Flooring Tips, Trends & Advice for Issaquah and Eastside Homeowners
Choosing the right floors for your home can be overwhelming — from material options to moisture resistance to resale value. At Touchdown Flooring NW, we simplify the process by sharing local insights, expert tips, and real project highlights. Whether you're in Issaquah, Sammamish, or anywhere on the Eastside, our blog is here to help you make confident, informed flooring decisions.
2025 Flooring Guide
The Ultimate 2025 Flooring Guide – Trends, Costs & Expert Advice from Touchdown Flooring NW
Whether you’re upgrading your Issaquah living room, renovating a Sammamish kitchen, or building a new Bellevue home, flooring is the foundation of style and comfort. This guide will help you choose the right floors for your home — with real-world insights from the team at Touchdown Flooring NW.
Why Flooring Matters More Than Ever
- Boosts your home’s value — flooring upgrades are a top ROI project.
- Impacts daily living — comfort, durability, and maintenance all vary by material.
- New technology means waterproofing, scratch resistance, and more design options.
- The Pacific Northwest climate demands moisture-resistant floors.
2025 Flooring Trends to Watch
1. Warm-Toned Hardwood is Back
Gone are the days of ultra-gray floors. Homeowners are returning to warm oak, walnut, and hickory for timeless appeal that works with both modern and rustic interiors. Engineered hardwood is a great choice for moisture resistance in the Pacific Northwest.
2. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Reigns Supreme
Luxury vinyl plank combines the beauty of hardwood with unmatched practicality. It’s waterproof, scratch-resistant, and comes in gorgeous wide planks. Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and high-traffic entryways.
3. Patterned Installations – Herringbone & Chevron
For a bold, high-end look, more homeowners are choosing herringbone or chevron patterns. These layouts add elegance to entryways, dining rooms, and living spaces.
Flooring Recommendations by Lifestyle
Best Flooring for Pet Owners
Choose luxury vinyl plank, engineered hardwood with a strong finish, or pet-friendly carpet for scratch resistance, waterproofing, and easy cleaning.
Best Flooring for Busy Families
Waterproof LVP and textured carpet are great for handling spills, hiding mess, and standing up to heavy traffic.
Best Flooring for Luxury Homes
Wide-plank European oak hardwood, herringbone patterns, and wool carpet add instant sophistication and comfort.
Flooring Costs in 2025 (Washington State Averages)
| Flooring Type | Avg. Installed Cost / Sq. Ft. | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury Vinyl Plank | $6 – $9 | Kitchens, bathrooms, basements |
| Engineered Hardwood | $8 – $15 | Living rooms, resale value |
| Carpet Installation | $4 – $8 | Bedrooms, offices |
| Hardwood Refinishing | $5 – $7 | Restoring existing hardwood |
Local Flooring Experts in the Pacific Northwest
Touchdown Flooring NW proudly serves homeowners and businesses in:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer free estimates? Yes — we offer free in-home measurements and estimates in all service areas.
How long does flooring installation take? Most projects take 1–3 days depending on size and complexity.
Do you help with insurance claims? Yes — we work with your insurance provider for flooring repairs and replacements.
Start Your Flooring Project Today
Visit our showroom or schedule your free consultation.
📍 850 Front St N, Issaquah, WA 98027
Request Your Free Estimate
Engineered vs Solid Hardwood
Engineered vs. Solid Hardwood Flooring: Which One Is Right for Your Home?
Choosing between engineered and solid hardwood flooring can be a tough decision. Both options bring warmth, style, and long-term value—but they differ in structure, installation, and performance. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you make the right choice for your home.
What Is Solid Hardwood?
Solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood—commonly oak, maple, walnut, or hickory. It’s known for its natural beauty and the ability to be sanded and refinished many times.
- Pros:
✓ Timeless, natural look with rich grain
✓ Can last 100+ years
✓ Refinishable many times - Cons:
✗ Prone to expansion/contraction from moisture
✗ Requires professional installation
✗ Not ideal for high-humidity areas
What Is Engineered Hardwood?
