Best Flooring Companies in Austin

Frequently Asked Questions

• Introduction

  Flooring is a vital part of both home decor and functionality. Old, damaged, worn, or dated flooring is unattractive and pose tripping hazards. Fortunately, there are many available flooring options that support easy installation by DIYers. Laminate flooring, vinyl tiles, and hardwood floors are a few popular selections. Get some helpful tips and information about these and other flooring choices for valuable guidance on restoring flooring in your home. 
  

• What is the best way to clean hardwood floors?

  Sweep with a broom or dust mop regularly. Frequency depends on foot traffic and the amount of dust, dirt, and pet hair buildup. Mop hardwood floors with a damp cloth or sponge and liquid hardwood floor cleaner. Use a dry mop or cloth after mopping to remove any standing water. 
  

• How do you install laminate flooring?

  Cut off the tongues of the boards that will lay against the walls with a utility knife or saw. Lay the first planks groove-side out 1/4-3/8 of an inch from the wall. Work from right to left, and use a rubber mallet and tapping block. Measure and saw planks as needed to fit.
  

• How do you install vinyl plank flooring?

  Cut the tongues off the boards for the wall edge. Remove the adhesive backing and begin laying the planks in the corner, and leave a small gap. Cut the final plank to fit. Start the second row with a shorter piece to create a staggered pattern. Continue measuring and cutting as required.
  

• How do you remove tile floor?

  Start by removing any furniture and fixtures from the room. Look for an exposed edge to start prying up the tile. Use a pole scraper, pry bar, or hammer and chisel to get between the tile and the subfloor. Break the adhesive seal and remove each of the tiles, piece by piece.

• How do you install hardwood floors?

  Nail the first row of boards to the subfloor through the face with flooring nails. Do the same to the last row at the end. Fit the boards together with a mallet and tapping block, nailing the remaining rows through the tongues. Stagger the joints in each row. Trim the planks abutting the wall edges.

• How do you refinish hardwood floors?

  Remove wobbly nails, tap down protruding ones, and fasten loose floorboards. Remove the molding. Run a belt sander along the grain using rough sandpaper. Move to increasingly finer grits with each pass. Apply an edger to the corners and edges. Smooth the wood with a floor buffer. Clean the surface, and finish with lacquer.