How Much Does New Flooring Cost in Pinellas County?

Hi everyone! Joshua Given here, owner of Given Flooring in Seminole, Florida. One of
the very first things people ask when they call us is, “How much is this going to cost?”
It’s a completely fair question, but the honest answer is: it depends. The cost of new
flooring in Pinellas County isn’t just about the price tag on the material; it’s about a
comprehensive package that includes the material itself, the necessary Florida-specific
preparation, and the professional labor to install it correctly. Cutting corners on any of
these factors, especially here in a high-humidity zone, is a recipe for a floor that fails
early. Let’s talk about the key components that determine the final cost of your new
floor.

The total price of your flooring project can be broken down into three main categories.
First, there is the Material Cost, which is the price per square foot for the floor you
choose. Here’s a general range for the materials that perform best in our Florida
climate. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) usually ranges from $3.00 to $7.00 per square foot
for the material alone. The cost depends on the core type, the thickness of the plank,
and, most importantly, the thickness and quality of the wear layer. You should look for
20 mil or higher for longevity. Porcelain Tile prices typically range from $2.00 to $8.00
per square foot. The cost depends on the size, finish, and pattern complexity. Large
format tiles often cost more but require less grout, while unique, decorative tiles can
push the price higher.
Second is the Preparation and Remediation phase. This is the part of the budget that
homeowners often overlook, but it’s crucial in Pinellas County. Our concrete slab
foundations are prone to moisture issues, and old floors leave behind messes. Your
installation cost must factor in Tear-Out and Disposal of old materials and, most
importantly, Moisture Testing and Barrier. Testing the subfloor for moisture and
applying a professional-grade moisture barrier before any material is laid is non-
negotiable for LVP and engineered wood here in Florida. You also need to factor in
Leveling the Subfloor because concrete slabs are rarely perfectly flat. Applying a
leveling compound to ensure a smooth, stable surface prevents future gaps and plank
failures. Preparation costs can add anywhere from $1.00 to $3.00 per square foot to
the total project, but skipping this step voids most manufacturer warranties and
guarantees failure in the face of Florida humidity.
The third component is Labor and Installation, which is the professional skill required
to execute the job correctly. Labor costs depend heavily on the complexity of the
material. LVP Installation labor generally runs between $2.00 and $4.00 per square
foot. The installation is relatively straightforward, which helps keep this cost reasonable.
Tile Installation labor is significantly higher, typically ranging from $5.00 to $12.00 per
square foot. This is because the process is labor-intensive, requiring careful application
of mortar, precision setting of each tile, and later, the grouting process.
When you combine all three categories, here are the estimated total installed costs for
the best materials in Pinellas County. High-quality LVP installed is roughly $6.00 to
$11.00 per square foot total. Porcelain Tile installed is roughly $9.00 to $23.00 per
square foot total. If you’re seeing a quote that is significantly lower than these ranges,
you need to ask exactly what is being excluded. Are they skipping the moisture barrier?
Are they using a low-quality material with a thin wear layer? As a homeowner, your
biggest defense against bad flooring is demanding transparency and ensuring the quote
covers the essential Florida prep work. Investing a little more up front ensures you won’t
have to pay to replace the floor five years down the road.
Until next time, this is Joshua Given reminding you that the foundation of a beautiful
home is a beautiful floor.

How Long Does Flooring Installation Take? A Day-by-Day Breakdown

Hi everyone! Joshua Given here, owner of Given Flooring in Seminole, Florida. One of
the first questions every homeowner asks when choosing new floors is, “How long will I
be displaced?” It’s a completely fair question. You need to know when your home will be
back to normal, especially when planning around work, kids, or even seasonal travel.
The truth is, there’s no single answer. The time it takes to install new flooring depends
heavily on two main factors: the size of the area and the type of material you choose.
However, for a typical 500-1000 square foot project, we can offer a reliable day-by-day
breakdown so you know exactly what to expect. Let’s talk about the process and
timeline for a smooth installation.
The installation process is not just about putting down the new material; it involves
crucial preparatory steps that ensure your floor lasts decades in the Florida climate.
Ignoring these steps is what leads to early failure.
Day 1: Preparation is Everything
The first day is dedicated almost entirely to preparation. This starts with tear-out and
removal of the old flooring, which often takes longer than homeowners expect,
especially if the old material is tile or if it was glued down. We then move on to the most
critical step in Florida: subfloor inspection and prep. We must check for and mitigate
any moisture issues, and we must ensure the concrete slab is perfectly clean, dry, and
level. If the subfloor requires extensive leveling or moisture remediation, this process
can extend into a second day. This is the stage where we install moisture barriers and
apply leveling compounds to guarantee a stable foundation for the new material.
Day 2: The Bulk of the Installation
Once the prep work is complete, Day 2 is typically when the actual installation of the
new material begins in earnest. For most projects involving Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP),
this is the day we start clicking the planks together. LVP is relatively quick to install
because it doesn’t require mortar or extensive cure time. For Porcelain Tile, installation
is slower because each tile must be carefully set in mortar and properly spaced. We aim
to get the bulk of the floor laid today, focusing on the main, open areas first, and working
our way toward doorways and complex cuts.

