Flooring FAQ
Surrey flooring questions
Basements, waterproof claims, hardwood types, strata rules, asbestos and install days.
What is the best flooring for a Surrey basement? j
Rigid-core luxury vinyl is the most common choice because its core does not swell if it gets damp, and it installs over concrete. Engineered hardwood can also work over a dry, level slab with the right underlay. We test the concrete for moisture first, because no floor will perform well over a slab that is wet.
Is luxury vinyl flooring really waterproof? i
The planks themselves are waterproof, but water can still get beneath them through seams and edges and reach the subfloor. That is why sealed perimeters, a suitable underlay and a dry subfloor matter. For rooms that regularly get wet, such as showers, porcelain tile is still the safest choice.
Should I choose solid or engineered hardwood? i
Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished many times and suits main floors over a wood subfloor. Engineered hardwood has a real wood surface on a stable layered core, so it moves less with humidity and is better over concrete, radiant heating or in basements. Both look the same once installed.
Can new flooring go over my existing floor? i
Sometimes. Floating floors can often go over a flat, sound existing floor such as old vinyl or tile, which saves removal costs. It raises the floor height, though, which affects doors, stairs and transitions, and soft or uneven floors must come out first. We check during the measure and recommend what makes sense.
Do Surrey condos and townhouses have flooring rules? i
Many do. Strata bylaws often require approval before hard flooring goes in and set a minimum sound rating, which usually means a specific acoustic underlay. We look at your strata's rules and choose products that meet them, then provide the product information the council asks for.
Should I refinish my hardwood or replace it? i
If the boards are sound and thick enough,
hardwood floor refinishing restores them for much less than new flooring. Replacement makes sense when boards are damaged, too thin to sand, or you want a different material or layout.
Could the old flooring in my home contain asbestos? i
In older homes it can. Some vinyl tiles, sheet flooring and adhesives made in past decades contained asbestos. WorkSafeBC requires hazardous materials to be identified before they are disturbed in many older homes, so we arrange testing before removal and follow safe removal procedures if anything is found.
Can we stay home while new floors are installed? i
Usually, yes. We work room by room, move furniture as we go and keep one route through the house clear. Floating floors can be walked on the same day. Glue-down floors, tile grout and site-finished hardwood need drying time, so those rooms are off-limits for a short period.
How do I start a flooring project with you? i
Fill in the
flooring estimate form or call
(604) 649-5404. Knowing the rooms and approximate square footage is enough to get a rough cost. Then we visit to measure, check the subfloor and bring samples so you can compare them in your own home.
