Flooring
You walk on this decision every day. Here's how to floor it right.
What new floors really cost by material, which type fits each room, and what installation actually involves — so you can compare quotes square foot by square foot.
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The short version
$4.50–$12
per square foot installed is the national ballpark for luxury vinyl plank — one of the most popular floors in American homes right now.
1–3 days
for most single-room and small multi-room installs, including prep. Whole-home projects run longer, room by room.
50+ years
of life from porcelain tile and well-kept solid hardwood — hardwood can be sanded and refinished again and again instead of replaced.
Three kinds of flooring projects — and which one is yours.
Almost every flooring job is a room or two, a whole-home replacement, or a hardwood refinish. Knowing which one you're planning frames the budget, the timeline, and the right questions for the pros who quote it.
A room or two
The kitchen that needs waterproof floors, the nursery that needs warmth underfoot, the water-damaged hallway. Small-scope jobs move fast — often a day or two including prep. The main decisions are material and how the new floor meets the old ones at every doorway.
Whole-home replacement
One material flowing through the whole house — the project that makes small homes feel bigger and choppy layouts feel intentional. Crews work room by room so you're never fully displaced, and per-square-foot pricing usually improves with volume. Furniture moving and old-floor removal are the line items to compare closely between quotes.
Hardwood refinishing
Solid hardwood hiding under carpet or dulled by decades gets sanded, stained, and sealed — a fraction of replacement cost for a floor that looks brand new. A solid plank can typically take several refinishes over its life. If you suspect wood under your carpet, pull back a closet corner and look before you price anything.
Cost
What moves the price of new floors.
Flooring quotes are built square foot by square foot — but the square-foot price hides real variables. When a pro prices your job, this is what they're weighing:
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Square footage and layout. More floor costs more — but stairs, closets, angles, and doorway transitions eat hours out of proportion to their size. Open rectangles install fastest.
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Material. Luxury vinyl and laminate anchor the affordable end. Tile and hardwood cost more in both material and the skilled labor they demand.
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Subfloor condition and prep. Floors are only as good as what's under them. Leveling compound, moisture barriers, and squeak fixes are money well spent — and belong in the quote, not the surprise column.
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Removal and disposal. Old carpet, glued-down vinyl, and especially old tile take real labor to remove and haul. Glued and mortared floors cost the most to say goodbye to.
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Furniture and appliances. Someone has to move the sectional and disconnect the fridge. Some crews include it, some charge, some leave it to you — ask every quote the same question.
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Local labor rates. Installation labor varies meaningfully by market and by material — tile setters and hardwood finishers command more than click-lock installers everywhere.
| Floor type | Typical lifespan | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) | 10–25 years | $ |
| Laminate | 10–25 years | $ |
| Porcelain tile | 50+ years | $$$ |
| Solid hardwood | Decades — refinishable | $$$$ |
Lifespans assume proper installation over a sound subfloor. Your quotes will price your exact rooms — these are national ballparks, not promises.
What to expect
How a flooring project actually goes.
From the measuring visit to the last transition strip, a well-run flooring job follows the same four beats. Here's the rhythm, so nothing surprises you:
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1
Measure and quotes
Each pro measures the rooms, checks the subfloor, and quotes material plus labor. Comparing side by side reveals who included prep, removal, and transitions — and who didn't.
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2
Material selection and acclimation
You pick the product and sign a written scope. Wood and some laminates need days on site to acclimate to your home's humidity before install — good pros build that in.
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3
Removal, prep, and install
Old floors out, subfloor repaired and leveled, then the new floor goes down room by room. Most rooms take a day or less once prep is done; tile and hardwood take longer.
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4
Transitions, trim, and walkthrough
Thresholds, quarter-round, and vents finish the job. You walk every room, check every transition, and get product and workmanship warranties in writing.
Three Flooring quotes by dinner.
Tell us about your roof — about 30 seconds — and licensed local roofers come to you with real prices.
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Local guides
Roofing in your state.
Costs, permits, materials, and timing all change with your climate and your state's rules. Pick yours for guides written for exactly where you live.
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Washington Roofing FAQ
What homeowners ask about roofs.
Still weighing repair against replacement? Get free quotes for both and let the numbers decide. Start here.
Should I repair my roof or replace it? +
Age decides most of it. If the roof is under 15 years old and the damage is local — a leak, a few shingles — repair usually wins. Past 20 years, or with widespread curling, granule loss, or repeat leaks, replacement is almost always the better spend. A licensed roofer can tell you in one inspection; getting two or three opinions keeps everyone honest.
How long does a roof replacement take? +
Most single-family homes take one to three days on the roof: tear-off and dry-in the first day, shingles and detail work after. Large, steep, or complex roofs — and weather delays — can stretch it to a week. Your contract should state the expected duration.
Will insurance pay for my roof? +
If the damage came from a covered event — hail, wind, a fallen tree — homeowner's insurance often covers repair or replacement, minus your deductible. Normal wear and age are not covered. Document damage with photos and dates, get a roofer's inspection report, and file promptly; storm-experienced local pros know exactly what adjusters want to see.
What time of year is best for roofing? +
Roofers work year-round in most of the country. Late spring through fall is peak season — easier scheduling in winter can mean better pricing, while asphalt shingles seal best above roughly 40°F. If the roof is leaking, the best time is now; water damage compounds fast.
Do I need to be home during the work? +
No — the work happens outside. Be reachable by phone for decisions (like hidden decking damage), move vehicles out of the driveway, and plan around the noise if you work from home. Pets are usually happier elsewhere for a day or two.
How do I get roofing quotes here? +
Answer a few questions about your roof — about 30 seconds. We match you with licensed local roofing contractors, and their quotes are free quotes — no fee, no strings. You compare real prices side by side and hire when you're ready — or don't. There's no obligation, ever.
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