for practical reasons but also because you like a specific color. When choosing the color of the floor, you should take into account the desired end result and influence of the other existing or planned color elements on the interior. The result of this combination is more than the sum of the individual elements. The whole space is given a new identity, as it were. Every room is different and requires a specific approach, depending on the desired end result.

Light colors enlarge the room and dark colors make a room look smaller. This is generally known, however, what is the effect of the floor?

  • Pale floors: If you have a dark space that you want to brighten up a bit, you should choose a pale floor. Pale floors reflect light. This will make the room lighter and it enlarge it optically. Pale colors reflect purity and tranquility, and make the room timeless. Combined with the cool colors of the walls, you can create a sober effect. But don't overdo it: in the north and the west the following applies: the whiter the floor, the cooler the atmosphere. Dark furniture and light wood floors combine very well and create surprising effects. In addition, pale floors can be combined very well with a variety of colors.
  • Dark floors: Dark floors are the ideal starting point to create contrasts. They can be combined perfectly walls in light colors or with other dark colors which are used for highlights and accessories. Avoid harsh white and choose a shade of white such as off-white or white with a dash of a different dye. You can liven things up by adding colorful accessories in the interior. Too many dark colors will in fact result in a gloomy effect with less light and a lack of atmosphere.