[CTgolfer]

We are looking to replace the carpeting in the bedrooms with engineered hardwood flooring (not laminate). Any recommendations on reliable contractors would be much appreciated?

[KathieI]

Originally Posted by CTgolfer

We are looking to replace the carpeting in the bedrooms with engineered hardwood flooring (not laminate). Any recommendations on reliable contractors would be much appreciated?

CT, I used Floormasters on 301. I did the same thing, engineered floors throughout my house and they were good. Been trying to get them as an advertiser here on TOTV, so mention that's where you got info from. If you do a search, you'll find many threads on this subject. Kathie

[tnichols]

After much research of the local flooring stores, I ended up going to Lowes
and buying a "lock & fold" floating hardwood product from Bruce.
The stores wanted to glue down the products they were selling and installing.
After over two years, ours still looks great and it came with a 25 year
warranty. I installed it myself. I also install it for others.

[ijusluvit]

Genuine hardwood engineered flooring is ideal for the TV, but it can be very expensive and tricky to install. You can pay $8-10 per square foot at a fancy place like Great Lakes on 441, but you might get the best installer around - James Smith. (What a great job he did at my place!) Or you can go to Lowes and also get some good quality flooring. They have some capable installers there and you will end up saving up to half the cost.

There are some real installation issues. People I know have been unhappy with floating engineered hardwood floors because they "feel funny". If they are glued down properly however, they "feel like a wood floor should".
The cement floors in TV are notorious for unevenness and voids. You have to clean up the carpet remnants and cement very well then spread some water around to see where the low spots are. Then you have to use the right filler to make the floor even. Finally, you have to use the proper cement and since most are quick drying, you can only do a small area at a time. The good installers are worth their price as doing it right is a do-it-yourself challenge.

[Buzzi2]

Originally Posted by ijusluvit

Genuine hardwood engineered flooring is ideal for the TV, but it can be very expensive and tricky to install. You can pay $8-10 per square foot at a fancy place like Great Lakes on 441, but you might get the best installer around - James Smith. (What a great job he did at my place!) Or you can go to Lowes and also get some good quality flooring. They have some capable installers there and you will end up saving up to half the cost.

There are some real installation issues. People I know have been unhappy with floating engineered hardwood floors because they "feel funny". If they are glued down properly however, they "feel like a wood floor should".
The cement floors in TV are notorious for unevenness and voids. You have to clean up the carpet remnants and cement very well then spread some water around to see where the low spots are. Then you have to use the right filler to make the floor even. Finally, you have to use the proper cement and since most are quick drying, you can only do a small area at a time. The good installers are worth their price as doing it right is a do-it-yourself challenge.

----------
We got quotes from several flooring companies around but went with Great Lakes, slightly higher priced, because James Smith works with them and we had heard good reports on his skill and work ethics. All we heard was true! I LOVE my new engineered hardwood floors with an inlay border around our fireplace. James was terrific and he worked with us every step of the way. He collaborated on all aspects of the installation and rectified everything until the whole job was PERFECT. If you want a qualilty installation look up James Smith at Great Lakes.

[ijusluvit]

Glad it worked well!

I suppose there are times when more expensive is better. Great Lakes is really expensive but James Smith is so professional it was worth it.

[ricthemic]

We too are interested in eng flooring. Currently have rugs. Does Great Lakes install the new flooring under the existing molding or do they butt it up and install half round molding over it?
Thanks

[ijusluvit]

They did the later in my case.

[Xavier]

We will be getting our flooring from FloorMasters on Rt. 301 towards Wildwood. It may even be an Oxford address. Apples to apples they beat Lowes by about $1,000 - $1,200. See Ed the manager. Real nice to deal with. In addition they are making area rugs and doing the carpeting in the bedrooms for us as well. The installation is this week. We anticipate that all will go well as that has been the experience of others on the street.

[jblankny]

Originally Posted by CTgolfer

We are looking to replace the carpeting in the bedrooms with engineered hardwood flooring (not laminate). Any recommendations on reliable contractors would be much appreciated?

We used Floormasters on 301 south of 466. I talked with a man in the store by the name of Jeff weisman.I am completely pleased with their work.The had the best price and did an excellent job John Blankenberg

[johnfarr]

Adam S Wood 804-3842 did a great job for us. He did the estimate, bought the engineered wood and meticulously installed. He removed the baseboard so that the 1/4" moulding was not necessary. It looks very professional that way. We had to have painters follow up to touch up the baseboard, but it looks much better without the extra moulding.

[tamike]

What is the best installer for hardwood at Floormasters? Anyone know??

[Xavier]

Originally Posted by Xavier

We will be getting our flooring from FloorMasters on Rt. 301 towards Wildwood. It may even be an Oxford address. Apples to apples they beat Lowes by about $1,000 - $1,200. See Ed the manager. Real nice to deal with. In addition they are making area rugs and doing the carpeting in the bedrooms for us as well. The installation is this week. We anticipate that all will go well as that has been the experience of others on the street.

Update on our installation: We have been VERY satisfied with our major flooring job. FloorMasters (ask for Ed Bertoloti) sold us laminate and carpeting for our Gardenia. We have laminate in the entryway, living room, dining room, Den/Office and the two hallways leading to the bedrooms. Quality product and excellent installation. The pricing was right too. We put carpet in the guest and master bedrooms. We needed custom trim in the Den to match the built-in cabinetry and we had a self-created selection issue with the Master Bedroom and they worked with us on both. They went above and beyond what would be expected. Ed's number one priority was to make us satisfied and happy customers. FloorMasters certainly did that. Great employees and professional installers. We recommend them without reservation.

[drdodge]

For flooring installation call Henson Home Services, Phone 352.347.8043 Good price and good job
drd