Flooring options and installation in Chicagoland

Compare flooring types before you choose

The best fit depends on how you use the room, the condition of the surface underneath, and the look and care routine you prefer. Compare the material and its installation needs together.

Carpet installation

Explore carpet for bedrooms, living spaces and stairs when comfort underfoot is a priority. Your plan should account for padding, seams, existing-floor removal and the shape of each room. Compare samples and product specifications alongside the work included in your estimate.

Compare carpet options · Carpet installation and cost factors

Hardwood floor installation

Compare solid and engineered hardwood, then consider prefinished or unfinished flooring. Product requirements and the subfloor help determine the installation method. Unfinished hardwood also needs an on-site finishing plan, with separate time for drying and curing.

Explore hardwood flooring · Hardwood installation methods · Unfinished hardwood flooring

Laminate flooring installation

Look at laminate when comparing wood-look flooring for your rooms. Review the specific product's moisture limits, underlayment requirements and installation instructions. Include transitions, expansion space and any necessary floor preparation in the plan.

Compare laminate flooring · Laminate installation and preparation

Luxury vinyl plank installation

Compare luxury vinyl plank, often called LVP, by its specifications, construction and intended use. The chosen product determines whether a floating or glue-down installation is appropriate. Check subfloor flatness and moisture conditions even when considering flooring marketed as waterproof.

Explore luxury vinyl flooring · Vinyl plank installation and cost factors · Understand waterproof flooring options

Have hardwood already? Compare refinishing with replacement

Hardwood floor refinishing may be worth considering when you want to restore an existing wood floor or change its finish. Suitability depends on the floor's construction, condition and remaining wear layer. Ask for an assessment before assuming that sanding will resolve damage, movement or deeper subfloor problems.

Hardwood floor sanding and refinishing · What the refinishing process involves · Plan drying, curing and your return to the room

Plan the rooms and the work together

• Room use: Consider foot traffic, pets, cleaning preferences and moisture exposure when reviewing product specifications.
• Existing floors: Identify what will be removed or retained, and discuss subfloor condition before finalizing the installation scope.
• Connections: Include doorways, transitions, stairs and adjoining floors so your choices work together.
• Access: Plan furniture movement, entrances and daily access. For condos or apartments, confirm any building work hours or sound requirements.

Explore flooring by room · Plan flooring for stairs · Review the pre-installation checklist

What to compare when choosing a flooring contractor

Compare written estimates for the same materials and work. Review product names, quantities, removal, floor preparation, installation, transitions and any project-specific exclusions. Ask how changes in scope are handled, what preparation you need to complete, and which product and installation warranty terms apply.

Royal Self Quote helps you build your project online, compare flooring choices and review a price breakdown. For flooring with installation, see how all-inclusive pricing is presented. Review the final scope before committing to the work.

Read the installation warranty · See how Royal Self Quote works

Flooring installation across Chicagoland

Start with the rooms you want to improve, then compare the flooring and services for that project. Confirm service at your installation address with Royal before scheduling; view the service-area guide for local planning information.

Explore guidance for Chicago, Naperville, Aurora, Wheaton and Elmhurst. For a workplace or business project, use the commercial flooring guide.