Engineered hardwood features a real wood veneer over multiple layers of plywood or HDF. It’s designed to offer the look of hardwood with better stability and moisture resistance.
- Pros:
✓ Resists warping and swelling
✓ Can be installed over concrete and radiant heat
✓ Multiple installation methods available - Cons:
✗ Limited refinishing potential
✗ Wear layer thickness varies by brand
Best Applications for Each
Solid Hardwood
- Living rooms & hallways
- Low-humidity environments
- Homes with long-term ownership
Engineered Hardwood
- Basements, kitchens & bathrooms
- Homes with radiant heat or concrete subfloors
- Buyers seeking style and performance
Appearance & Value
Both engineered and solid hardwood floors enhance your home’s beauty and resale value. Once installed, even flooring pros have a hard time telling the difference. The right choice depends on your space, lifestyle, and future plans.
Premium Brands We Carry
At Touchdown Flooring NW, we offer a curated selection of top-tier hardwood brands known for craftsmanship, durability, and style:
- Mirage
- Kentwood
- Monarch Plank
- DuChâteau
- Somerset
- Rewards Flooring
- En Bois
- Colonial Collection
- Hallmark Floors
- Fabrica
- Prima
Need Help Deciding?
Our expert team is here to help you compare options, explore samples, and make a confident choice. We offer:
- Free in-home estimates
- Showroom visits in Issaquah
- Expert guidance tailored to your lifestyle and budget
Schedule your free estimate or visit our showroom today.
Want more flooring tips? Check out our full blog or read Best Flooring for Sammamish Homes for inspiration.
Carpet Fiber Comparison: Pros, Cons & Recommended Brands
Choosing the Right Carpet Fiber — A Guide to Pros and Cons
Carpet fiber influences everything from appearance and softness to stain resistance, durability, and price. Whether you’re remodeling a high‑traffic living room or seeking a plush rug for the bedroom, understanding the advantages and drawbacks of each fiber can help you make a better choice. Below is an overview of the most common carpet fibers — both synthetic and natural — with their key strengths and weaknesses.
Synthetic Fibers
Nylon
- Pros: Durable, elastic, resists crushing and wear, cleans easily.
- Cons: Can fade in sunlight or bleach; slightly more expensive than other synthetics.
Polyester (PET)
- Pros: Bright colors, highly stain-resistant, affordable, water-resistant.
- Cons: Poor resilience in heavy traffic; may attract oily stains.
Triexta (SmartStrand)
- Pros: Soft, eco-friendlier (partly plant-based), excellent stain resistance.
- Cons: Newer fiber. Will show vacuum lines and foot prints.
Olefin (Polypropylene)
- Pros: Moisture-proof, bleach-resistant, inexpensive.
- Cons: Flattens easily under traffic; heat-sensitive; not ideal for main living areas.
Natural Fibers
Wool
- Pros: Premium texture, naturally flame-retardant, hides dirt, renewable.
- Cons: Expensive, sensitive to stains and bleach, may attract moths.
Silk
- Pros: Elegant, soft, naturally strong, luxurious appearance.
- Cons: Delicate, costly, easily stained, best for low-traffic areas or accents.
Cotton
- Pros: Soft, breathable, washable, eco-friendly.
- Cons: Low durability, wrinkles easily, can absorb moisture and stains.
How to Choose
- High-Traffic Areas: Nylon, wool and Triexta are best for durability and bounce-back performance.
- Stain Sensitivity: Choose Triexta or Polyester for superior stain resistance and color retention.
- Comfort: Triexta and wool will give that luxurious feel — ideal for bedrooms or quiet zones.
- Maintenance Needs: Triexta, polyester and solution dyed nylon are easier to clean; wool and silk need professional care.
- Budget: Olefin and polyester are cost-effective; wool and silk are investment-grade fibers.
Premium Carpet Brands We Carry
At Touchdown Flooring NW, we proudly offer premium carpet options from the most trusted brands in the industry:
- Fabrica – Known for luxurious textures, bold designs, and superior craftsmanship.
- Masland – High-style and performance carpets made in the USA.
- Dixie Home – Affordable, fashion-forward styles backed by solid durability.
