WElcome ! Let's get started with you r new floors.
At Stout Builders, we understand that your floors play a significant role in setting the tone and ambiance of your home. That's why we are committed to providing you with exceptional craftsmanship and a wide range of flooring options that suit your style, needs, and budget.
WHAT TO EXPECT...
Floors are the canvas upon which your personal style and taste come to life, setting the tone for every room and making your house truly feel like home. They set the stage for your interior design vision and can significantly impact the comfort of your living spaces. From cozy carpets to elegant hardwood, we'll help you find the perfect flooring solution to match your lifestyle.
While they significantly impact aesthetics, floors also need to withstand the test of time. It is important to choose materials that suit your lifestyle can serve your needs for years to come.
We have built this webpage with you in mind, to walk you through the construction process from demolition to completion! We hope that it will answer the majority of your questions and takes most of the scary, unknown out of the process. Of course, never hesitate to reach out if you have any questions! We're a pretty friendly bunch and always love to talk through any other questions you may have.
what is
pre-construction?
Design
Plans
Permits
Estimates
Contracts
Pre-con agreements are rarely necessary for installing new floors. However, if you aren't familiar with our pre-construction process and are interested, click this button.
Remodel Mood Level %
Meeting & Site Visit
Final Invoice
Punch List
Demolition
Order materials
100
75
50
25
0
Floor Preparation
Lay flooring
Baseboards
Contract
Estimate
Underlayment
Pre-Construction
(2-4 weeks)
Duration of Construction
(1-3 weeks)
If you haven't viewed our pre-construction process yet, click this button!
Pre-Construction Process
PROJECT SCHEDULE
The project schedule is the brain of the operation, essential for every project. For flooring, this schedule involves coordination of ordering materials, subcontractor management and inspection deadlines. We will deliver a project schedule in the form of a gantt chart at the start of your project, and update it as time goes along. We work alongside you to schedule the arrival of all necessary materials before demolition begins to ensure the project runs smoothly and quickly... To the right you'll see a sample gantt chart!
ProSource Orlando
Home Depot
Lowes
Floor & Decor
Imeca
RECOMMENDED SUPPLY STORES
ORDERING MATERIALS
We will coordinate the ordering and delivering of materials with you as the project start date approaches to ensure the seamless execution of the project once construction begins. Materials that are design selections are your responsibility to source. As soon as design work begins, we will share with you a Selections Spreadsheet where you can keep track of all the decisions you need to make about your kitchen and all the materials you need to order.
We will not include the items you order in our estimated project cost as you are the purchaser.
Delivery lag times depend on the type of flooring selected. Standard hardwood, engineered hardwood, LVP, and tile typically arrive within 1-2 weeks. Specialty and custom flooring will be slower with a 2-4 week delivery time.
If time is of the essence, we will schedule demolition and floor preparation 3-4 days in advance of your estimated material delivery date so that installation can begin as soon as materials arrive.
YOU HANDLE THINGS LIKE
Floor Material
Underlayment
Grout
Baseboards
Shoe Molding
Transition Slips
WE HANDLE THINGS LIKE
Glue
Self Leveling Cement
Mortar
Caulk
Grout Sealer
Area Preparation Material
Dumpster
AKA
any material related to design and style
AKA construction material
Concrete - Industrial Chic: Concrete flooring brings an industrial, minimalist aesthetic to spaces and is celebrated for its sleek, contemporary appeal.
Floor material superlatives
"Classiest Charm"
Hardwood
is the ultimate in timeless elegance, adding a touch of class and sophistication to any space.
"Savviest Sidekick"
Engineered Hardwood
is the clever companion, delivering the beauty of wood with extra resilience against life's challenges.
"Virtually Versatile"
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
takes versatility to a whole new level, mimicking other materials while offering waterproof superpowers.
"The Coolest"
Concrete
the trendsetters, showcasing a sleek, industrial chic look that's just plain cool.
"Tile-tally Terrific"
Tile
steals the show with its diverse designs, making it the go-to choice for creating visually stunning floors.
DEMOLITION
Time to start the project! 9 times out of 10, demolition of the existing flooring will be required! This can be a rather quick or lengthy process depending on what flooring you currently have, but nonetheless it is the first step in the process!
Demo cost by material
Concrete or Terrazzo
Hardwood
Laminate
Carpet
Tile
$$
$
There are a few things to consider before the demolition stage:
- Dust, dust and more... dust. Before demolition begins, prepare yourself for the home to be dusty. It is imperative that anything you want kept save and dust free must be boxed or relocated from the construction zone.
