Flooring FAQ
Request a free estimateFrequently Asked Flooring Questions
Planning a flooring project often brings up questions about materials, moisture, maintenance, installation, and cost. The answers below can help you understand your options before visiting Mike's Flooring or requesting a free estimate.
Choosing the Right Flooring
What type of flooring is best for a Tampa home?
The best flooring depends on the room, household, and specific product. Tampa's humidity and frequent rain make moisture performance an important consideration, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, and other spill-prone spaces. Tile and appropriately rated luxury vinyl are often considered for these areas. Carpet can add comfort to bedrooms, while hardwood, waterproof hardwood, and laminate may work well in suitable living spaces. A flooring specialist can help you compare products based on your priorities.
What should I consider before choosing new flooring?
Consider the room's foot traffic, exposure to spills or moisture, amount of sunlight, use by children or pets, cleaning preferences, desired style, and project budget. You should also review the care instructions, warranty, and performance specifications for the exact product you are considering.
Can I use the same flooring throughout my entire home?
In some homes, one flooring material can be used across several connected spaces to create a consistent look. However, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other moisture-prone areas may require different performance characteristics. The best approach depends on the layout of the home and the specifications of the selected flooring.
What flooring products does Mike's Flooring carry?
Mike's Flooring offers carpet, hardwood, waterproof hardwood, laminate, tile, and luxury vinyl flooring. Product availability varies, so contact the showroom or browse the online flooring catalog for current selections.
Waterproof and Water-Resistant Flooring
Is waterproof flooring the same as water-resistant flooring?
No. Water-resistant flooring is designed to resist moisture for a limited period or under defined conditions. Waterproof flooring is manufactured to provide a higher level of protection against water reaching the flooring core. These terms do not necessarily mean that the subfloor, installation perimeter, or surrounding structure is protected from flooding. Always review the manufacturer's specifications and warranty.
Which flooring is suitable for kitchens and bathrooms?
Tile and select luxury vinyl products are commonly considered for kitchens and bathrooms because of their moisture performance and ease of cleaning. Other products may also be appropriate when their manufacturer specifically approves them for the intended room. Mike's Flooring can help you review product specifications before making a selection.
Does waterproof flooring prevent mold or water damage?
Waterproof flooring can help protect the flooring material from everyday spills, but it cannot prevent every form of water damage. Moisture can still reach the subfloor or surrounding structure through walls, edges, transitions, or installation gaps. Leaks and standing water should be addressed promptly.
Flooring for Pets and Active Homes
What flooring is a good choice for homes with pets?
Many pet owners look for durable, easy-to-clean flooring with suitable scratch, stain, and moisture resistance. Luxury vinyl, tile, and some laminate products may meet those priorities, depending on the product's specifications. Carpet can provide softness and traction, while certain styles are designed with stain resistance in mind. No flooring is completely scratch-proof, so it is important to compare wear layers, finishes, warranties, and care requirements.
What flooring works well in high-traffic areas?
Tile, luxury vinyl, laminate, hardwood, and commercial or high-performance carpet options may all be suitable for busy areas when the product is rated for the expected use. Entryways and family rooms often benefit from flooring that is easy to clean and designed to handle repeated wear.
How can I protect new floors from sand and dirt?
Place walk-off mats at entrances, sweep or vacuum regularly, and clean spills promptly using products approved by the flooring manufacturer. Felt pads under furniture and routine pet nail care can also help reduce surface wear.
Carpet, Hardwood, Laminate, Tile, and Luxury Vinyl
Is carpet a good option in Florida?
Carpet can be a comfortable choice for bedrooms, offices, and family rooms when the indoor environment is properly maintained. Regular vacuuming, prompt spill cleanup, and appropriate professional cleaning can help support its appearance and performance.
Can hardwood flooring work in Tampa's climate?
Hardwood can work well in Tampa homes when the selected product is appropriate for the space and indoor humidity is kept within the manufacturer's recommended range. Acclimation, subfloor preparation, installation method, and ongoing climate control all matter. Ask the Mike's Flooring team whether solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, or waterproof hardwood is the best fit for your project.
What is the difference between laminate and luxury vinyl flooring?
Laminate typically uses a fiber-based core with a photographic design layer and protective wear surface. Luxury vinyl uses vinyl-based construction and is available in plank and tile formats. Both can offer realistic wood or stone visuals, but their moisture performance, feel, installation requirements, and warranties vary by product.
What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile?
Both are made from clay-based materials, but porcelain tile is generally denser and has lower water absorption than standard ceramic tile. The right choice depends on the installation area, desired appearance, slip resistance, and product rating. Not every tile is approved for every floor, wall, shower, or outdoor application.
Estimates, Installation, and Project Planning
Does Mike's Flooring provide flooring installation?
Yes. Mike's Flooring provides professional flooring installation and also lists flooring repair and removal among its services. The work required will depend on the selected flooring and the condition of the existing floor and subfloor.
Does Mike's Flooring offer free estimates?
Yes. You can request a free estimate through the Mike's Flooring website. Providing the project address, ZIP code, flooring interests, and preferred appointment information can help the team prepare for the consultation.
How long does flooring installation take?
Project length depends on the size and layout of the space, flooring material, amount of removal required, subfloor condition, product availability, and installation method. Some materials may also require acclimation. Mike's Flooring can provide a more accurate timeline after reviewing the project.
Will my existing flooring need to be removed?
That depends on the current flooring, subfloor condition, new material, and manufacturer installation requirements. In some cases, existing flooring must be removed. In others, an approved installation over the current surface may be possible. The project should be evaluated before work begins.
How much does new flooring cost?
The total cost can include the flooring material, room measurements, preparation, removal, installation, trim, transitions, and other project-specific needs. Because these factors vary, an estimate based on the actual space and selected product is more useful than a broad price range.
Do I need to move furniture before installation?
Furniture policies can vary by project. Ask Mike's Flooring what should be moved, whether furniture-moving services are available, and how to prepare closets, electronics, wall decorations, and fragile items before the installation date.
Shopping, Financing, and Service Area
Can I shop for flooring from home?
Yes. Mike's Flooring offers a shop-at-home option, allowing customers to begin the flooring selection process in their own space. Contact the store for current scheduling details and to learn which samples or services are available for your project.
Does Mike's Flooring offer financing?
Mike's Flooring lists financing as an available resource. Financing plans, eligibility requirements, interest rates, and promotional terms can change, so review the current disclosures and ask the team for complete details before applying.
What areas does Mike's Flooring serve?
Mike's Flooring is located in Tampa and lists service to Tampa, Westchase, Land O' Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and surrounding areas. Contact the store to confirm service availability for a specific address.
Where is the Mike's Flooring showroom?
Mike's Flooring is located at 12872 Commodity Pl, Tampa, FL 33626. Call (813) 380-2768 for current showroom hours or assistance planning your visit.
Start Your Flooring Project
Still deciding which flooring is right for your space? Visit Mike's Flooring in Tampa to compare products in person, ask questions, and speak with an experienced project specialist. You can also .
Mike's Flooring
12872 Commodity Pl, Tampa, FL 33626
(813) 380-2768

