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5 inch wide plank Hickory Natural Hardwood Close Up

Is Hickory a Hardwood? Hickory Hardwood Exposed

By Ted Cook Oct 8, 2026

So, you’re thinking about hickory flooring. Most people ask if hickory truly a hardwood while seeing all the information about the dense nature of this wood species. The answer is yes, hickory is a hardwood. But is it the right hardwood for *your* project? This post covers everything about hickory flooring, from its hardness to its character. It typically costs between $6 and $14 per square foot. We have 1st quality 3.25" hickory floors in stock but that's not the norm. Table ... Read more...

liquidation flooring costs and why they are low

The Real Reason Liquidator Flooring Cost Less Than Retail

By Patrick Dinehart Oct 6, 2026

Lower prices often come down to inventory timing and the connections that a flooring liquidator builds over the years. Overstock and discontinued styles bring real value, and lower grades come with different expectations for appearance and installation. I will compare the different options Really Cheap Floors offers and give you reasons we can offer these flooring products with large discounts. At a glance Question The short answer Why does liquidator flooring cost less? ... Read more...

showing the best waterproof flooring for basements photos

Best Waterproof Basement Flooring: Flooring with a Waterproofing Focus

By Patrick Dinehart Oct 5, 2026

The best waterproof flooring options for basement floors depends on what happens beneath the surface as much as what happens on top of it. We’ll compare the main floor types, explain how to assess a concrete floors moisture, and show where a waterproof floor helps, and where it can’t fix the problem. Key Waterproofing Flooring Options Takeaways What flooring works over a concrete basement subfloor? LVP, LVT, porcelain or ceramic tile, and some raised interlocking systems can suit a ... Read more...

5 Simple Disadvantages Vinyl Plank Flooring Presents: A Vinyl Flooring Guide

By Ted Cook Oct 1, 2026

Vinyl plank flooring or LVP has taken the home improvement world by storm. It’s affordable, waterproof, and looks surprisingly good when compared to a real hardwood. But is it too good to be true?

If you’ve been shopping for floors, you’ve probably heard endless praise for LVP. But at Really Cheap Floors, we believe in transparency. No flooring product is perfect for every home. To make the best investment for your space, you need to know the potential drawbacks—not just the 100% waterproof floor sales pitch.

In this guide, we’ll cover the honest disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring, from durability concerns in high-traffic zones to potential installation hurdles, so you can decide if it's the right choice for your family.

5 Cheap Flooring Options: The Most Affordable Materials

By Ted Cook Sep 30, 2026

The budget flooring guide 5 Cheap Flooring Options: The Most Affordable Materials Are you looking for the 5 best budget flooring options. Saving on your flooring material and the final home installation allows you to focus on more important qualities when selecting a new floor. Sheet vinyl, linoleum, engineered wood, carpet, and vinyl plank are all popular options when searching for affordable solutions. Let’s take a closer look at each of these 5 affordable flooring options so that you can ... Read more...

a close up image of a water damaged hardwood plank

Can You Refinish Water Damaged Hardwood Floors? Hardwood Floor Water Damage Repair Tips

By Ted Cook Sep 28, 2026

So, your beautiful hardwood floor got soaked. Maybe a pipe burst, or perhaps a big storm flooded the house. Whatever the culprit, now you’re stuck looking at warped boards and wondering: can I refinish water-damaged hardwood floors? The answer is it depends. In general, it’s best to remove the water-damaged floor, inspect the subfloor for trapped moisture, and install a new floor. We cover the general hardwood floor water damage repair steps in hopes your situation allows for a full damage ... Read more...

How to Refinish Red Oak Flooring in 2027: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Patrick Dinehart Sep 25, 2026

Learning how to refinish red oak flooring starts with one blunt question: does the floor have enough sound wood to sand, and does it need a full refinish at all? We’ll walk you through inspection, preparation, sanding, stain, finish, and the wait before normal life resumes. Project at a glance Timeline: 3–5 days, plus full cure Difficulty: Advanced DIY Typical cost: $500–$1,000 DIY; $3–$8 per sq. ft. professionally Actual time and cost vary with floor size, damage, finish, and ... Read more...

Luxury Vinyl Plank vs. Hardwood Flooring: Which Is Better?

By Patrick Dinehart Sep 23, 2026

Deciding between luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and hardwood flooring? Both offer beauty and durability, but they have key differences in cost, maintenance, performance, and longevity. In this guide, we’ll compare LVP and hardwood to help you determine which flooring option is the best fit for your home! Some popular flooring choices are classic vinyl plank floors and the new luxury vinyl products over engineered floors. But should you pick the luxury vinyl option instead of engineered ... Read more...

LifeProof Vinyl Plank Flooring: Vinyl Flooring Guide

By Ted Cook Sep 23, 2026

Luxury vinyl flooring is the fastest growing segment of the flooring industry. It growing faster than my need for quick naps throughout the day. This trend has been going on for a few years now. The product design behind these floors are mainly targeted to people who want a cheaper floor that looks great. However Lifeproof try pretty hard to keep the wear layer hidden from view. It makes sense though. They look great, and install easily. Oh...and they can be cheaper than hardwood floors. ... Read more...

Red Oak Flooring Seasonal Movement infographic

Red Oak Flooring Seasonal Movement: What to Expect in 2026, and How to Stop Gaps and Cupping

By Patrick Dinehart Sep 22, 2026

In 2026, oak floors moving due to changing seasons is still the #1 reason homeowners call us right after their first real humidity swing, and it surprises people because it feels “random” until you understand how a wood floor actually behaves. Did you know red oak currently dominates the wood type segment (52%), meaning this movement issue is affecting the majority of North American hardwood owners. A little seasonal movement is normal but if you are experiencing a hardwood floor that looks ... Read more...

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