- Shoe Moulding and Baseboards - 95% of the time, baseboards and shoe moulding are removed prior to new flooring going in. If they were just replaced or are in good condition, they may be kept; however, we cannot guarantee they will not be damaged during the demolition process since it is a rough scope. Most homeowners we work with wish they had replaced both when updating their flooring.
- Tile over tile? While this is sometimes found in homes, we do not recommend it and rarely do it. There are few scenarios in which we may be able to save some money and lay new tile over the existing, but it generally causes more harm than good.
What to expect:
- Dumpster is dropped off on street or driveway
- Area protection is typically installed in areas that are not in the scope of work
- All debris will be cleaned and space will be organized daily
FLOOR PREPARATION
A smooth and level surface is your best friend when it comes to installing a new floor.
1. Grinding
Grinding involves using specialized machinery equipped with abrasive discs to gently remove the top layer of your floor's surface. This step is particularly useful for smoothing out uneven spots, removing old adhesives, paints, or coatings, and getting rid of any imperfections that might interfere with the flawless installation of your new floor.
2. Self-Leveling
"Self-leveling" refers to the use of a specialized compound that automatically spreads and settles to create a flat and even surface. It will be poured onto the existing floor and then naturally level itself, filling in any low spots or irregularities. This results in a smooth and uniform base, ready for the installation of new flooring materials.
3. Moisture Barriers
Applying a moisture barrier is a crucial step, especially in areas prone to high humidity, dampness, or potential water exposure. It helps to protect your new floor from warping, buckling, and other moisture-related issues, ensuring a longer-lasting and more resilient flooring installation.
4. Underlayment
Underlayment is a vital layer that bridges the gap between your subfloor and the final flooring material. Think of it as the unsung hero that contributes to the longevity, comfort, and performance of your new floor. It's the foundation upon which your flooring masterpiece is built. Each type of flooring material will have its own underlayment requirements.
INSTALLING HARDWOOD FLOORING
Glue down installation creates a solid bond between the wood and subfloor, resulting in a stable and secure floor. The glue acts as a buffer, reducing noise transmission between floors. This method often leads to an exceptionally durable floor, well-suited for high-traffic areas.
GLUE DOWN
Nail down installation is a classic method that has been used for generations, offering a tried-and-true way to secure wood flooring. Like glue down installation, nail down floors tend to be highly durable and well-suited for areas with heavy foot traffic. Nail down installation requires a solid subfloor material to nail into, ie. floor joist or plywood. While not always utilized, installers will sometimes glue and nail for hardwood flooring.
NAIL DOWN
"Floating" or click-in installation involves interlocking wood planks without the need for adhesive. Since planks aren't glued to the subfloor, they can expand and contract with temperature changes, making click-in floors suitable for various environments. If ever needed, click-in floors can be disassembled and reinstalled elsewhere without damaging the planks. Most click-in installations require an underlayment, which provides cushioning, sound dampening, and moisture protection.
FLOATING
What to expect:
- To prevent warping after installation, the flooring material needs to be placed in the room to acclimate to its humidity and temperature for a few days pre-installation.
- Wood flooring will be installed with your chosen installation method. Installation times will vary.
- If you are replacing baseboards or moldings, those will be installed to cover the expansion gaps set around the perimeter of the room to accommodate wood's natural expansion and contraction.
INSTALLING LUXURY VINYL FLOORING
GLUE DOWN
Glue down installation creates a solid bond between the wood and subfloor, resulting in a stable and secure floor. The glue acts as a buffer, reducing noise transmission between floors. This method often leads to an exceptionally durable floor, well-suited for high-traffic areas. Glue down is often
- LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank): LVP is designed to mimic the look of hardwood flooring. It comes in long, rectangular planks that typically resemble various wood species. LVP often includes textures and embossing that mimic the grain and surface of real wood, giving it an authentic appearance.
FLOATING
"Floating" or click-in installation involves interlocking luxury vinyl planks without the need for adhesive. Click-in LVP is suitable for various environments. If ever needed, click-in floors can be disassembled and reinstalled elsewhere without damaging the planks. Most click-in installations require an underlayment, which provides cushioning, sound dampening, and moisture protection.
- LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile): LVT, on the other hand, is designed to imitate the look of natural stone, ceramic, or porcelain tile. It comes in square or rectangular tiles and often features textures and patterns that resemble real stone or tile. LVT can provide the appearance of materials like marble, travertine, slate, or ceramic tile.
What to expect:
- Luxury Vinyl does not need to acclimate to the space in which it is being placed.
- Wood flooring will be installed with your chosen installation method. Installation times will vary.
- If you are replacing baseboards or moldings, those will be installed.
