Flooring installed on a subfloor that is ready
Luxury vinyl plank, hardwood, engineered wood, laminate and tile — supplied and installed across the north and northwest Chicago suburbs, including basements and water-damaged floors.
Which flooring is best for a Chicago home?
For most homes, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is the best all-round choice — waterproof, hard-wearing and realistic-looking. Solid hardwood still gives the best resale appeal on main floors; engineered wood handles humidity swings and basements far better than solid; tile is unbeatable in wet areas. The right answer depends on the room, the moisture and the traffic.
The mistake that costs people twice is skipping subfloor preparation. Flooring is only as flat, quiet and durable as what it is laid on. Uneven or damp subfloor causes hollow spots, squeaks, gapping planks and cracked tile — and none of it is a flooring defect, so none of it is covered. We check flatness and moisture, and prep before anything gets installed.
Flooring materials at a glance
| Material | Water resistance | Durability | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury vinyl plank | Waterproof | Very good | Most rooms, kitchens, basements |
| Engineered wood | Good | Good | Real wood look in humid areas |
| Solid hardwood | Low | Excellent (refinishable) | Main floors, resale value |
| Laminate | Fair–good | Good | Budget-conscious rooms |
| Tile | Waterproof | Excellent | Bathrooms, entries, mudrooms |
What a flooring installation includes
Everything from the old floor coming out to the trim going back on.
- Tear-out and disposal of the existing flooring, including carpet, pad and tack strip.
- Subfloor inspection and prep — flatness, moisture testing, and repair of damaged sheathing.
- Underlayment and moisture barrier matched to the material and the room.
- Precision installation with proper expansion gaps — the detail that prevents buckling.
- Transitions, thresholds and trim — including shoe moulding and reinstalled baseboards.
- Full clean-up — the room is left ready to move furniture back into.
Flooring questions
Can you put new flooring over the old floor?
Sometimes — some LVP and laminate can float over sound, flat existing flooring. But if the old floor is uneven, damp or damaged it must come out, otherwise every flaw telegraphs through and the manufacturer warranty is usually void. We tell you which case you are in before quoting.
What flooring works in a basement?
Luxury vinyl plank or tile. Basements move moisture through the slab even when they feel dry, which is why solid hardwood and standard laminate are poor choices down there. We moisture-test the slab first and install the right barrier.
Do you move the furniture?
Yes, we move standard furniture as part of the job. Very heavy or fragile items — pianos, large aquariums, safes — we agree in advance so nothing gets damaged and nothing holds up the schedule.
Can you replace flooring damaged by water?
Yes. We remove the damaged flooring, check and repair the subfloor underneath — the step most often skipped — and reinstall. If it is part of an insurance claim, see storm & insurance.
Get a free flooring estimate
We measure, bring samples and give you an installed price in writing.