c/flooring-installers

Had to choose between a full tear-out or floating a new floor over old tile on a kitchen job

The client wanted vinyl plank over their old 80s tile, and I was worried about height issues at the doors if I just floated over it. I went with the tear-out, which added two days and about $400 to the quote, but the final look is rock solid. Anyone ever float over tile and regret it later?

Rant: A client in Austin told me my glue lines were 'sloppy as heck' last month.

They pointed out a spot where I had used too much adhesive and it squeezed up through the plank seams. I switched to using a 1/4 inch V-notch trowel for that specific engineered wood and it made a HUGE difference. What's the most direct piece of job site feedback you've ever gotten that actually made you better?

Just realized I was using the wrong trowel for LVP for months

I was on a job in a Phoenix condo last month and the planks kept clicking apart. The homeowner's son, who does handyman work, asked if my trowel was a quarter-inch. It was a half-inch, which I now know can cause gaps with that locking system. What's your go-to trowel size for most vinyl plank these days?

A job in a 1920s bungalow taught me to always check for a second layer of subfloor

Warning: I was scoring underlayment wrong for a decade until a client in Tacoma pointed out my cuts were lifting.

Honestly, I was using my utility knife to score and snap, but the tip-off was seeing the pad tear instead of cleanly separating, so I switched to a hook blade and a straightedge for a perfect cut every time, anyone else have a better method for that dense rubber stuff?

Noticing how extra measuring time reduces leftover flooring

I see that spending a few more minutes on measuring really helps. Last month, I put down laminate in a kitchen with uneven walls. I checked each board's fit before making any cuts. This way, I ended up with only a small pile of scraps. The homeowner liked the tight seams and no wasted material. My supply order was right on point, which kept costs low. Taking that extra care makes the job better for everyone.

I finally messed up a herringbone tile job and it sparked a tools vs. skill debate in my head.

Honestly, I was laying down some vinyl plank in a herringbone pattern for a small entryway last week. Tbh, I skipped using a laser level because I was in a rush and thought my eyes were good enough. Ngl, by the time I reached the far wall, the lines were totally crooked and the pattern looked like a mess. I had to rip up three rows, which wasted time and a few planks. Now I'm hearing two sides: one crew says you always need precise tools like lasers and chalk lines for any complex layout, or you're asking for trouble. But other installers argue that real skill comes from feeling it out and making adjustments on the fly, no gadgets needed. Personally, I'm leaning toward using tools now, but I see the point about not getting lazy. What's your view on this for pattern work?

The awkward minute when a client kept trying to walk on fresh floor sealer

My son keeps begging to help with the floor nailer. How do I keep him safe?

My 14-year-old has been following me on jobs lately, and he's really into learning flooring. He watches every move I make with the nailer when we're putting down hardwood. Last week, he asked if he could try it himself, and I just froze. I let him handle the underlayment and some cutting, but the nailer feels like a big step. I want to support his interest, but the thought of an accident scares me. Other dads in the trade, how do you balance teaching your kids with keeping them out of harm's way? Our bond has grown through this, but I don't want to rush things and make a mistake.

Subfloor moisture checks are a must, no excuses

Skipping them leads to blown budgets and mad clients, lmao. Do it right or don't do it at all.

Glue-down LVP adhesive is often overused in our trade

I've cut the amount I use in half and never had a failure. It makes cleanup easier and saves money on materials.

My tight vinyl install held up, and now I question expansion gaps

I know most flooring guys would say leaving expansion gaps is a must, but I have a different take. On a job last fall, I put in vinyl planks in a sunroom that stays warm and dry year round. I installed them tight to the walls, no gaps at all. Checked back this spring, and there is zero buckling or lifting. The material just did not move like we expect. Many installers might think this is crazy, but I see it as a sign that some rules are too broad. We should look at each room's conditions before deciding. It saved me time and the client liked the seamless look. Maybe we need to update our old habits for new products.

Thinking back to how we used to handle big glue-down jobs as a team

Back in the day, three of us would line up and work in sync, one mixing glue while others rolled it out. Now it's mostly solo work with prepackaged adhesives and tight deadlines from the office. The chatter and shared effort made long floors feel shorter, and you learned tricks just by watching. These days, it's quieter and faster, but I kind of miss that crew rhythm.