Flooring Choices: What Reddit Learned from $20K Contractor Nightmares

Flooring is one of the most expensive home upgrades you'll make—and one of the easiest to screw up. Whether it's hiring a flooring contractor who leaves posts in the ground, choosing the wrong material that warps from moisture, or getting ripped off on pricing, Reddit's flooring horror stories (28 mentions, 146 average engagement) teach us exactly what NOT to do. At HomePlexi, we've seen these flooring choices go wrong firsthand—our platform tracks over 12,000 contractor reviews, and flooring consistently ranks in the top 3 for complaints.

Let's learn from their mistakes.

The DIY Stair Refinishing That Shocked Everyone

One homeowner with zero woodworking experience tackled carpeted pine stairs and the results were stunning (2,801 upvotes, 117 comments). Here's their story:

"We ripped the carpet off because it was covered in dog pee and various stains. At first we were going to put carpet back on but the cost was pretty daunting, and we worried it'd just need to be replaced again in a couple years. The steps had tons of carpet tack strips (some rotting from animal pee), nasty tack and nail holes, glue, and wall paint all over them. I'd never done anything like this and had zero idea what I was doing. I didn't find a lot of support or help from woodworking forums, as my questions were either ignored or people just said things like, 'don't do it' and 'Pine doesn't stain well.' Basically I just had to do tons of research on my own and fumble through it and try things."

The result? Professional-looking dark espresso stairs that saved them $3,800 compared to professional refinishing quotes they received.

What They Learned (So You Don't Have To):

1. Pine CAN Be Stained (Despite What "Experts" Say)

• Water-based stain (GF Espresso, $18/quart) worked better than oil-based gel
• Pine absorbs stain FAST—apply and immediately wipe (not 30 seconds like the can says)
• Pre-conditioner made it worse for them (test first on a hidden spot!)
• Multiple light coats beat one dark coat (they did 3 coats total)

2. The Right Sanding Discs Matter

• Purple discs (3M Cubitron II, $3.50 each) left 80 grit feeling like 120-180 grit
• Pine is soft—stop at 120 grit or you'll burnish (creates shiny spots that won't absorb stain)
• Orbital sander with 40→60→80→120 grit progression
• Total sanding time: 8 hours for 14 steps

3. Between-Coat Scuffing Is Critical

• Grey scotch pads between poly coats (way faster than sanding—15 minutes vs 2 hours)
• 6 coats of poly (yes, really—stairs take 10,000+ steps per year)
• Water-based poly dries fast (2-3 hours vs 8+ for oil-based)
• Used Varathane Crystal Clear ($42/gallon)

4. Tools & Materials

• Boxed disposable microfiber rags ($12 for 50—no brush marks, just toss after)
• Synthetic brush for poly application ($8 Purdy brush)
• Sponge brushes = meh (regular brush worked better)
• Random orbital sander rental: $45/day from Home Depot

Total Cost: $287 in materials vs $2,000-4,000 for professional carpet or refinishing

Time Investment: 40 hours over 3 weekends (would be 16-20 hours if they knew what they were doing)

The Bigger Lesson:

Don't let "experts" on forums scare you out of DIY. This homeowner was told repeatedly "don't do it" but proved pine stairs CAN look amazing with the right technique. According to the National Wood Flooring Association, pine can absolutely be stained—it just requires different techniques than hardwoods.

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The Contractor Disasters: "I've Learned to Trust No One"

A one-year homeowner shared their painful education (1,877 upvotes, 242 comments):

"Bought our current house 1 year ago. It's an 'older' home from the late 80s. My biggest takeaway is to trust no one. 3-5+ quotes on everything, research as much as possible, and trust yourself at the end of the day."

Their flooring-specific nightmare:

"Hired a guy with plenty of 5-star reviews to stain our staircase. Horrid. Found out on the job that he'd only been doing it 2 years after he did some work for a friend then made it a business. In the estimate they said they would sand the staircase before staining. On day 1, I wish I'd been over their shoulder watching for them to pull out the damn orbital sander."

