Kitchen Flooring Replacement

Step 1: substrate assessment — moisture testing on slab, leveling check, crack survey. Step 2: appliance and toe-kick removal (we install flooring under the dishwasher for proper future serviceability). Step 3: demo of existing flooring. Step 4: substrate prep — self-leveling underlayment or crack-isolation membrane as needed. Step 5: installation, grout (for tile), and transition strips. Step 6: appliance and trim reinstall. Typical timeline: 3–5 days for an average kitchen.

Porcelain tile is the long-term winner — waterproof, scratch-proof, indifferent to Phoenix dust and heat, and lasts 30+ years. LVP is the second most popular: waterproof, softer underfoot, easier on dropped dishes, installs faster, and runs $5–$10/sq ft installed. Engineered hardwood works in kitchens that flow into wood-floored living rooms but is vulnerable to dishwasher leaks and refrigerator water-line failures — we install with extra moisture-barrier underlayment when used in kitchens.

Slab-on-grade construction (the Valley default) requires crack-isolation membrane under tile where existing slab cracks are present — otherwise cracks telegraph through grout joints within a year. Self-leveling underlayment corrects substrate variance over ¼" per 10 ft. Tile installations are set with modified thinset for porcelain over slab. All installations include transition strips at every doorway and properly sealed perimeter caulk.