5 Things to Know Before Installing New Flooring in the Twin Cities, Minnesota.
Installing new flooring is one of the fresh touches to transform your home. Before RJ’s Carpet and Vinyl, your trusted flooring contractor, works its magic, here are a few things to keep in mind. The local climate, subfloor conditions, and even the type of room all play a role in how long your floors will last and how much value they will add to your home. Here are the five most important things every homeowner in Minnesota should know before starting a flooring project:
Humidity, temperature changes, and even the amount of rainfall can impact your flooring. Hardwood, for example, expands and contracts with humidity, while vinyl and laminate are more resistant to moisture. If your home has a basement or is in a humid area, waterproof options may be the smarter choice. That’s why it’s important to hire a professional flooring installer to guarantee the job will get done right. RJ’s Carpet and Vinyl is your experienced flooring contractor for both residential clients, multi-family properties, and commercial companies.
Pro tip: Always ask RJ’s Carpet and Vinyl, your expert in flooring installation services, about which flooring types perform best in our local conditions. Even though we don’t provide the flooring, we can guide you before we start installing it.
1. Local climate matters more than you think
Think of it like this: The subfloor is the foundation for your flooring. Skip this step, and your floors might not last as long as you hoped it would. DIY projects can often cause problems in the future when the preparation isn’t done in the right way, especially if you’re looking for more complex work such as soundproof flooring for apartments. RJ’s Carpet and Vinyl has 20+ years of expertise, and our team is ready to transform your home with a beautiful flooring.
2. Subfloor preparation is critical
Not all rooms are created equal. Living rooms, kitchens, and entryways see much more foot traffic than bedrooms. For busy areas, durable options like tile, vinyl plank, or engineered hardwood are often the best bet. For quieter spaces, carpet or traditional hardwood can add warmth and comfort.
Ask yourself: How do you use each room daily? Do you have kids and/or pets? Your lifestyle should guide your choice.
3. High-traffic areas need durable options
Flooring installation videos make DIY look easy, but in reality, it’s a big job. Small mistakes like incorrect seam staggering, forgetting expansion gaps, or poor adhesive application can lead to costly repairs down the road. A professional installer not only gets the job done quicker but also ensures your flooring warranty stays valid. RJ’s Carpet and Vinyl, your trusted flooring contractor not only has 20+ years of experience, but also provides a one-year workmanship warranty, along with military and first responder discounts.
Plus: Local installers understand the materials and conditions of the flooring better than big-box tutorials and are equipped with the required tools to complete the job accurately, leaving you with a high-quality finish.
4. DIY vs. Professional installation in the Twin Cities
It’s easy to focus only on the price per square foot of flooring, but installation involves more: subfloor prep, old floor removal and disposal, trim and molding, appliance removal, etc. A professional estimate will help you budget realistically so there are no surprises. Call RJ’s Carpet and Vinyl today for a free estimate! No hidden fees.
Rule of thumb: Plan for about 10% to 20% extra in flooring material to account for seams, pattern repeats, angles in the room, damaged product, etc.
5. Budget beyond just the flooring cost