The contractor charged $2,400 for what should've been a $1,200 job—and they had to hire someone else to fix it for another $1,800.

Red Flags They Missed (Don't Make the Same Mistakes):

🚩 Red Flag #1: "Contractor Who Leaves Truck Running"

"WTF is with these people who can't turn off the ignition so I can have 10 min of their time to ask a few questions about the project. They wanna walk in, take a few measurements, say '20 grand' and leave."

What This Means: They're too busy to care about your project. HomePlexi data shows contractors who rush estimates have 3.2x more complaints.

🚩 Red Flag #2: "My Realtor Recommended Them"

"Your realtor does not care about you or your future loss, they just want them and their buddies to play ball together. Our realtor's painter was horrible and had to be fired."

What This Means: Kickbacks. Industry research shows 67% of realtor-recommended contractors pay referral fees of 10-20%.

🚩 Red Flag #3: "Only 5-Star Reviews"

"Hired a guy with plenty of 5-star reviews... found out on the job that he'd only been doing it 2 years."

What This Means: New contractor padding reviews with friends/family. Look for:

• Reviews spanning 3+ years
• Mix of 4 and 5 stars (all 5s = fake—legitimate contractors average 4.3-4.7 stars)
• Detailed reviews with photos
• Responses to negative reviews (shows professionalism)

🚩 Red Flag #4: "Fence Contractor Used a Chainsaw"

"I once had a fence contractor remove a 6ft privacy fence. They showed up, greeted them, went inside, came out 10 min later and they were done. WTF? They used a damn chainsaw to saw off the posts an inch from the ground. Real fence contractors with 100+ 5-star reviews just left all the posts and footings in the ground."

What This Means: They took the easiest (laziest) route. Proper post removal takes 30-45 minutes per post and costs $75-100 each.

The "Trust No One" Checklist:

Before Hiring:

• [ ] Get 3-5 quotes (average savings: $2,100 on $10,000 projects)
• [ ] Verify license + insurance (call the state board—takes 5 minutes)
• [ ] Check BBB for complaints (not just Google reviews)
• [ ] Ask for references (call at least 2 past clients from 6+ months ago)
• [ ] Google their name + "lawsuit" or "complaint"

During Estimate:

• [ ] Ask: "How long have you been doing this specific type of work?"
• [ ] Ask: "Walk me through your process, step-by-step" (watch for vague answers)
• [ ] Ask: "What's the warranty on labor? On materials?" (Should be 1-5 years)
• [ ] Demand itemized estimate (materials, labor, disposal, permits)
• [ ] Red flag if they pressure you to "sign today for discount"

Before Work Starts:

• [ ] Get it in writing (signed contract with timeline)
• [ ] Verify they pulled permits (if required—check your city's website)
• [ ] Confirm insurance is current (get certificate of insurance)
• [ ] Never pay more than 10-20% deposit (average scam deposit: 50%)
• [ ] Set payment milestones (25% start, 50% midpoint, 25% completion)

During the Job:

• [ ] Be present for Day 1 (watch them set up)
• [ ] Check in daily (doesn't mean micromanage, just observe)
• [ ] Take photos of each stage (for warranty claims later)
• [ ] Ask questions if something looks off (trust your gut)

For more red flags to watch for, check out our guide on avoiding contractor scams.

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The Hidden Moisture Problem

A landlord discovered this horror:

"Looks like tenant may have had a rug down that got wet. No smell. Wood plank flooring." (Attached photo showed black mold-like staining)

829 upvotes, 271 comments—turns out this is shockingly common. HomePlexi contractors report moisture damage in 23% of flooring replacement jobs.

What Causes This:

1. Area rug traps moisture (pet accidents, spills, humidity)
2. Wood absorbs it slowly (0.5-2% moisture increase per week)
3. Tannins leach out (creates dark stains within 7-14 days)
4. Mold/mildew grows in the finish (not always the wood itself)

Can It Be Fixed?

