Flooring FAQ
Learn everything you need to know about choosing, installing and caring for flooring from the experts at Big Bob's Flooring Outlet.
Your Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Floors in Ohio & Kentucky
Flooring Basics
The five main categories of flooring are:
- Carpet: Soft, comfortable, and available in countless colors and textures
- Hardwood: Timeless, durable, and adds significant value to your home
- Laminate: Cost-effective wood-look flooring with excellent durability
- Luxury Vinyl: Waterproof, versatile, and available in wood, stone, and tile looks
Tile: Ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone for ultimate durability and water resistance
Consider these factors for each space:
- Living areas: Hardwood or luxury vinyl for durability and style
- Bedrooms: Carpet for comfort or hardwood for easy maintenance
- Kitchens: Luxury vinyl, tile, or laminate for water resistance
- Bathrooms: Luxury vinyl or tile for waterproof protection
- Basements: Luxury vinyl or engineered hardwood that handles moisture well
High-traffic areas: Laminate, luxury vinyl, or commercial-grade carpet
Solid hardwood is made from a single piece of wood, typically ¾” thick. It can be sanded and refinished multiple times but is more susceptible to moisture and temperature changes.
Engineered hardwood has a real wood veneer over a plywood core. It’s more stable in varying climates (important in Ohio’s changing seasons), can be installed over concrete, and works well in basements. While it can be refinished, it has fewer refinishing cycles than solid wood.
The wear layer is the protective top coating that determines durability:
- Vinyl: Measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). Residential typically ranges from 6-30 mils, with thicker wear layers lasting longer in high-traffic areas.
- Laminate: Measured by AC rating (AC1-AC5). AC3 is suitable for residential use, while AC4-AC5 handles heavy commercial traffic.
Understanding Flooring Materials
Both are luxury vinyl flooring with the same construction and benefits:
- LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank): Rectangular planks that mimic hardwood flooring
- LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile): Square tiles that replicate ceramic, stone, or other tile looks
The choice is purely aesthetic – both offer the same waterproof protection and durability.
AC (Abrasion Class) ratings indicate durability:
- AC1: Light residential (bedrooms, closets)
- AC2: General residential (living rooms, dining rooms)
- AC3: Heavy residential/light commercial (all residential areas)
- AC4: General commercial (offices, cafes)
- AC5: Heavy commercial (retail stores, public buildings)
For most Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, and Covington homes, AC3 provides excellent durability.
Durability & Performance
From most to least durable:
- Hardwood: 25-100+ years, can be refinished multiple times
- Luxury Vinyl: 15-25 years, excellent wear resistance
- Laminate: 15-25 years, cannot be refinished
Carpet: 5-15 years depending on quality and traffic
Consider these factors:
- Durability rating: AC4+ for laminate, 12+ mil wear layer for vinyl
- Surface texture: Slightly textured surfaces hide scratches better
- Color and pattern: Medium tones and varied patterns hide dirt and wear
- Material: Luxury vinyl or laminate perform best in heavy traffic
Quality: Invest in higher-grade products for areas like entryways and hallways
Basements require moisture-resistant options:
- Luxury vinyl: Completely waterproof, comfortable underfoot
- Engineered hardwood: More stable than solid wood in humid conditions
- Laminate with waterproof core: Good option if properly sealed
Avoid solid hardwood and be careful with traditional carpet in below-grade installations.
Pet & Family Considerations
Best options for pet owners:
- Luxury vinyl: Extremely scratch-resistant, waterproof for accidents
- Laminate: Hard surface resists scratches, easy to clean
- Engineered hardwood: More scratch-resistant than solid wood
- Carpet: Choose solution-dyed nylon with stain protection. Berber and textured styles hide pet hair better.
Easiest maintenance:
- Luxury vinyl: Sweep and mop, handles spills and accidents
- Laminate: Quick cleanup, no special products needed
- Hardwood: Regular sweeping and occasional refinishing
Carpet: Regular vacuuming, professional cleaning, immediate stain treatment
Safety considerations:
- Slip-resistance: Textured luxury vinyl, carpet, cork
- Low VOCs: Look for FloorScore or GREENGUARD certified products
- Cushioning: Carpet and luxury vinyl provide softer surfaces for falls
- Easy cleaning: Hard surfaces allow for better hygiene
Many modern flooring products meet strict indoor air quality standards, important for families in enclosed spaces during Ohio and Kentucky winters.
Hard surfaces (vinyl, laminate, tile): Clean immediately with appropriate cleaners, ensure no moisture seeps into seams.
