Flooring Guide · Plain English
The Flooring Comparison Guide
Hardwood, engineered wood, laminate, vinyl plank, tile, marble and carpet compared in plain English, so you can pick the floor you will love.
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Compare
Pick a Floor, See the Trade-Offs
Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood is warm, timeless and built to be refinished. We install oak, hickory, walnut, maple and more in the widths and finishes that suit your home, with the craftsmanship a real wood floor deserves.
Good to know
- A real wood floor that can be sanded and refinished
- Oak, hickory, walnut, maple and more to choose from
- Wide planks, narrow strips, herringbone and chevron layouts
Keep in mind
- Not ideal for basements or wet rooms
- Can scratch and dent, so use mats and felt pads
Bottom line: The floor that makes a house feel like a home. See the hardwood page
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood has a real wood surface on top of a layered core, so you get the look of hardwood with extra stability. It is a smart pick for wide planks, open plans and rooms where solid wood is not recommended.
Good to know
- A real wood surface in many species and finishes
- More dimensional stability than solid wood
- Wide and long planks that stay flat
Keep in mind
- Wear-layer thickness limits refinishing
- Not waterproof
Bottom line: Real wood, built to be more stable. See the engineered hardwood page
Laminate Flooring
Modern laminate looks remarkably like real wood and stone, resists scratches and fading, and goes in quickly. It is a smart, budget-friendly choice for busy homes.
Good to know
- Scratch- and fade-resistant surface
- Wood and stone looks with realistic texture
- Click-lock installation over underlayment
Keep in mind
- Cannot be refinished
- Standing water can damage the core
Bottom line: The look of wood, built to take a beating. See the laminate page
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring
Luxury vinyl plank is the go-to floor for homes with kids, pets and busy kitchens. It is waterproof, scratch-resistant and comes in wood and stone looks that are hard to tell from the real thing.
Good to know
- Waterproof construction for kitchens, baths and basements
- Scratch- and stain-resistant wear layers
- Realistic wood and stone looks
Keep in mind
- Can dent under heavy point loads
- Not a refinishable surface
Bottom line: Waterproof, durable and gorgeous. See the luxury vinyl plank page
Vinyl Sheet & Vinyl Tile Flooring
Vinyl sheet and vinyl tile are the practical workhorses of the flooring world: water-resistant, comfortable underfoot and easy to clean. They are a great fit for laundry rooms, kitchens, baths and rentals.
Good to know
- Seamless or nearly seamless water resistance with sheet vinyl
- Individual tiles that can be replaced one at a time
- Stone, wood and pattern looks
Keep in mind
- Sheet vinyl can tear if gouged
- Less depth than real wood or stone
Bottom line: Seamless, practical and easy on the budget. See the vinyl sheet & tile page
Ceramic & Porcelain Tile Flooring
Porcelain and ceramic tile are tough, water-resistant and endlessly stylish. From a large-format kitchen floor to a mosaic bath, we install tile with the prep and precision that make it last.
Good to know
- Dense, durable and highly water-resistant porcelain
- Large-format, mosaic and patterned options
- Stone, concrete and wood looks
Keep in mind
- Feels cool and hard underfoot
- Grout lines need occasional care
Bottom line: Built for the rooms that work the hardest. See the ceramic & porcelain tile page
Wood-Look Tile Flooring
Wood-look porcelain tile gives you the grain and color of hardwood on a floor that shrugs off water, scratches and heat. It is a great fit for kitchens, sunrooms, patios and whole homes.
Good to know
- Realistic wood grain in a porcelain plank
- Water- and scratch-resistant
- Works well with radiant heat
Keep in mind
- Harder and cooler than wood or vinyl
- Layout planning matters for the plank look
Bottom line: All the warmth of wood, none of the worry. See the wood-look tile page
Marble & Natural Stone Flooring
Marble, travertine, limestone and slate bring a one-of-a-kind, luxurious look that no man-made floor can copy. We install natural stone with the care and precision it demands.
Good to know
- One-of-a-kind natural veining and color
- Polished, honed and tumbled finishes
- Foyers, baths, kitchens and showers
Keep in mind
- Can scratch and etch with acids
- Needs sealing and gentle cleaners
Bottom line: Timeless luxury, laid by hand. See the marble & natural stone page
Carpet Installation
Nothing beats carpet for comfort, warmth and quiet. We install plush, textured and stain-resistant carpet in bedrooms, family rooms and stairs, with the right pad and a tight, clean finish.
Good to know
- Soft, warm and quiet underfoot
- Stain-resistant fibers and many textures
- Quality pad for cushion and life
Keep in mind
- Can stain and hold odors without care
- Not suited to wet rooms
Bottom line: Soft, warm and made for comfort. See the carpet page
General characteristics. Products and finishes vary, so we walk through the details with you in your home.
Feel the Texture
Oak, Walnut, Stone & Soft Fibers
A close look at six surfaces.
OakHardwood 
WalnutHardwood 
HerringboneHardwood 
PorcelainCeramic & Porcelain Tile 
MarbleMarble & Natural Stone 
CarpetCarpet Close-up texture illustrations. Real samples vary in color and grain, so we bring them to your home.
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Tell us the room and how you live and see ranked matches.
Planning aids only. Nothing you enter is sent anywhere until you choose to send it to us.
Built to Last
Why the Subfloor Matters Most
Whatever floor you choose, it is only as good as what is underneath. We inspect the subfloor, repair soft spots and squeaks, flatten high and low areas and check moisture so your new floor lays flat and stays quiet.
That is why we spend our time on the parts you will never see. A well-prepared subfloor helps a floor stay tight, level and beautiful for years.
How do you prepare the subfloor?
A great floor starts underneath. We inspect the subfloor, repair soft spots and squeaks, flatten high and low areas and check moisture where needed before any new flooring goes down.
Hardwood or luxury vinyl plank: which should I choose?
Hardwood is warm, classic and refinishable, while luxury vinyl plank is waterproof, tough and quick to install. Many homes use both, with hardwood in living areas and vinyl in kitchens, baths and basements. We show you both side by side.
How do I care for hardwood floors?
Sweep regularly, damp-mop with a wood-safe cleaner, wipe spills fast and use felt pads and mats. We give you simple care steps at the final walkthrough.
What is the best floor for a basement?
Waterproof luxury vinyl plank and porcelain tile are popular below grade because they handle moisture well. We check the slab and talk through your options before you decide.
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Let’s Give Your Floors the Makeover They Deserve
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- 21 Middle Tennessee cities
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Music City Floor installs, repairs and refinishes hardwood, laminate, vinyl plank, tile, marble and carpet for homes and businesses across Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
Call us today615-357-7797- Serving 21 Middle Tennessee cities