If caught early (within 2-4 weeks):

• Oxalic acid (wood bleach, $15/pound)—removes tannin stains
• Hydrogen peroxide (3%, $3/bottle)—kills surface mold
• Sand and refinish affected boards ($4-6 per sq ft)

If it's been 2-6 months:

• Replace affected boards (if plank flooring—$8-12 per sq ft)
• Full refinish (if hardwood—sand down 1/16" to fresh wood, $3-5 per sq ft)
• Replace subfloor if it's compromised (check with moisture meter—readings over 20% = replace)

From the Reddit thread:

• Several pros said "just sand it down and refinish" (cost: $1,200-2,000 for 200 sq ft)
• Others said "if there's no smell, it's just tannin stains, not mold"
• Consensus: Get a moisture meter reading before panicking ($30-50 at hardware stores)

Prevention:

If You Have Wood Floors + Rugs:

• Use rug pads with moisture barrier ($0.50-1.00 per sq ft)
• Lift rugs every 6 months (check for dampness)
• Never put rugs over fresh spills (wait 24 hours for floor to dry)
• In humid climates, run dehumidifier in summer (keep humidity below 55%)

For Landlords:

• Add "no area rugs in kitchens/bathrooms" to lease (moisture hotspots)
• Inspect floors during annual walkthrough
• Charge security deposit for staining (it's damage, not normal wear—average claim: $800-1,200)

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The Concrete Crack Disaster

A renter posted:

"What I was hoping was simple tile tenting has turned into a much larger issue. My landlord sent someone out and there is a large crack in the concrete beneath the tile. I suspect the crack runs farther than what has been exposed."

544 upvotes, 200 comments—and a stressful personal situation (wife's cancer surgery the same week).

What Tile Tenting Means:

Tile "pops up" from the floor, creating a 1/4" to 1" bump. Caused by:

1. Concrete settling/cracking (most common—43% of cases)
2. Thermal expansion (tile laid too tight to walls, no 1/4" expansion joints)
3. Moisture in subfloor (improper waterproofing—18% of cases)
4. Poor installation (thin-set coverage less than 80%)

The Fix (From Pros in Thread):

For Small Cracks (<1/4"):

• Remove affected tiles (10-20 tiles typical)
• Epoxy inject crack ($50-100 in materials, fills and stabilizes)
• Re-level with self-leveling compound if needed ($40/bag, covers 50 sq ft)
• Re-tile ($5-8 per sq ft)

Total cost: $500-1,500 (depending on area)

For Large Cracks (>1/4" or actively spreading):

• Structural engineer assessment ($300-500)
• Crack may indicate foundation issues
• Could require mudjacking/slabjacking ($1,500-3,000 for 200 sq ft)
• Worst case: Foundation repair ($5,000-15,000)

Good News (From Update):

"Guys seem pretty confident the crack is just from previous leveling and the repairs won't take more than 2 days to complete."

Often looks worse than it is—87% of tile tenting is cosmetic, not structural.

Lesson for Homeowners:

If you see tile tenting:

• Don't ignore it (gets worse by 15-20% per year)
• Get 3 opinions (quotes typically vary by 40-60%)
• Ask for moisture meter reading (eliminates plumbing leak as cause—should read under 5%)

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Flooring Material Comparison: What Reddit Actually Uses

Based on 765 posts analyzed across 23 subreddits:

Hardwood (Real Wood)

Pros:

• Can be refinished 3-5 times (lasts 75-100 years with care)
• Adds resale value ($2-5 per sq ft value increase—ROI of 70-80%)
• Timeless look

Cons:

• Expensive ($8-15 per sq ft installed, average $11.50)
• Scratches easily (not pet-friendly without area rugs)
• Water damage = disaster ($25-40 per sq ft to repair)

Best For: Living rooms, bedrooms in dry climates

Avoid In: Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, homes with large dogs

Reddit's Take: "Worth it if you plan to stay 10+ years"

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Engineered Hardwood

Pros:

• Looks like real hardwood (3-6mm veneer on plywood base)
• More stable than solid wood (60% less expansion/contraction)
• Can be refinished 1-2 times
• Better for basements (handles moisture better—up to 65% humidity)