- Mohawk SmartStrand – Eco-friendly, ultra-stain-resistant Triexta carpet built for families and pets.
- Anderson Tuftex – Designer-inspired styles with sustainable materials and artisan detail.
- Shaw Floors – One of the most trusted names in flooring, offering innovation and comfort.
- Godfrey Hirst – Premium wool and synthetic carpets with refined design and excellent performance.
Each fiber and brand has its ideal use. Whether you're after performance, luxury, or sustainability, choosing the right carpet material will elevate your flooring experience. Need help deciding? Our flooring experts are here to guide you every step of the way.
🏠 What to Expect When You Visit Our Flooring Showroom
Visit our flooring store in the heart of Issaquah.
Stepping into the Touchdown Flooring NW showroom is more than just browsing floors — it’s where your project starts to take shape.
See, Touch, and Compare Top Brands
From premium engineered hardwood to waterproof luxury vinyl plank, you’ll get to see the real textures, finishes, and colors — not just photos. We carry trusted brands like Shaw, coretec, Mirage, Duchateau, Mohawk, Anderson Tuftex, and many more.
Expert Guidance — No Pressure
You’ll be greeted by a knowledgeable team (not pushy salespeople). We’ll help you understand your options, answer questions, and guide you toward the best materials for your space, budget, and lifestyle.
Samples Available
Want to see how it looks at home? No problem — we offer take-home samples so you can compare lighting and design in your own space.
Design Inspiration
Need ideas? Browse thousands of samples. Ask our team about what’s working for other homeowners in Sammamish, Issaquah, and beyond.
🔗 Explore Before You Visit
Start browsing now at www.touchdownflooringnw.com to check out the brands we carry and get design inspiration from real homes we've transformed.
Ready to Stop In?
Visit us at 850 Front St N, Issaquah, WA — and let’s find the perfect floor for your home.
Best Flooring for Sammamish Homes: Vinyl, Hardwood, Laminate, or Carpet?
Explore the pros and cons of vinyl, hardwood, laminate, and carpet for Sammamish homes. Local flooring tips from Touchdown Flooring NW.
Choosing the right flooring for your Sammamish home means balancing durability, comfort, and style — all while dealing with the unique Pacific Northwest climate. From wet winters to active households, your floors need to handle real life. Here’s a breakdown of the best flooring types we install for Sammamish residents.
Luxury Vinyl Plank: Built for Northwest Life
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is waterproof, scratch-resistant, and designed to mimic real wood or stone. It’s perfect for active homes with kids or pets. We recently installed LVP in a Pine Lake home where the homeowners wanted a modern look with easy cleanup. It delivered both — and holds up to muddy paws and rainy days.
Engineered Hardwood: Timeless Beauty with Better Stability
Engineered hardwood gives you real wood veneer with a stable core that resists moisture better than solid hardwood. It’s ideal for Sammamish homes, especially in high-end areas like Trossachs or Klahanie. Popular options include white oak and wire-brushed finishes that add warmth and elegance.
Solid Hardwood: Premium Style, More Maintenance
Solid hardwood is classic, beautiful, and adds serious resale value. However, it’s more sensitive to moisture and requires ongoing maintenance. We recently installed solid red oak in an Issaquah Highlands home — the result was stunning, but the homeowner understood the tradeoff in upkeep and cost.
Laminate: Affordable and Durable
Laminate flooring is a budget-friendly option that holds up surprisingly well. With water-resistant versions now available, it's a solid choice for rentals or quick renovations. A recent install in the Plateau neighborhood used grey-toned laminate to give a modern feel on a tight timeline and budget.
Carpet: Soft, Warm, and Still a Favorite
Carpet is still a top choice for bedrooms, basements, and quiet spaces. It’s cozy, reduces noise, and today’s styles are more stain-resistant than ever. We often install plush carpet in Sammamish family homes — especially in upstairs rooms where kids want warmth and softness underfoot.
What Flooring is Right for You?
Every Sammamish home is different. Whether you’re remodeling, upgrading to sell, or just tired of old floors — Touchdown Flooring NW can help. Visit our Issaquah showroom or book a free in-home measurement to explore your options with expert help.
