Floors take more wear than any other surface in your home, and they set the tone for every room. Whether you want to replace tired carpet with hardwood, put water-resistant vinyl in the kitchen or fix a few damaged boards, our flooring installation service in Philadelphia handles it from subfloor to trim.
We’ve been renovating homes and buildings since 1986, and we know that a great-looking floor depends on what you can’t see. A flat, solid, dry subfloor is what keeps boards tight, joints closed and squeaks away. That’s where every job starts.
Flooring we install and repair
Hardwood
Solid and engineered hardwood bring warmth and character. We install new hardwood, replace damaged boards and patch areas where walls or fixtures have been moved. Engineered hardwood is a good option over concrete and in rooms where humidity changes more.
Laminate
Laminate offers the look of wood at a lower cost, with a tough surface that resists scratches. It’s a practical choice for living rooms, bedrooms and hallways in busy households. Most laminate is a floating floor that clicks together over an underlayment, so a flat subfloor is essential. Dips and humps that you never noticed under carpet will show up as gaps, soft spots or clicking seams if they are not fixed first.
Luxury vinyl plank and tile
Vinyl handles moisture far better than wood or laminate, which makes it popular in kitchens, laundry rooms and basements. Our basement service can help if you’re finishing the rest of the space too.
Tile
For bathrooms, entryways and kitchens, tile is hard to beat. See our tile installation page for details on materials and preparation.
Our flooring installation process
- Measure and plan. We measure the rooms, check the subfloor and help you calculate how much material to order.
- Remove the old floor. Carpet, padding, tack strips, old vinyl or damaged boards come out, and we clean up as we go.
- Prepare the subfloor. We secure loose areas, fix squeaks, level dips and replace damaged sections. This is the step that matters most.
- Install. Flooring is laid according to the manufacturer’s requirements, with proper expansion gaps and straight, balanced rows.
- Finish the details. Baseboards, shoe molding, thresholds and transitions are installed so the floor looks complete.
Signs it’s time for new floors or repairs
- Boards that are cupped, buckled or pulling apart at the seams
- Squeaks or a bouncy feel when you walk across the room
- Soft spots, discoloration or musty smells near a tub, toilet, sink or dishwasher
- Peeling or lifting vinyl and laminate
- Carpet that’s matted, stained or aggravating allergies
Soft spots and stains near water sources deserve prompt attention. They can point to a leak that’s damaging the subfloor, and it’s worth having a look at the plumbing too.
What affects the cost of flooring installation
Each job is quoted individually based on:
- Square footage and the number of rooms
- Material choice, from laminate to solid hardwood
- Removal of existing flooring
- Subfloor condition, since leveling and repairs add time and material
- Layout, including stairs, closets, angled walls and patterns
- Trim and transitions between rooms and flooring types
Request a quote with your room sizes and the type of floor you’re considering.
How to prepare for new flooring
- Order about 10 percent extra for cuts and future repairs, and keep the leftovers.
- Let the material acclimate if the manufacturer requires it.
- Clear the room of furniture, rugs and anything fragile.
- Plan around access. You’ll need to avoid the area while we work and for any recommended cure time.
Why homeowners choose Home Exchange for flooring
Philadelphia’s older rowhomes and twins often hide uneven joists and patched subfloors beneath the carpet, and South Jersey homes bring their own surprises. We plan for that, communicate clearly and work efficiently. Because we’re a full-service handyman company, we can also tackle the baseboards, doors and other carpentry on your list in the same visit. And our Done Right Promise means your floor is done right the first time.