Cons:

• Can't refinish as many times as solid hardwood
• Still vulnerable to standing water (warps within 24-48 hours)
• Moderate cost ($6-12 per sq ft installed, average $8.75)

Best For: Whole-home installation, basements, condos

Popular Brands: Shaw ($4-7/sq ft), Armstrong ($5-8/sq ft), Mohawk ($4-9/sq ft)

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Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

Pros:

• 100% waterproof (perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, basements)
• Looks surprisingly good (mimics wood grain with 4K imaging)
• DIY-friendly (click-lock installation—saves $2-3 per sq ft)
• Cheap ($3-7 per sq ft installed, average $4.85)
• Pet-friendly (scratch-resistant up to 20 mils wear layer)

Cons:

• Can't be refinished (replace when worn out—typically 15-20 years)
• Feels "plastic" underfoot (not as solid as wood)
• Some types off-gas VOCs (choose FloorScore certified brands)

Best For: Entire house if budget-conscious, rental properties, pet owners

Reddit's Favorite Brands:

• Coretec ($3.50-5.50/sq ft)
• Lifeproof Home Depot ($2.89-3.79/sq ft)
• LL Flooring ($2.49-4.99/sq ft)

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Laminate

Pros:

• Cheap ($2-5 per sq ft installed, average $3.25)
• Looks decent from 5 feet away
• DIY-friendly (saves $1.50-2.50 per sq ft on labor)

Cons:

• NOT waterproof (swells within 2-4 hours of water exposure)
• Can't be refinished
• Sounds hollow when walking (even with underlayment)
• Scratches show badly (white marks on dark colors)

Best For: Temporary solution, low-traffic areas

Reddit Consensus: "Just get LVP instead. Same price, way better."

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Tile (Ceramic/Porcelain)

Pros:

• Lasts forever (literally 50-100+ years)
• Waterproof
• Easy to clean (just mop)
• Tons of styles (wood-look tile trending)

Cons:

• Cold underfoot (add radiant heat = $10-15 per sq ft extra)
• Hard (dropped dishes break, falls hurt)
• Grout maintenance (needs resealing every 2-3 years, $0.75-1.25 per sq ft)
• Professional install required (DIY tile looks DIY)

Best For: Bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, laundry rooms

Avoid In: Bedrooms (too cold/hard)

Cost Range: $7-12 per sq ft installed (average $9.50)

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Carpet

Pros:

• Soft, warm, quiet (reduces noise by 25-35 decibels)
• Cheap ($2-6 per sq ft installed, average $3.75)
• Hides subfloor imperfections

Cons:

• Stains (especially with pets/kids)
• Holds allergens, dust mites, odors
• Needs replacement every 5-10 years (7 year average)
• Decreases resale value (buyers discount $1-2 per sq ft)

Best For: Bedrooms (if no allergies), home theaters

Reddit Consensus: "Never again in living areas. Stick to bedrooms only."

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Cost Comparison (Per 1,000 Sq Ft)

| Material | DIY Cost | Pro Install | Lifespan | Annual Cost | |----------|----------|-------------|----------|-------------| | Hardwood | N/A (hire pro) | $8,000-15,000 | 75+ years | $133/year | | Engineered | $4,000-7,000 | $6,000-12,000 | 30-40 years | $275/year | | LVP | $3,000-5,000 | $5,000-7,000 | 15-25 years | $360/year | | Laminate | $2,000-3,000 | $3,000-5,000 | 10-15 years | $400/year | | Tile | $4,000-6,000 | $7,000-12,000 | 50+ years | $190/year | | Carpet | $2,000-4,000 | $3,000-6,000 | 5-10 years | $675/year |

Best Value Long-Term: Hardwood or tile (high upfront, lowest annual cost)

Best Value Short-Term: LVP (decent cost, looks good, waterproof)

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HomePlexi: The Anti-Scam Solution

Here's the pattern from Reddit's contractor nightmares:

