Things You Should Know About Flooring | Common Flooring FAQs

Thinking about new floors? You’re not alone, and you’re definitely asking the right questions. At Color Tile of Salem, these are some of the most frequently asked flooring questions we hear from homeowners and businesses across Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley. Choosing the right flooring is a big decision, and our job is to help you feel confident, informed, and excited about the floors you’re bringing into your home.

Whether you’re upgrading one room or planning a full-home refresh, this guide answers the seven most common flooring FAQs and shows how Color Tile of Salem can help you find floors you love at unbeatable prices.

1. What’s the Most Durable Flooring Option?

The top choices for durable floors are Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT). These flooring options are:

• Waterproof
• Scratch and dent resistance
• Able to handle high foot traffic with ease
• Great for kids, pets, and entertaining
• Wonderful in kitchens, living rooms, hallways, and entryways

Many Salem homeowners love LVP because it stands up to wet weather and everyday wear and tear without sacrificing style. Today’s vinyl flooring looks incredibly realistic (mimicking hardwood and stone at a fraction of the cost). For businesses, commercial-grade vinyl offers added durability while keeping maintenance affordable and straightforward.

2. Is Hardwood Flooring Worth the Investment?

Yes, hardwood flooring can certainly be worth the investment, adding long-term value to your space. Hardwood flooring brings warmth, character, and long-term value that never goes out of style. Many buyers still view hardwood as a premium feature, making it a strong option for resale.

Why Homeowners Choose Hardwood:

• Adds long-term value to your home
• Can be refinished multiple times
• Offers timeless appeal
• Looks great in dining rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms

That said, hardwood isn’t always the best fit for every space. Engineered hardwood is a smarter alternative in some homes. Engineered products provide the same look with better stability and affordability. At Color Tile of Salem, we help homeowners weigh cost, lifestyle, and long-term goals to decide if hardwood or an alternative is the best investment.

3. Can A New Floor Be Installed Over My Existing Floors?

Sometimes yes, but it depends on the flooring material and the condition of your subfloor.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Laminate can often be installed over existing flooring with no issues. This can help reduce labor costs and speed up installation. On the other hand, ceramic or porcelain tile and hardwood usually cannot be installed over an existing floor system. These materials need a solid, level foundation to perform properly. Installing over uneven or damaged surfaces can lead to long-term issues.

That’s why we always recommend a professional evaluation before installation. At Color Tile of Salem, we assess your current floors and subfloor conditions to ensure your new flooring lasts as long as it should.

4. What Flooring Is Best for Homes With Pets?

If you have pets, you already know that flooring takes a beating. From muddy paws to accidents and scratches, your floors need to work as hard as your furry family members.

Top Pet-Friendly Flooring Options:

• Waterproof LVP/LVT
• Pet-friendly carpet, like our Happy Pets Destination line

LVP resists scratches, stains, and moisture, making it a go-to choice for many pet owners. For bedrooms and cozy living areas, pet-specific carpets offer stain resistance, odor control, and softness underfoot—without sacrificing durability.

We help Salem homeowners strike the right balance between comfort, performance, and style for pet-friendly homes.

5. How Long Does A Floor Installation Take?

Every home is unique so that timelines may vary by project. It also depends heavily on the material, room size, prep work, and subfloor conditions. Carpet, LVP, and LVT installations typically take around one to three days. Hardwood and ceramic or porcelain tile usually take longer (around three to seven days), due to more intricate installation requirements.

6. What Flooring Performs Best in Kitchens and Bathrooms?

These spaces demand flooring that can handle moisture, spills, and frequent cleaning. LVP/LVT, tile, and waterproof laminate are all excellent choices. These materials are moisture-resistant and offer endless design options. Tile remains a classic choice for bathrooms, while LVP has become increasingly popular in kitchens for its warmth, comfort, and water resistance.

7. Do Floor Colors Really Affect a Room?

Yes! The flooring color you choose will have a huge impact on your space’s atmosphere and how big it feels. Lighter floors can really open up a space, while darker floors can be more sophisticated and dramatic. If you’re looking to open up your space, lighter floors or cool tones are the go-to. For a more sophisticated look, choose a darker flooring option. Want timeless? Choose a more neutral tone. Comfy and inviting? Warm tones.

Lighting also plays a massive role in how the flooring color appears. Natural light, window placement, and even time of day can change how a color looks. That’s why seeing samples in person, under real lighting conditions, makes all the difference.

At our Salem showroom, you can compare flooring colors side by side and take samples home to see how they look in your space.

Why Choose Color Tile of Salem?

At Color Tile of Salem, we’re here to help you find the floor of your dreams! We offer:

• A hands-on showroom experience.
• Expert guidance from our flooring professionals.
• Affordable pricing and seasonal specials.
• Flexible financing options to fit your budget. Get 12 months, no interest!
• Local expertise.

We help homeowners make confident decisions they’ll be happy with for years to come.

Get All the Answers and Floors You’ll Love

If you’ve been thinking about new floors, these FAQs give you a solid starting point, but every home is different. That’s where our team comes in. Whether you’re upgrading one room, building new, or remodeling your entire home, Color Tile of Salem is here to answer your questions and help you find high-quality flooring at unbeatable prices.

👉 Visit our Salem showroom on Lancaster Dr., shop at home, contact our team, or schedule an in-home estimate today. Use our Room Visualizer to view your space’s floors in real time!

 

Let’s find the floor that fits your home, your lifestyle, and your budget.