Plain-language guides for people planning floor work on the South Coast. Each one cites its sources and says where we could not find a number. Start with what you are trying to do.
All guides
- Trade secretsThe craft behind a good floor in short cards: what pros check, what is hard, what to ask.
- CostWhat sets the price, the free estimate, timing and payment.
- RefinishingCan yours be sanded? The steps, cure times, finish types and color.
- Color matchingSamples on your own floor, red and white oak blended, repairs that disappear.
- FinishesTop coats, screen and recoat, polishing and waxed floors.
- New floorsSolid or engineered, species, patterns, and what the subfloor needs.
- StairsNew treads and risers, carpet to wood, curved stairs.
- PatternsHerringbone, chevron, borders and parquet panels built by hand.
- Vinyl, laminate, carpetLuxury vinyl plank, laminate and carpet, and what goes under them.
- Epoxy garageConcrete prepared and coated, with flake finishes.
- Polished concreteThe slab ground, densified and polished, from matte to high gloss.
- Wood ventsFlush vents framed and finished with the floor.
- RepairsTermites, water, scratches and replacement boards, down to one scratch.
- SubfloorLeveling, damaged plywood, moisture and old glue.
- Tear-outCarpet and old floors out, and what is under them.
- Compare floorsRoom-by-room picks for wood, vinyl, tile, laminate and carpet.
- Santa BarbaraCraftsman oak, Spanish Revival houses, city work hours.
- MontecitoEstates and cottages, weekday-only hours, sundowner wind.
- VenturaBeach cottages, midtown houses, city work hours.
- Hiring guideLicense check, contract rules, deposit limit, questions to ask and red flags.
- Floor careCleaning, humidity, sun and pets. What to use, what to skip.
- Service areaThe coast's air, termites, old houses and rules, and where La Cumbre works.
- FAQShort answers on cost, time, dust, color, damage and hiring.
- GlossaryForty-odd flooring words in plain English.
Where to start
- Floor is worn or dull: refinishing, then what goes into a price.
- Floor is damaged: repairs, including termites and water.
- Putting in a new floor: new hardwood or compare floors by room.
- Picking a contractor: the California hiring guide.