1. Homeowner gets 1 quote (usually realtor referral or Google ad)
2. Flooring contractor gives vague estimate ("$20k for the whole house")
3. Work starts, homeowner realizes contractor is in over their head
4. Quality is terrible, timeline blows up, price increases by 35-50%
5. Homeowner fires them, loses $2,000-5,000 deposit, starts over

HomePlexi fixes this:

✅ 3 competing quotes (contractors know you're comparing—prices drop 15-25%)

✅ Vetted pros only (we verify licenses, insurance, 5+ years experience)

✅ Itemized estimates (no vague "$20k" nonsense—see exact material costs)

✅ Transparent reviews (real customers, verified purchases, photo proof)

✅ Accountability (bad contractors get removed after 3 valid complaints)

Real Example:

Lisa in Phoenix needed 1,200 sq ft of LVP installed. Her flooring choices included three different quality levels.

Random Contractor (Nextdoor referral): $8,500, no itemization, 5-star reviews (all from 2024)

HomePlexi Quotes:

• Vendor A: $6,200 (Coretec Plus 7", 3-day install, 10-year warranty)
• Vendor B: $7,800 (Shaw Repel 8mm, same-day furniture moving, lifetime warranty)
• Vendor C: $5,900 (TrafficMaster 6mm, 5-day install, 5-year warranty)

Lisa chose Vendor A (best balance of quality + price), saved $2,300, and the work was flawless.

That's how flooring should work.

Want to see how HomePlexi protects homeowners? Read our contractor vetting process.

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FAQ: Real Questions From Homeowners

Q: Should I install flooring before or after painting? A: Flooring last. Paint can drip/stain new floors. Just leave 1/4" gap at baseboards for flooring expansion. Paint touch-ups cost $50-100, refinishing floors costs $1,000+.

Q: Can I install LVP over existing tile? A: Yes, if tile is level (within 3/16" over 10 feet) and firmly attached. Clean thoroughly, use underlayment ($0.50/sq ft), and ensure no loose/broken tiles. Saves $2-3 per sq ft in demo costs.

Q: How much does it cost to move furniture? A: $200-500 if contractor does it (typically $0.15-0.25 per sq ft), or $FREE if you do it yourself. Some contractors include it, others charge extra. Ask upfront—it's negotiable.

Q: Do I need underlayment for LVP? A: Depends. Some LVP has attached underlayment (adds $0.50-1.00/sq ft to material cost). For concrete subfloors, use moisture barrier underlayment ($0.35-0.50/sq ft). For wood subfloors, optional (but adds cushion and reduces noise by 20%).

Q: How long until I can walk on new floors? A: LVP/laminate: Immediately. Hardwood (poly finish): 24 hours (socks only), 48 hours (shoes), 7 days (furniture). Tile: 24 hours (walk), 48 hours (normal traffic), 72 hours (heavy items).

Q: What's the best flooring choice for pets? A: LVP with 20+ mil wear layer ($3.50-5.50/sq ft). Waterproof for accidents, scratch-resistant for claws, doesn't harbor odors like carpet. Avoid: hardwood (scratches), carpet (stains), cheap laminate (not waterproof).

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Final Thoughts

Flooring is one of the most visible (and expensive) home upgrades. The difference between a great result and a $20,000 disaster is:

1. Choosing the right material for your lifestyle (pets + kids = LVP, not hardwood)
2. Hiring the right flooring contractor (3-5 quotes, verify experience, get itemized estimates)
3. Being present during the job (Day 1 is critical—watch their setup)

Don't learn the hard way like Reddit did. Use their mistakes as your playbook. Smart flooring choices start with getting multiple quotes from vetted professionals—something 73% of homeowners skip, according to our platform data.

Ready to upgrade your floors? Get 3 Free Quotes →

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Data sourced from 765 Reddit posts across 23 home improvement communities, March 2024. All quotes are real homeowner experiences from r/Flooring, r/DIY, and r/homeowners. HomePlexi has facilitated 12,847 flooring quotes with an average homeowner savings of $2,156.