Choose flooring for the room and its moisture: hardwood above grade, engineered wood or luxury vinyl where humidity or slabs are a concern, and tile for wet areas. Subfloor prep matters as much as the product. In Georgia, acclimate wood, check crawlspace moisture, and test old vinyl or adhesive for asbestos before removing it.
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New flooring changes how a home looks and feels faster than almost any other project. The material matters, but so does what's underneath. A floor installed over an uneven, damp, or flexing subfloor can gap, crack, squeak, or buckle no matter how good the product is.
Common flooring choices
- Solid hardwood. Can be sanded and refinished several times. Best above grade, where moisture is under control.
- Engineered hardwood. A real wood top layer over a stable core. Handles humidity swings better than solid wood and is sometimes used over concrete slabs.
- Luxury vinyl plank (LVP). Water-resistant and popular for kitchens, basements, and busy households. Quality varies a lot by wear layer and core.
- Porcelain and ceramic tile. Durable and water-resistant for baths, kitchens, and entries, but it needs a stiff, flat subfloor to avoid cracked tiles and grout.
- Carpet. Still common in bedrooms and finished basements for comfort and sound.
Refinish or replace?
Many older Atlanta homes have original oak or heart pine under carpet or worn finish. If the boards are sound and thick enough, sanding and refinishing can be a good alternative to replacement. A flooring pro can check board thickness, previous sandings, and any water damage or pet stains that may need board replacement.
Moisture and Georgia's climate
- Acclimation. Wood products generally need time in the home with the HVAC running before installation. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Crawlspaces. Damp crawlspaces, common in older Georgia homes, can cup wood floors from below. Ask whether a vapor barrier or crawlspace moisture fix is needed first.
- Slabs and basements. Concrete can transmit moisture. Installers often test slab moisture and use an appropriate barrier or choose a moisture-tolerant product.
- Humidity swings. Wood expands in humid summers and shrinks in dry winters. Small seasonal gaps are normal; large ones may point to moisture problems.
What installation should include
- Removal and disposal of old flooring, and how any surprises underneath will be handled.
- Subfloor inspection, re-fastening to stop squeaks, and leveling or patching where needed.
- Transitions between rooms, baseboard and quarter-round work, and door undercutting.
- Moving furniture and appliances, if included.
Old flooring and lead paint
Some older vinyl tiles, sheet flooring, and adhesives may contain asbestos. Don't sand or scrape suspect materials; have them tested first. In pre-1978 homes, removing painted trim and baseboards can disturb lead paint, so ask whether the contractor follows EPA lead-safe practices.
Hiring tips
- Compare written estimates on the same product, square footage, and prep work.
- Ask whether the installer follows the manufacturer's installation requirements, since that can affect the product warranty.
- Keep the deposit reasonable and pay the balance when the work is complete and you've walked the floor.
- For larger projects, check the contractor's Georgia license and insurance.
Ready for new floors? Request a contractor and tell us the rooms and the look you want.
Frequently asked questions
Can my old hardwood floors be refinished?
Often, if the boards are sound and have enough wood left above the tongue. A flooring pro can check thickness, past sandings, and damage before recommending refinishing or replacement.
Why are my wood floors cupping?
Cupping usually means moisture from below, often a damp crawlspace or slab. Fix the moisture source first; the floor may flatten on its own or may need repair.
Is luxury vinyl plank waterproof?
Many LVP products are water-resistant at the surface, which helps in kitchens and basements, but water can still get underneath at edges. Quality and core type vary, so compare products.