TIME FOR TILE
A little extra thought typically goes into laying down tile as compared to wood floors. With so many factors to consider (patterns, focal points, tile size), proper planning is essential to ensuring the end-result is elegant and what you want!
What does this process look like?
PICK YOUR PATTERN
PICK YOUR TILE COLOR
PICK YOUR GROUT & SCHLUTER COLOR
What to expect:
- Tile layout is planned. Chalk may be used to create reference lines as guides.
- Mortar is mixed and spread on a small section of the subfloor.
- Next, tiles are pressed into the mortar. Tile spacers are used to maintain consistent gaps.
- Tiles placed along edges, corners and obstacles likely need to be cut using a tile cutter or wet saw.
- The mortar will need to set according to the manufacturer's instructions (several hours or overnight).
- Grout is mixed and applied.
- Excess grout is wiped away 15-30 minutes after it is applied.
- Grout sealer may be necessary to protect the grout from staining and moisture. If so, it is applied.
- You will have to wait a few days before you can walk on the newly laid tile.
What's the difference between Grout and Mortar?
Grout fills the gaps between tiles, providing structural support and preventing moisture from infiltrating beneath the tiles. Mortar is used to bond the tiles to the surface.
TILE
Tile flooring offers not only durability and practicality but also the opportunity to infuse your space with CREATIVITY and CHARACTER.
Ceramic
Budget-friendly and available in countless colors and patterns.
Natural Stone
Offers natural beauty and elegance, with options like marble, granite, travertine, and slate.
Porcelain
Durable and highly resistant to moisture, stains, and heavy use.
Glass
Creates a sleek and modern look, often used for accents or decorative purposes.
Hardwood and Wood-like Alternative Flooring Options | ||||
Click on the buttons to learn more! | Appearance | Durability | Maintenance | Installation Cost Per SQFT |
Natural Hardwood flooring is the real deal, showcasing the natural beauty and warmth of wood species. It offers unparalleled authenticity and character. | Natural Hardwood is more susceptible to scratches and staining than other options, but it can be durable and last for generations with proper care. Natural wood flooring can be refinished a number of times, with a brand new feel each and every time. Lifespan: 50+ years | Refinishing includes sanding down to bare wood then reapplying your stain and seal of choice. The “finish” or stain & seal applied to natural wood is an essential element to its lifespan. | $4-6 | |
Engineered wood consists of a real wood veneer layer on top of plywood or high-density fiberboard. It closely resembles hardwood. | Engineered wood is more resistant to scratches and moisture than natural hardwood, and therefor less prone to warping. Unfortunately, it can only be sanded and refinished a limited number of times. Lifespan: 50+ years | Regular cleaning and occasional refinishing are needed to maintain its appearance. | $4-6 | |
LVP offers highly realistic wood visuals with embossed textures. It's available in a range of colors and styles. | LVP is highly durable, scratch and water-resistant, and can withstand heavy foot traffic. This makes for an ideal choice for busy households. Lifespan: 15-25 years | LVP is easy to clean and doesn't require refinishing. Regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping are sufficient. | $2-5 | |
Natural Hardwoods
Engineered Hardwoods
BASEBOARDS & TRANSITION SLIPS
If you decide to replace your baseboards, they will be installed after your new flooring has been laid. Transition slips will be installed in areas where two different types of flooring meet, ensuring a smooth and safe passage between rooms.
Client Tip
More and more people are deciding not to reinstall shoe molding as it can be a dust collector and it's an added expense. They are opting for baseboards only.
Baseboard
Shoe Molding
What's the difference between baseboards and shoe molding?
Baseboards are larger and more noticeable, serving both aesthetics and protection by covering a significant portion of the wall. They offer design impact and a visual transition between walls and floors. In contrast, shoe moldings are smaller and subtle, designed to cover gaps between flooring and baseboards, ensuring a polished appearance. While less visible, they provide a neat finish to the transition area.
CLIENT TIP.
No project is perfect until the punch list.
While your floor may look 100% complete, it may only be 97%. We want to ensure your full satisfaction, and that's where punch lists come into play. Please be patient with us as we near the end.
WHAT IS A PUNCH LIST?
When everything else has been completed, we will perform a detailed sweep of your floors and compile a punch list of any outstanding items that need attending. This is where we scrutinize our work, catch any hiding imperfections, and correct them. If there is anything you are unsatisfied with, let us know so we can correct it here.
What to expect:
We'll hand you a roll of blue tape and you can go crazy marking up your floors and baseboards with things that stand out to you as incomplete. Have fun with it!
Flooring Complete! we hope you enjoy it forever!
