Choose the right flooring for your space

Every successful installation starts with picking the right material for the room, the traffic, and your budget. Each option has its own strengths — tap any type below to browse our selection:

Check and prepare the subfloor

Before any new flooring goes down, the subfloor — the layer that sits on top of your home’s foundation — needs to be flat, smooth, clean, and free of damage. If the subfloor is in poor shape, it can ruin a new installation and even cause damage over time.

For hardwood and laminate, the subfloor must be level: bumps or dips can lead to gaps or buckling later on. For tile, the subfloor needs to be strong enough to carry the weight of the tiles without flexing.

Prepare the room before installation

Good prep makes the whole job go smoother. Before work begins:

• Remove furniture, rugs, and other items so there is plenty of room to work and nothing gets damaged.
• Clean the room thoroughly — sweep, vacuum, and mop to clear dust and debris.
• For hardwood or laminate, cover vents and openings so sawdust does not get into your HVAC system.
• Acclimate the new flooring by leaving it in the room for a few days first, so it adjusts to your home’s temperature and humidity. This helps prevent expansion and contraction problems down the road.

Hire a professional or do it yourself?

One of the biggest decisions is whether to install the floor yourself or hire a pro. DIY can save money, but be honest about your skills and experience first.

If you are handy and have tackled home-improvement projects before, you may be able to handle it. But if you are not comfortable with tools or the job is large, a professional installer brings the experience and equipment to get it done right the first time — saving you costly mistakes and wasted material. On Oahu, we handle the installation for you so you get a clean, lasting result without the guesswork.

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