Frequently Asked Questions

LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) mimics natural stone or ceramic tile, while LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) replicates wood flooring. Both offer excellent water resistance and durability, but LVT works best in bathrooms and kitchens, whereas LVP suits spaces where you want a realistic wood appearance throughout your home or business.

Quality LVP flooring typically lasts 15 to 25 years with proper care and professional installation. At Imperial Flooring, we emphasize correct subfloor preparation and precision installation to maximize longevity, especially in Maine's variable climate conditions.

Yes, heated flooring systems work exceptionally well under tile and are ideal for Maine winters. Tile conducts heat efficiently, making bathrooms and kitchens more comfortable. At Imperial Flooring, we ensure proper system integration during installation to optimize energy efficiency and performance.

Proper subfloor preparation prevents future issues like uneven surfaces, moisture damage, and premature flooring failure. Leveling and moisture control are critical steps that ensure your new floor performs well long-term, regardless of whether you're installing vinyl, tile, hardwood, or epoxy.

Yes, engineered hardwood is more stable in moisture-prone areas like basements because its layered construction resists expansion and contraction. Solid hardwood can warp or cup in variable humidity, making engineered wood a smarter choice for below-grade spaces in Maine homes.

Refinishing restores the original beauty of worn hardwood at a fraction of replacement cost. The process includes sanding, staining, and sealing, which removes scratches and damage while extending floor lifespan. At Imperial Flooring, we handle both residential and commercial refinishing projects throughout Lewiston and beyond.

Epoxy flooring excels in garages due to its resistance to chemicals, stains, road salt, and heavy wear. The seamless surface is easy to clean and handles temperature fluctuations common in Maine. It's a durable, customizable solution for both residential garages and commercial spaces.

Yes, floor repair and restoration can target specific damaged areas without replacing the entire floor. At Imperial Flooring, we match materials and perform seamless repairs that extend the lifespan of your existing flooring, saving you time and money on full replacement.

Skipping proper subfloor preparation is the most common error. Uneven or moisture-damaged subfloors cause vinyl to fail prematurely, leading to bubbling, warping, or gaps. Professional installation with thorough prep ensures your LVT or LVP performs as intended for decades.

LVP installation is generally faster than hardwood or tile, often completed in one to three days depending on room size and layout complexity. At Imperial Flooring, we prioritize efficient timelines without sacrificing precision, minimizing disruption to your home or business in Lewiston and surrounding areas.

Absolutely. Tile offers exceptional durability, water resistance, and low maintenance, making it ideal for commercial environments like retail stores, offices, and restaurants. Precision installation ensures long-term performance even under heavy foot traffic and frequent cleaning.

LVT and LVP require minimal maintenance—regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping keep them looking new. Avoid abrasive cleaners and excess water. Their scratch and water resistance make them perfect for busy Maine households and commercial properties with minimal upkeep demands.

Yes, commercial contractors and builders can purchase wholesale flooring materials in bulk for direct delivery to job sites. Ordering at volume reduces per-square-foot costs and ensures consistent lot numbers across a project, which is critical for large commercial installations.

Wholesale options include luxury vinyl plank, luxury vinyl tile, tile, hardwood, and engineered hardwood. Commercial buyers can select materials suited to their project specs, traffic ratings, and installation environment, ensuring the right product reaches the job site without retail markup.

Wear layer thickness — measured in mils — determines how well a vinyl floor handles foot traffic. Commercial spaces require at least a 20-mil wear layer to withstand daily abuse. Thinner wear layers designed for residential use degrade quickly under the demands of office, retail, or healthcare environments.

Flooring produced in different manufacturing lots can vary slightly in color and texture. Ordering all materials from the same lot number ensures visual uniformity across a large job site. Mixed lots are one of the most common causes of mismatched flooring on commercial builds.

Key specs include wear layer thickness, core type (rigid vs. flexible), dimensional stability ratings, and installation method compatibility. For commercial job sites, rigid core LVP is generally preferred for its ability to handle subfloor imperfections and heavy rolling loads without buckling.

Ordering two to four weeks ahead of installation is standard practice for commercial projects. This allows time for delivery, material acclimation to the job site environment, and inspection for any shipping damage before installation crews are scheduled to begin work.

It depends on the application. LVP installs faster and absorbs impact well in offices and retail spaces. Tile outperforms in wet environments like commercial kitchens and restrooms due to its near-zero moisture absorption. Both are viable wholesale materials — the right choice aligns with traffic load and moisture exposure.

Full commercial orders typically include transition strips, adhesives, moisture barriers, and underlayment where required. Sourcing all materials from a single supplier keeps the job site organized, reduces reorder delays, and ensures product compatibility that affects installation quality and warranty coverage.

Wholesale pricing is calculated per square foot at volume tiers, eliminating the retail markup built into showroom pricing. Cost drivers include product grade, wear layer rating, and order size. Larger commercial orders generally unlock lower per-unit pricing and can significantly reduce total project materials cost.

Rigid core LVP and commercial-grade tile are the most reliable choices for high-traffic Maine job sites. Both handle heavy foot traffic, resist moisture from tracked-in snow and ice, and hold up under frequent commercial cleaning schedules without requiring refinishing or special surface treatments.