I have been in the flooring business for over 50 years now. If there is one thing I have learned, it is that choosing the right wood floor is about more than just picking a color you like. Finding the perfect floor depends entirely on your home's foundation, your local climate, and the daily "traffic" (kids, pets, and boots) of the family living there. Because buying flooring is a major investment, I want to make sure you get it right the first time. Whether you're hunting for premium planks ... Read more...

Key Takeaways: 1,000 sq ft Vinyl Plank Flooring Costs Total Cost Range: - DIY Installation: $1,500 - $3,000- Professional Installation: $3,500 - $8,000+ Material Costs: - Budget LVP: $1.50 - $2.25/sq ft (4-8 mil wear layer) (A 12mil or 20 mil from us!)- Typical Flooring Store LVP: $2.25 - $3.25/sq ft (12-20 mil wear layer)- Commercial LVP: $3.25 - $4.00+/sq ft (20+ mil wear layer) Labor Costs: - Professional: $2.00 - $4.00/sq ft- DIY: $0 (12-16 hours of your time)- Regional ... Read more...

Warping, buckling, and cupping are a hardwood floor's worst nightmare, and excess moisture is usually the culprit. Testing moisture levels is the single most important step you can take to protect your flooring investment. The short answer: To properly test moisture content, use a pinless moisture meter on both your subfloor and your wood planks. Your wood subfloor should read under 12% moisture, and your hardwood planks should be within 2% to 4% of the subfloor's reading. If your numbers fall ... Read more...

How to Protect Your Floors from Your Christmas Tree in 2026 The 2026 holiday season is here! While decorating is a joyous tradition, real trees and heavy artificial ones pose a serious scratching and water-damage risk to your floors. If you want the quick answer on how to protect your floors from the Christmas tree, here are the golden rules: always place a waterproof barrier under the stand, use felt pads on the base, never drag the tree across the room, and clean up spilled water or fallen ... Read more...

What is the Best Basement Floor? This is a super loaded question! When someone starts a question with the “best” in mind it scares me! Everyone’s opinions, budgets, and tastes are different! However, with basements, the best answer is easier to come to. The best flooring for a basement in 2026 is Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP). Because basements are prone to moisture and humidity, LVP stands out as the top choice: it is 100% waterproof, highly durable, and features an easy floating installation ... Read more...

Buying the wrong floor is a mistake that sticks with you for decades. Before you get lost in species and stains, remember the golden rule for 2026: focus on stability and core density. If you want to find high-quality options without the retail markup, you can browse discount hardwood flooring online to see how professional-grade specs fit your budget. Shopping for engineered wood flooring can be overwhelming! It's just like buying sheets on clearance; you envision luxury but end up with a ... Read more...

Hardwood flooring adds timeless beauty to any home, but it shouldn’t cost you your entire renovation budget. In 2026, the secret to finding quality hardwood at discounted prices lies in shopping liquidators, understanding "Cabin Grade" secrets, and buying USA-made overstocks. Whether you are looking for classic oak or trendy hickory, you can still find premium flooring for under $3.00 per square foot if you know where to look. Where The Deals Are In 2026 When I was asked to write this blog I ... Read more...

Choosing the right stain color can completely transform the look of your home and increase your property value. In 2026, hardwood floor stain trends are leaning toward organic warmth, light natural finishes, and "quiet luxury" tones. Whether you are installing solid planks or versatile engineered hardwood flooring, the color you choose will set the tone for your entire interior design. Quick Guide: Top Hardwood Stain Trends for 2026 Light & Natural: Scandinavian-inspired clears that show ... Read more...

There are a lot of things you have to consider when you decide to put engineered wood flooring in your home. One of the main things for you to consider is how you're going to clean it. Is there a specific process when it comes to cleaning engineered wood flooring compared to tile? The answer is yes. Here are 5 tips on how to clean engineered wood flooring to help you maintain it. Read more...

Deciding to renovate your home is a huge step, and at Really Cheap Floors, the Cook family has been helping folks navigate that process for over 50 years. If you are looking for cheap laminate wood flooring, you want the high-end look of wood without the high-end price tag. But is it the right choice for your specific project? Laminate Flooring: Fast Facts Best For: Living rooms, bedrooms, and dry areas on a budget. Water Resistance: Low. Laminate is not waterproof and can swell if ... Read more...