Day 3: Finishing and Cure Time
The third day is all about the details and the final touches. For LVP, this means installing
the trim, shoe molding, and transition pieces that run along the baseboards and
through doorways. The floor is typically ready for light use by the end of this day, and
furniture can often be moved back within 24 hours. If you chose Tile, this is the day we
begin the grouting process. Grouting can take several hours, and the floor will need a
minimum of 24 to 48 hours afterward to cure completely before it can be walked on or
have furniture placed on it. This cure time is vital to prevent cracking or damaging the
grout lines.
Timeline Summary
In short, for a standard project up to around 1,000 square feet:
 LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank): Generally 2 to 3 days, with the floor being usable
almost immediately upon completion.
 Tile (Porcelain or Ceramic): Generally 3 to 5 days. While laying the tile takes
longer, the required 24-48 hour grout curing period is the main reason for the
extended timeline.
The biggest variables are the amount of furniture we need to move and the condition of
your existing subfloor. Always be prepared for an extra half-day or full day of work, just
in case the prep work reveals an unexpected moisture problem—a common occurrence
in Florida that we never skip. Focusing on proper preparation always pays off with a
floor that lasts.
Until next time, this is Joshua Given reminding you that the foundation of a beautiful
home is a beautiful floor.

Hi everyone! Joshua Given here, owner of Given Flooring in Seminole, Florida. For
years, Florida homeowners felt like they had to choose between a floor that looked
beautiful and a floor that could actually survive our climate. You either got classic tile
that handled the humidity but felt cold and hard, or you risked warping and damage with
natural wood. Fortunately, the game has completely changed thanks to a product called
Luxury Vinyl Plank, or LVP. Let’s talk about what Luxury Vinyl Plank is and why it has
become the perfect, no-compromise solution for nearly every room in a Florida home.
LVP is not your grandmother’s peel-and-stick vinyl; the term “luxury” is earned through
its construction. This is an engineered product built in multiple layers to provide
durability, stability, and stunning aesthetics. At the base, you often have a built-in
underlayment for sound and comfort. Next comes the core, which is the most crucial
part, often a Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) or Wood Plastic Composite (WPC). This
rigid, non-porous core is what makes the flooring fundamentally waterproof. Above that
is a high-definition image layer, which is how LVP achieves the incredibly realistic look
of hardwood or stone, complete with texture and grain. Finally, the surface is protected
by a thick, clear layer called the wear layer.
The reason this construction is a miracle worker in Florida comes down to our relentless
moisture. Unlike solid hardwood, which absorbs humidity and then swells, cups, or
buckles, LVP’s composite core is 100% waterproof from top to bottom. This
dimensional stability means that major temperature swings and constant high humidity
will not cause the planks to expand and contract drastically. Whether you’re dealing with
a leaky A/C unit, water tracked in from the pool, or just the high vapor transmission from
a concrete slab foundation, LVP stands firm. It effectively seals out moisture, protecting
your subfloor and eliminating the conditions where mold and mildew thrive.
Beyond the water resistance, LVP is perfectly suited for our daily living. Think about life
here in Seminole—we bring in sand, whether it’s from the beach, the park, or just the
gritty soil. Sand is highly abrasive, and it can scratch and dull traditional finishes over
time. This is where the wear layer comes into play. A high-quality LVP wear layer,
ideally 20 mil thick or more, is tough. It shrugs off the micro-abrasions from sand, resists
scuffs from shoes, and handles the impact of dropped dishes or toys far better than
softer materials. It gives you the authentic look of wood without the worry of having to
refinish or tiptoe around spills.
The low maintenance is another huge plus. LVP is a dream to clean; it only requires a
sweep and a damp mop. You do not need special conditioners, expensive cleaning kits,
or periodic refinishing. It’s also quieter and slightly softer underfoot than ceramic or
porcelain tile, adding a layer of comfort that homeowners truly appreciate. It provides all
the practical benefits of tile but with the warm, classic aesthetic of real wood. Simply

put, Luxury Vinyl Plank delivers on the promise of a beautiful floor that is genuinely built
for life in the Sunshine State, handling water, heat, and traffic with ease.
Until next time, this is Joshua Given reminding you that the foundation of a beautiful
home is a beautiful floor.