Frequently Asked Questions
What types of flooring do you install?
Palouse Floors installs a wide range of flooring products, including luxury vinyl plank (LVP), luxury vinyl tile (LVT), sheet vinyl, laminate, carpet, commercial carpet, tile, and engineered wood. We work with residential and commercial customers across the Palouse region and can help you find the right flooring for your space, lifestyle, and budget.
If you already have a product in mind, we are happy to install it. If you are still deciding, we carry retail flooring options and can walk you through the differences between materials so you can make an informed choice.
Do you do installations in occupied spaces?
Yes. While it is most efficient and least intrusive to install flooring when a space is empty, we regularly work in occupied homes and businesses. When installing in an occupied space, we take care to protect your belongings and minimize disruption as much as possible.
If you are planning to stay in your home during the installation, let us know when you schedule so we can plan the project accordingly and give you a clear idea of what to expect.
Can I buy my flooring from you?
Yes. Palouse Floors carries retail flooring products, so you can browse options and purchase directly from us. We can help you compare materials, understand the differences between product types, and choose something that fits your space and your budget. Contact us to learn more about what we currently have available or to discuss what you are looking for.
Do I need to remove my existing flooring before you get here?
No, we are happy to remove old flooring for you. Removal is a standard part of many flooring projects, and our team is experienced with pulling up carpet, vinyl, tile, laminate, and other materials safely and efficiently.
That said, we do charge for removal as a separate service. If you want to save on project costs, removing the old flooring yourself is one way to do that. If you decide to handle removal on your own, just make sure the subfloor is clear and accessible before our team arrives.
Do you install transitions?
Yes. Transitions are an important part of a finished flooring project, especially when different flooring types meet in doorways, hallways, or between rooms. We do our best to find transition styles and finishes that match your new flooring and give the project a clean, polished look from room to room.
What about my baseboard trim?
We carefully remove and reinstall baseboard trim as part of the flooring project, whether it is painted trim or stained wood. Our goal is to put the room back together just as it was, with clean lines and a finished appearance.
We also install cove base molding where appropriate, which is common in commercial spaces, utility rooms, and other areas where a different style of base trim makes more sense. If your existing trim is damaged or you are looking to upgrade, we can discuss options during the planning stage.
Do you remove and reinstall appliances and toilets?
Yes. We know you will need those back in working order as soon as possible, and we are happy to work around your appliances and bathroom fixtures as part of the installation. Disconnecting and reconnecting toilets, moving refrigerators, and working around other fixtures is a routine part of many flooring projects.
If you have any concerns about specific appliances or fixtures, let us know ahead of time so we can plan accordingly.
Do you level floors?
Yes. We have experience leveling both small and large spaces in preparation for new flooring. An uneven subfloor can cause problems with installation quality, durability, and the overall look and feel of the finished floor.
During the assessment, we will check the subfloor for dips, high spots, and other irregularities. If leveling is needed, we will let you know what is involved and include it in the project plan. Proper leveling is one of the most important steps in ensuring a long-lasting, professional-looking installation.
Are their types of flooring you do not install?
For now, we do not install hardwood floors. However, we do have relationships with specialists in hardwood installation, and we would be happy to connect you with someone who can help.
We install luxury vinyl plank, luxury vinyl tile, sheet vinyl, laminate, carpet, commercial carpet, tile, and engineered wood.
How do I know when it is time to replace my flooring?
We know that this can be a difficult decision, and we are here to help. While we can’t make the decision for you, here are a few things to consider:
- There is a difference between dirty and worn. Dirty carpet still has lots of life left in it. The fibers are not damaged, they are just soiled and need cleaning. Worn carpet is damaged and no matter how many times you try to clean it, it will still look worn and tired. This is a good time to consider replacing flooring.
- Not all repairs will look good. While we do our best to make repairs as unnoticeable as possible, damaged carpets will often show the place of the repair. This is because it takes a precise cut in order to have a precise seam. Carpet tares are often jagged without much material to work with when putting back together. Depending on where the damage has happened and how much has happened, it may be time to replace the flooring.
- Do you have the right flooring for its location? Have you ever walked into a carpeted bathroom and got the heebie jeebies? Some things just don’t belong where they’ve been installed. It may be the case that the flooring looks great where it is but it is not purposed correctly. This is a reason to consider installing a different type of flooring.
- There is a difference between dirty and stained. Some stains are “set in” and are not going to move no matter how hard we try. Stains that will not clean out do happen and are a reason to consider changing flooring.
- Pets make a mess. Don’t get us wrong, we love them too, but they make a mess of hard surface flooring and carpeted surfaces alike. Pet urine, hair and claws can do tremendous damage to a flooring surface and underlayment. While we have pet treatment solutions that work excellently, not all surfaces are salvageable. Based on the pervasiveness of odor, health concerns and stains, it may be time to consider new flooring.
- Water can do a lot of damage quickly. It is important to remember that all that water went somewhere. If you have carpet, it may be locked into your pad underneath your carpet. If you have laminate flooring, it may have creeped underneath a surface that looks great but may be rotting underneath. If you smell “musty odors” or the floor feels soft underfoot, it is a good indication that you have a water problem that needs to be addressed.
- It’s not your style. Sometimes that is all it takes. Flooring has a tremendous impact on the aesthetic of a room. When that happens, it may be time for that floor to go.