Hardwood: Clean immediately, may require professional treatment for deep stains or odors.
Carpet: Blot immediately, use enzyme cleaners for organic stains, may require professional cleaning or replacement of padding.
Best at hiding wear:
- Medium-toned colors: Not too light or dark
- Varied patterns: Wood grain, stone textures, mixed colors
- Textured surfaces: Slight texture breaks up light reflection
Matte finishes: Less reflective than high-gloss surfaces
Flooring Installation Methods
Floating installation:
- Planks/tiles connect to each other, not the subfloor
- Faster installation, easier removal
- Common for laminate and some luxury vinyl
- Allows for natural expansion and contraction
Glue-down installation:
- Adhesive bonds flooring directly to subfloor
- More permanent, quieter underfoot
- Common for luxury vinyl and engineered hardwood
- Better for high-traffic commercial applications
Nail-down installation:
- Fasteners secure flooring to wooden subfloors
- Traditional method for solid hardwood
- Very secure, long-lasting installation
- Requires wooden subfloor structure
Click-lock (or click-together) flooring features interlocking edges that snap together without glue or nails. Benefits include:
- DIY-friendly installation
- No drying time required
- Easy replacement of damaged pieces
- Floating installation allows for seasonal movement
Common in laminate, luxury vinyl, and some engineered hardwood.
Underlayment serves different purposes:
- Sound reduction: Especially important in multi-story homes
- Moisture protection: Vapor barriers in basements or over concrete
- Smoothing: Levels minor subfloor imperfections
- Comfort: Adds cushioning underfoot
Required for: Most laminate installations, some luxury vinyl
Optional for: Engineered hardwood (depending on installation method)
Not needed for: Glue-down installations, most carpet
Professional installation offers:
- Warranty coverage on labor
- Proper subfloor preparation
- Specialized tools and experience
- Faster completion
- Handling of complex layouts and transitions
DIY installation provides:
- Cost savings on labor
- Personal satisfaction
- Flexible timeline
- Learning experience
Consider professional installation for: solid hardwood, complex layouts, subfloor issues, or when manufacturer warranties require it.
Flooring Maintenance & Care
Hardwood:
- Sweep or vacuum regularly (use hardwood setting)
- Damp mop with hardwood-specific cleaners
- Avoid excessive water and harsh chemicals
- Recoat every 3-5 years, refinish every 7-10 years
Luxury Vinyl:
- Sweep or vacuum daily
- Mop with vinyl floor cleaner or mild soap solution
- Avoid abrasive cleaners and excessive heat
- No waxing required
Laminate:
- Sweep or vacuum regularly
- Damp mop with laminate cleaner (never soak)
- Clean spills immediately
- Use furniture pads to prevent scratches
Carpet:
- Vacuum 2-3 times weekly
- Professional cleaning every 12-18 months
- Treat stains immediately
- Rotate furniture to prevent permanent indentations
- High-traffic homes: Every 6-12 months
- Average traffic: Every 12-18 months
- Light traffic: Every 18 months
- Pet owners: Every 6-12 months or as needed
Regular professional cleaning extends carpet life and maintains warranty coverage. Ohio and Kentucky’s seasonal changes can bring in more dirt, requiring more frequent cleaning.
Signs it’s time to refinish:
- Scratches penetrate through the finish to the wood
- Water stains that won’t clean off
- Dull appearance that doesn’t improve with cleaning
- Worn traffic patterns
- Gaps between boards
Timeline: Every 7-10 years for solid hardwood, 1-3 times total for engineered hardwood (depending on veneer thickness).
Prevention strategies:
- Use furniture pads under all furniture legs
- Place mats at entrances to trap dirt and moisture
- Trim pet nails regularly
- Avoid high heels on hardwood
- Use area rugs in high-traffic zones
- Maintain proper humidity levels (30-50%)
- Clean spills immediately
Environmental & Health Factors
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is typically the best choice for asthma sufferers. Here’s why:
Key Benefits:
- Easy to clean: Smooth, non-porous surface requires only damp mopping with mild cleaners
- No allergen retention: Won’t trap dust mites, pollen, or pet dander like carpet does
- Low chemical emissions: Quality LVP/LVT has minimal VOCs when GREENGUARD certified
- Waterproof: Prevents mold and bacteria growth from moisture
- Comfortable: Softer underfoot than tile, reducing joint stress
Other excellent options include:
- Hardwood flooring: Easy to clean and naturally hypoallergenic, but choose low-VOC finishes
Avoid carpet as it traps allergens and requires harsh cleaning chemicals. When selecting any flooring, look for GREENGUARD Gold certification to ensure low chemical emissions, and maintain indoor humidity between 30-50% to prevent mold growth – especially important during Ohio and Kentucky’s humid summers.
