Laminate or vinyl plank?
Laminate usually has a manufactured wood-based core, and luxury vinyl plank is vinyl-based. Both come in many styles. Their moisture resistance and installation requirements depend on the specific product.
Some laminate products have enhanced water resistance, but their limits vary. Whether laminate suits a bathroom depends on the product and the manufacturer's requirements. We can talk through which floor fits each room.
How we install it
We prepare the subfloor first, then lay the underlayment your product calls for. Laminate needs room to expand, so we leave the correct gap at the walls and cover it with baseboard or shoe molding.
Doorways and room changes get transitions that sit flat and line up. Where your new floor meets a different height, we look at both floors and recommend the cleanest transition. An exact match in height is not always possible.
Buying your flooring
You buy the laminate from any retailer. Several of our customers bring planks from large stores, and we install them. Check the product with us before ordering so the quantity and the stair pieces are right.
What your estimate can include
- Removal and disposal of the existing floor
- Subfloor repairs or leveling, when needed
- Underlayment and moisture barrier where the product requires it
- Baseboards, transitions and trim
- Furniture moving, when requested
Your written estimate lists the work included and anything priced separately. Unexpected conditions under the old floor can change the scope, and any added work is agreed in writing before it starts.
Serving Tacoma and beyond
We are based in Lakewood and work across Pierce County and north to Seattle and Bellevue, including Tacoma, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, Federal Way and Kent.
Get a free estimate
Common questions
Can you replace carpeted stairs with laminate?
Yes. We use compatible stair nosings, or make custom treads from suitable flooring planks for a matched finish.
Can I steam-mop laminate?
Check your manufacturer's instructions. Many laminate products restrict steam cleaning because heat and moisture may cause damage.
Do I need to remove my baseboards?
In most cases we recommend removing and reinstalling them for a clean finish. The other option is to keep them and add shoe molding to cover the expansion gap.
Can I stay in the house during installation?
In most cases, yes. It depends on the project size and which rooms are involved. We explain any temporary limits on room access at the estimate.
Ready for a free estimate?
Tell us about your project and we will set up a visit. Open Monday to Saturday, 7 am to 7 pm.