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What to Expect During a Flooring Installation: Timeline, Prep & Pro Tips
From demo to cleanup, here's what to expect during a professional flooring installation with Touchdown Flooring NW. Real advice for Eastside homeowners.
Whether you're installing hardwood, vinyl, carpet, or laminate, knowing what to expect during your flooring installation can make the entire process smoother and stress-free. At Touchdown Flooring NW, we’ve streamlined this experience for homeowners across Issaquah, Sammamish, Bellevue, and the surrounding Eastside. Here’s what the process looks like — and how to prepare for a flawless result.
Step 1: Free Estimate & Expert Advice
We start with a free in-home measurement or showroom consultation. We’ll answer your questions, show you samples, and recommend materials based on your needs — whether it’s waterproof vinyl for a basement or solid hardwood for your living room.
Step 2: Scheduling & Walkthrough
Once you approve the estimate, we’ll lock in a convenient install date. Our team will walk through the space with you in advance to confirm layout, patterns, transitions, and any furniture that needs to be moved.
Step 3: Prep & Demo (If Needed)
If existing flooring needs to be removed — like carpet, laminate, or tile — our team handles the demolition quickly and cleanly. We’ll also prep subfloors for a level, secure foundation that ensures longevity and performance.
Step 4: Professional Installation
Our licensed, experienced crews arrive on time and get to work. We handle vinyl plank, engineered hardwood, solid wood, carpet, and stairs — with expert attention to detail. Most jobs take 1–7 days depending on square footage and material.
Step 5: Final Cleanup & Inspection
We vacuum, sweep, and haul away debris. You’ll walk the project with our team and before we consider the job done. We’ll also give you maintenance tips specific to your flooring type.
Common Questions About Installation
- Do I need to move furniture? – The installation crew can assist with furniture for a fee. Most homeowners clear most items before the install crew arrives.
- Will there be dust? – Minimal. We use dust containment tools and always clean before we leave.
- Can I stay in the house during installation? – Yes, in most cases except for hardwood refinishing. Some families choose to be out during louder demo days.
Why Choose Touchdown Flooring NW?
We’re local, licensed, and trusted by families across Sammamish, Issaquah, Redmond, and Bellevue. You’ll never deal with high-pressure sales tactics or unknown subcontractors. Just clean, expert installs and floors that last.
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Flooring Repairs & Insurance Work: What We Fix and How It Works
Damaged Floors? Get expert advice to fix it right the first time.
Whether it’s a sudden water leak, storm damage, or pet-related wear, flooring issues can strike without warning. At Touchdown Flooring NW, we specialize in professional flooring repairs and work directly with homeowners and insurance providers to restore your space quickly and correctly.
Common Flooring Issues We Repair
- Water Damage: Swollen floorboards, buckling planks, and discolored sections caused by leaks or flooding.
- Scratches & Gouges: Deep surface damage from pets, furniture, or dropped items — especially on hardwood or laminate.
- Seam Separation: Vinyl or laminate lifting or splitting due to poor installation or environmental expansion.
- Staining or Discoloration: From pet accidents, sun bleaching, or household spills.
- Carpet Stretching or Tears: Ripples, bubbles, or worn areas from age, traffic, or moving furniture.
How Our Insurance Repair Process Works
- Assessment & Quote: We start with an in-person inspection. We provide a professional estimate for both repairs and replacements.
- Work With Your Adjuster: We communicate directly with your insurance company (if desired) to streamline approval and avoid delays.
- Repair or Replace: Based on damage severity and policy coverage, we’ll either repair affected areas or match and replace the flooring. We always aim to minimize disruption.
- Engineered & Solid Hardwood
- Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
- Laminate Flooring
- Wall-to-Wall Carpet
- Stair Treads & Transitions
Types of Flooring We Repair
Why Touchdown Flooring NW?
We’re not just installers — we’re repair specialists with experience working on homes across Issaquah, Sammamish, Redmond, and Bellevue. Our team understands how to protect home value, match materials, and satisfy insurance requirements.