Frequently Asked Questions

The best flooring depends on the room, your lifestyle, budget and priorities. Carpet offers softness and comfort, hardwood provides the natural character of real wood, and luxury vinyl, laminate and tile provide different combinations of durability, appearance and maintenance.

Consider traffic, moisture, pets, children and how much maintenance you want before choosing a floor.

Pet owners should consider scratch resistance, stain resistance, moisture performance and ease of cleaning.

Luxury vinyl and other resilient flooring products are popular choices for many households with pets. Carpet may be preferred when softness, comfort and traction are higher priorities. The best choice depends on your pets and how the room is used.

For busy areas such as entryways, hallways, kitchens and family rooms, durability and maintenance should be important considerations.

Luxury vinyl, laminate and tile can all be worth considering. Compare the specifications and warranties of individual products because performance can vary significantly within each flooring category.

Houston's heat, humidity and active lifestyles make it especially important to consider where flooring will be installed and its potential exposure to moisture.

Tile and appropriate luxury vinyl products may be worth comparing for kitchens, bathrooms and entryways. Carpet can provide comfort in bedrooms and living spaces, while hardwood and laminate provide additional options for achieving a wood look.

The right flooring depends on the conditions of the individual room.

Kitchen flooring should be able to handle regular traffic, spills and frequent cleaning.

Tile and suitable luxury vinyl products are popular options. Appearance, maintenance, comfort and the conditions of your particular kitchen should all factor into the decision.

Moisture should be one of your biggest considerations when choosing bathroom flooring.

Porcelain and ceramic tile are traditional bathroom flooring choices. Appropriate luxury vinyl products can provide another option, particularly for homeowners interested in wood- or stone-inspired designs.

Luxury vinyl is a resilient flooring category available in a wide variety of wood- and stone-inspired designs.

It's become a popular choice for homeowners looking to balance appearance, durability and easy maintenance. Products can differ considerably in construction and performance, so compare individual flooring specifications before choosing.

Some luxury vinyl products are marketed as waterproof, while others may have different levels of water resistance.

Always check the manufacturer's specifications and warranty for the individual product you're considering rather than assuming every luxury vinyl floor provides the same moisture protection.

Luxury vinyl can be a good option for many homes with pets because certain products are designed with durability, moisture resistance and easy maintenance in mind.

Scratch resistance and overall performance vary by product, however, so households with larger or particularly active pets should compare product specifications carefully.

Luxury vinyl and laminate can both provide realistic wood-inspired designs, but they're constructed differently.

Luxury vinyl is a resilient flooring product, while laminate typically uses a wood-based core. Moisture performance, feel, durability and price can differ between the two. Where the flooring will be installed can help determine which is the better choice.

Laminate can provide excellent everyday durability, but performance varies by product.

Consider the wear rating, moisture specifications, manufacturer warranty and where the flooring will be installed. A product suitable for a bedroom may not necessarily be the best choice for a heavily traveled entryway.

Yes. Carpet remains a popular choice when comfort, warmth and softness are priorities.

Bedrooms, family rooms and living spaces are common places to consider carpet. Modern carpet is available in a wide variety of colors, textures, fibers and performance levels.

Start with how the room will be used.

Traffic levels, pets, children, stain resistance, softness, fiber, construction, color and maintenance are all worth considering. A quiet bedroom can have very different carpet requirements than a hallway or busy family room.

There's no single lifespan for every carpet.

Product quality, fiber, construction, traffic, maintenance, pets and other household conditions can all affect longevity. Visible wear, matting, permanent stains and changes in appearance can all be reasons to consider replacing existing carpet.

Hardwood remains desirable because of the natural appearance and character of genuine wood.

Whether it's the right choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, room conditions and maintenance expectations. Hardwood products also differ in species, construction, finish, color and overall performance.

Hardwood can be used successfully in Houston homes, but humidity and moisture conditions should be considered.

Wood naturally responds to changes in its environment. Product selection, acclimation when required, proper installation and maintaining appropriate indoor conditions can all be important.

Always follow the flooring manufacturer's recommendations for the specific hardwood product.

Both are clay-based tile products, but porcelain is generally denser and has lower water absorption than standard ceramic tile.

Both categories offer numerous colors, patterns, sizes and designs. The best choice depends on where the tile will be installed and the specifications required for that application.

Tile is commonly considered for kitchens, bathrooms, entryways and other areas where durability and moisture performance are priorities.

Different tiles have different ratings and specifications, so make sure the product you select is designed for its intended use.

Flooring costs vary significantly depending on the material, product quality, amount of flooring required and requirements of the project.

Carpet, luxury vinyl, laminate, hardwood and tile can all fall into different price ranges. Establishing a project budget and comparing suitable products within that range is usually more useful than relying on one average flooring price.

Not necessarily.

Upfront price is only one consideration. Durability, maintenance, expected lifespan, warranty and how well the product fits the room can all affect long-term value.

The lowest-priced floor isn't a bargain if it doesn't meet the needs of the space.

Whenever possible, yes.

Colors and textures can look different on a screen than they do in person. Seeing flooring firsthand also makes it easier to compare materials, finishes, textures and construction before making a decision.

Flooring Materials Plus is located at:

5501 Dorbrandt St
Houston, TX 77023

Flooring Materials Plus offers flooring options including carpet, luxury vinyl, hardwood, laminate and tile.

Visiting the Houston store gives you an opportunity to compare flooring materials and styles in person.

Flooring Materials Plus is identified as both a flooring store and flooring contractor, with wood flooring installation among its listed services. Contact the store at (281) 301-5506 to discuss installation availability and requirements for your particular flooring project.