Find answers to common questions about flooring, installation, and maintenance
The best flooring for kitchens is waterproof luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or luxury vinyl tile (LVT). These options are 100% waterproof, scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and can handle spills and moisture common in kitchen environments. Laminate flooring is also a good option but is water-resistant rather than waterproof, so it requires more careful maintenance.
Luxury vinyl plank flooring is the best choice for pet owners. It's 100% waterproof, scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and can withstand pet claws and accidents. The durable wear layer protects against scratches from pet claws, and the waterproof core prevents damage from pet accidents. Laminate flooring is also pet-friendly but less resistant to moisture.
Vinyl flooring is 100% waterproof and has a more durable wear layer, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-moisture areas. Laminate flooring is water-resistant (not waterproof) and typically more affordable, making it great for living rooms and bedrooms. Both offer realistic wood and stone appearances with easy click-lock installation systems.
To maintain hardwood floors, sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris, use a damp (not wet) mop with a hardwood floor cleaner, avoid excessive water, use furniture pads to prevent scratches, and clean up spills immediately. For luxury vinyl and laminate flooring, regular sweeping and occasional mopping with appropriate cleaners is sufficient.
To calculate how much flooring you need, measure the length and width of your room in feet, multiply them to get square footage, then add 10% for waste and cutting. Use our built-in calculator on product pages for an accurate estimate including boxes needed and total cost. Most flooring comes in boxes covering 20 square feet.
Yes, many homeowners successfully install luxury vinyl plank and laminate flooring themselves. Both use click-lock installation systems that don't require glue or nails. However, proper subfloor preparation is crucial. If you're not comfortable with DIY installation, we recommend hiring a professional installer for best results.
Luxury vinyl plank flooring typically lasts 15-25 years with proper care and maintenance. The lifespan depends on the wear layer thickness, quality of installation, and amount of foot traffic. Higher quality LVP with thicker wear layers (20+ mil) can last even longer, sometimes up to 30 years in residential settings.
While laminate can be installed in bathrooms, it's not recommended due to moisture concerns. Laminate is water-resistant but not waterproof, and bathrooms have high humidity and moisture. Luxury vinyl plank or tile is a better choice for bathrooms as it's 100% waterproof and better suited for wet environments.
Yes! Flooring Empire offers free shipping across the United States on all orders. Most orders arrive within 10-14 business days and are delivered right to your door. No minimum order required for free shipping.
For high traffic areas like hallways, entryways, and living rooms, luxury vinyl plank with a thick wear layer (20+ mil) or high-quality laminate with an AC4 or AC5 rating are excellent choices. Both are durable, scratch-resistant, and can handle heavy foot traffic while maintaining their appearance.
If you're not quite sure which size is right for you, refer to our size guides. They're located underneath the available sizes for each of our products.
We completely get it, we change our minds too! While we wish we could, once an order is placed, we are unable to alter or cancel it at this time. We hope to have a cancellation window one day in the future.
Should the item(s) not work out, make sure to exchange for a preferred style or return for a refund. As a reminder, domestic return shipping is free.
Once your order is placed, you will receive a confirmation email letting you know that our fulfillment team has received your order. Once your order is fulfilled, you will receive an email notification with your tracking information. Shipping fees are non-refundable in the case of returns.
Yes, we ship all over the world. Shipping costs will apply, and will be added at checkout.
We work with leading carriers to ensure safe nationwide delivery. All orders are final sale, but exchanges are available upon request — additional shipping fees apply.