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Flooring FAQs: What Every First-Time Buyer Wants to Know

August 20, 2025 | Carpet Master Carpet One Floor & Home

Shopping for new flooring can be exciting—but if it’s your first time, it can also feel overwhelming. From hardwood to luxury vinyl, tile to carpet, there are so many choices. How do you know which one is right for your home?

At Carpet Master Carpet One Floor & Home, we’ve been answering flooring questions from our neighbors in Champaign, Urbana, Mahomet, and beyond for years. As your local flooring experts, we believe that an informed buyer is a confident buyer. So, we’ve rounded up some of the most common questions we hear—and answered them in true neighborly fashion.

1. What’s the Best Flooring for High-Traffic Areas?

If you’ve got kids, pets, or a busy household, you need flooring that can handle the hustle and bustle.

• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Durable, waterproof, and scratch-resistant. Great for entryways, kitchens, and family rooms.
• Tile: Tough enough for mudrooms and bathrooms, with endless design possibilities.
• Engineered Hardwood: Gives you the beauty of hardwood with extra durability for everyday use.

Neighbor Tip: We even offer waterproof hardwood options for homes that need extra resilience.

Learn more about taking care of hardwood floors here: Hardwood Guide

2. Is Carpet Still a Good Choice for Homes?

Absolutely! Carpet remains a cozy favorite for bedrooms, family rooms, and basements.

• Today’s carpets come in:
  • Stain-resistant options
  • Pet-friendly varieties
  • Eco-conscious materials

Our Room by Room collection helps you shop carpet by color, style, and feel—so you can find a perfect match without getting overwhelmed.

3. How Do I Choose Between Hardwood and Laminate?

Both have their perks, but here’s the simple breakdown:

• Hardwood Flooring: Timeless beauty, adds value to your home, best for living rooms and dining areas.
• Laminate Flooring: Looks like hardwood but more affordable and highly scratch-resistant—great for busy households or budget-conscious buyers.

Not sure? Use our Room Visualizer Tool to see how each option looks in your space before you decide.

4. What’s the Difference Between Luxury Vinyl and Laminate?

We hear this one a lot!

• Luxury Vinyl Flooring: Waterproof, flexible, soft underfoot, great for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
• Laminate Flooring: More rigid, not waterproof, but very durable and perfect for living spaces or bedrooms.

If moisture is a concern—go with vinyl. If you want budget-friendly durability—laminate’s your friend.

Learn how to take care of your luxury vinyl flooring here: Luxury Vinyl Guide

5. How Long Does Flooring Installation Take?

It depends on the type of flooring and the size of the space, but here’s a quick guide:

• Carpet: 1–2 days for most homes.
• Luxury Vinyl/ Laminate: Typically 1–2 days for average-sized rooms.
• Hardwood: 3–5 days, depending on prep work and room size.
• Tile: 3–5 days (with additional time for setting and grout).

And yes—we handle the entire process with in-house installation crews who treat your home like their own.

Read more tips here: Tile Guide

6. How Can I Be Sure I’ll Love My New Floor?

We get it. Buying flooring is a big decision. That’s why we offer The Beautiful Guarantee®—if you don’t love your new floor, we’ll replace it for free.

It’s part of our promise to make sure you’re 100% happy with your choice. Because at Carpet Master, we don’t just sell floors—we stand behind them.

Check out our warranty guide here: Warranty Guide

7. Can I Get a Free Estimate Before I Commit?

Absolutely! We offer free project estimates so you know exactly what to expect before making a decision. Plus, with our Shop at Home service, you can even see samples in your own space before you buy.

8. What Financing Options Are Available?

We know new floors are an investment. That’s why we offer special financing options to help you get the look you want without breaking the bank. Ask us about flexible payment plans through Synchrony Financing.

9. How Do I Maintain My New Floors?

We’re big on neighborly advice—so here are our quick maintenance tips:

• Hardwood: Sweep regularly and clean with a damp (not wet) mop.
• Luxury Vinyl & Laminate: Use a soft broom or vacuum; avoid harsh cleaners.
• Carpet: Vacuum weekly and schedule a professional clean once a year.
• Tile: Sweep often and mop with a pH-neutral cleaner.

Bonus—ask about our Stain Removal Tips and Flooring Maintenance Guides in-store! You can also check out our Carpet Guide here.

10. Why Choose Carpet Master Carpet One?

We’re not a big-box store—we’re your local flooring partner. When you visit us, you get:

• A curated selection of top flooring brands
• Locally-owned neighborly service
• Expert advice from people who live right here in Champaign
• The Room by Room shopping experience for simplified choices
• A full range of services—from estimates to installation

Still Have Questions? Stop By or Give Us a Call!

At Carpet Master Carpet One Floor & Home, we’re here to make your first flooring experience a great one. Whether you're tackling a single room or a whole home, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Visit us at 1501 N Prospect Avenue, Champaign, IL or call 217-383-0891 for expert advice, free estimates, and neighborly service you can trust.