For installation, plan to stay elsewhere for 24-48 hours and ensure maximum ventilation to allow any minimal off-gassing to dissipate before returning home.
Cost Considerations
Installation costs:
- Subfloor preparation and repairs
- Removal of existing flooring
- Complex layouts or custom cuts
- Stairs and transitions
Additional materials:
- Underlayment and moisture barriers
- Transition strips and moldings
- Adhesives and fasteners
- Tools and equipment rental
Long-term costs:
- Maintenance and cleaning products
- Professional cleaning services
- Repairs and refinishing
- Replacement timeline
Basic calculation:
- Measure room length × width for square footage
- Add 5-10% for waste and cuts
- For planks: Add extra for staggered installation patterns
Complex layouts:
- Measure each area separately
- Account for closets and alcoves
- Consider plank direction and pattern matching
- Professional measurement ensures accuracy
Professional tip: Many retailers offer free measurement services to ensure accurate estimates and proper planning.
Trends & Design
Color selection:
- Light colors: Make rooms appear larger, show dust more easily
- Dark colors: Hide dirt better, can make rooms feel smaller
- Medium tones: Most versatile, balance practicality and style
Pattern considerations:
- Straight lay: Classic, makes rooms appear longer
- Diagonal: Adds visual interest, makes square rooms appear larger
- Herringbone/chevron: Elegant, works best in larger spaces
- Mixed widths: Creates custom, high-end appearance
Size-enhancing strategies:
- Light colors reflect more light
- Wide planks create fewer visual breaks
- Diagonal installation draws the eye outward
- Consistent flooring throughout connected spaces
- Glossier finishes reflect light (but show scratches more)
- Minimal contrast with wall colors
Open floor plans: Use the same flooring throughout for seamless flow
Separate rooms:
- Maintain similar color families
- Use transition strips for different materials
- Consider sight lines between spaces
- Vary textures while keeping colors coordinated
Multi-level homes: Hardwood on main level, luxury vinyl or carpet on upper/lower levels creates practical zoning.
Commercial-grade features:
- Higher durability ratings (AC4+ for laminate, 20+ mil for vinyl)
- Enhanced wear layers and protective coatings
- Stricter fire and safety ratings
- More subdued colors and patterns
- Higher cost but longer lifespan
When to consider commercial-grade:
- High-traffic homes with large families
- Pet owners with multiple animals
- Home businesses with foot traffic
- Investment properties
FAQ About Big Bob's Flooring Outlet
We carry a wide range of flooring options, including:
- Carpet
- Carpet Remnants – hundreds in-stock
- Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
- Vinyl Sheet Flooring
- Laminate
- Hardwood (solid & engineered)
- Manufacturer Specials, Overruns & Deeply Discounted warehouse closeouts
Yes! We provide professional installation for all flooring types. Skip the hassle of DIY or of trying to hire an outside flooring contractor. Our team of experienced installers ensures your flooring is installed properly and efficiently, and we warranty our installation for 1-year.
Absolutely! We offer free in-home estimates. One of our flooring specialists will come to your location, take measurements, and help you find the best flooring options for your budget or for an even larger selection of flooring, visit one of our locations in Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Dayton or Columbus.
Yes, we offer financing options to fit your budget, including interest-free plans (with approved credit). Ask our team for current promotions and financing terms.
We carry top national brands such as:
- Mohawk
- Shaw
- Dream Weaver
In-stock flooring can often be installed within about a week, depending on scheduling and product availability – or if you need it even sooner, we’ll try our best to get you in faster. Special orders may take longer.
Yes! If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, we offer materials-only purchases and expert advice to help you with your project.
Yes, we offer old flooring removal and disposal services as part of our installation package. Let us handle the heavy lifting!
We have 4 locations throughout Ohio and Northern Kentucky. Visit our Store Locator or call us to find your nearest Big Bob’s Flooring Outlet.
Store hours vary by location, but most locations are open:
- Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed or by appointment
Please check your local store for exact hours.
Contact form: https://www.bigbobsflooringohio.com/about-us/contact-us/
Call or stop by:
Cincinnati – 3467 Highland Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45213 | 513-531-8282
Latonia (N. KY) – 3919 Winston Ave, Covington, KY 41015 | 859-251-8000
Dayton 130 Woodman Drive, Dayton, OH 45431 | 937-253-7700
Columbus – 4666 West Broad St, Columbus. OH 43228 | 614-851-3333