How-to guides for Connecticut, Massachusetts & Rhode Island homeowners
Straight answers on costs, materials, and hiring a contractor in northeast Connecticut, written by Nick Turner.
Which Direction to Lay Flooring (and Changing Direction Between Rooms)
Which way to run LVP, laminate and hardwood planks, how joists affect nail-down floors, and how to change flooring direction between rooms cleanly.
How-to guidesDifferent Floor Heights Between Rooms: How to Fix a Small Step
Why floors end up at different heights between rooms, how to measure the step, and how to fix it with reducers, subfloor build-up, removal or ramping.
How-to guidesDo You Need Underlayment for LVP or Laminate? What to Use and Why
Laminate almost always needs underlayment. LVP often has a pad attached and needs nothing extra. When to add one, which type, and what voids the warranty.
How-to guidesHow to Choose LVP Flooring: A Buying Guide From an Installer
How to choose LVP flooring: core type, wear layer, thickness, pad, click system, waterproof claims, plank size and the red flags to avoid before you buy.
How-to guidesHow to Install LVP Flooring: Step-by-Step Guide for Click-Lock Vinyl Plank
How to install click-lock LVP flooring step by step: tools, subfloor prep, layout, cutting, the last row, expansion gaps, transitions and trim.
How-to guidesHow to Install Laminate Flooring: Step-by-Step Guide
How to install laminate flooring step by step: acclimation, underlayment and vapor barrier, layout, tapping block, pull bar, gaps and where not to use it.
How-to guidesHow to Clean LVP and Laminate Floors (and What Never to Use)
How to clean LVP and laminate floors daily and weekly, which cleaners to use and avoid, and how to prevent and fix scratches or replace a damaged plank.
How-to guidesFlooring Transitions Between Rooms: Types, Where They Go and When You Need One
Where a floor transition goes in a doorway, which strip to use (T-molding, reducer, end cap, stair nose) and when transition strips are actually necessary.
How-to guidesHow to Level a Subfloor for LVP or Laminate
Subfloor leveling for LVP and laminate: how to check flatness, fix wood and concrete subfloors, leveler drying time, and when it is a framing issue.
How-to guidesCan You Install LVP Over Existing Flooring? Tile, Linoleum, Vinyl and More
LVP can usually go over tile, linoleum, sheet vinyl, hardwood and concrete if flat and solid, never carpet. Here are the rules for each existing floor.
Want it done before the holidays?
Fall is the busiest season for flooring in the Quiet Corner. Book your free walkthrough now to lock a start date while there's still room on the schedule.