Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions homeowners ask most often about flooring, remodeling, financing, and working with American Floor & Home. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact a location near you.
About American Floor & Home
How long has American Floor & Home been in business?
American Floor & Home has served Oahu since 1974, making it one of Hawaii’s longest-running, family-founded flooring companies. Read more about our history on the About Us page.
Is American Floor & Home locally owned?
Yes. We are a family-founded, employee-owned (ESOP) company based on Oahu, not a mainland chain. Every employee holds a stake in the company’s success, which shows up in the level of care each project gets.
Where are your showrooms located?
We have two Oahu showrooms: one at 302 Sand Island Access Rd in Honolulu, and one at 480 Kamokila Blvd in Kapolei. Visit our Locations page for hours, directions, and contact info for each store.
What areas do you serve?
We serve the island of Oahu, generally within about 30 miles of our Honolulu and Kapolei showrooms, including Kalihi, Moanalua, Pearl City, Ewa Beach, Ko Olina, Makakilo, and Waipahu. Check our Locations page or contact a store directly to confirm service to your address.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. American Floor & Home holds Contractor License #BC-7137. License and insurance details are available on request from either showroom.
What makes American Floor & Home different from big-box stores or other flooring retailers?
Most retailers sell similar products from the same major manufacturers, so the real difference comes down to installation quality and support. Our installations are handled by CFI-certified (Certified Flooring Installer) crews, and we back projects with our 5-Star Installation Guarantee. We also offer in-house financing options and a proprietary product line, the Hawaii Collection, designed specifically for island conditions.
Choosing the Right Flooring for Hawaii
What is the best type of flooring for Hawaii’s climate?
Hawaii’s heat and humidity make moisture resistance the top priority. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and waterproof core flooring tend to perform best because they resist swelling, warping, and moisture damage better than solid hardwood. Tile is also a strong choice in kitchens, bathrooms, and lanai-adjacent rooms. Browse options in our LVP, Tile, and Hardwood collections.
Can I install hardwood flooring in a Hawaii home?
Yes, but engineered hardwood is generally recommended over solid hardwood because it’s more dimensionally stable in humid, fluctuating conditions. Proper acclimation and moisture mitigation during installation matter more in Hawaii than in mainland climates.
Why is my floor buckling or cupping?
Buckling and cupping are almost always moisture-related, caused by humidity, subfloor moisture, or water intrusion beneath the flooring. This is a common issue in island homes and is best diagnosed with a moisture test rather than guesswork. Our installation process includes ASTM F1869 moisture testing before any flooring goes down.
What’s the difference between LVP and laminate flooring?
LVP (luxury vinyl plank) is 100% waterproof and holds up well in humid or wet-prone areas, while laminate is more moisture-resistant than hardwood but not fully waterproof. In most Hawaii homes, especially kitchens, bathrooms, and ground-floor rooms, LVP is the more practical choice.
What flooring works best for condos in Hawaii?
Condo flooring decisions often come down to building sound-transmission requirements as much as the material itself. Many associations require an underlayment with a specific Impact Insulation Class (IIC) rating. LVP and tile are popular condo choices because they’re durable, water-resistant, and pair well with sound-dampening underlayment.
What flooring is best for a vacation rental?
Vacation rentals need flooring that can handle heavy foot traffic, frequent cleaning, and sand or moisture tracked in from guests. Waterproof LVP is the most common recommendation for short-term rental units on Oahu because of its durability and easy upkeep between guests.
What’s the best flooring for kitchens and bathrooms?
How do I choose between carpet, hardwood, tile, and vinyl?
It depends on the room, foot traffic, moisture exposure, and budget. As a general rule: carpet suits bedrooms, hardwood and LVP suit living areas, and tile suits kitchens and bathrooms. Our Shop at Home service brings samples to your space so you can compare options in your actual lighting and layout.
Do you offer a curated flooring line specifically for Hawaii homes?
Yes, the Hawaii Collection is our proprietary line of flooring products selected and named for island conditions, with colorways inspired by Hawaiian landmarks and neighborhoods.
Cost & Financing
How much does new flooring cost?
Cost depends on the material, square footage, and installation complexity, so pricing varies significantly by project. The most accurate way to get a number is a free in-home measurement and estimate, which you can request through any location.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. We offer the Synchrony HOME Credit Card and Upgrade Home Improvement Loans, giving customers flexible ways to finance a project without paying the full cost upfront. Visit our Financing page for current terms and how to apply.
Do you offer any discounts?
We periodically run promotions, including discounts for first responders, educators, and healthcare workers, as well as seasonal sales. Current offers are posted on our website and in-store.
Is the estimate free?
Yes. In-home measurements and estimates are complimentary, with no obligation to purchase.
Installation Process
Do you handle installation, or do I need to hire a separate contractor?
American Floor & Home handles installation in-house with CFI-certified installers, so there’s a single point of contact from purchase through completion rather than coordinating a separate installer yourself.
What does your installation process actually include?
Our process includes ASTM F1869 moisture testing, asbestos testing protocols for pre-1985 homes, removal and disposal of existing flooring, moisture mitigation where needed, subfloor prep (grinding, patching, self-leveling), underlayment, installation per manufacturer specifications, and finished transitions and trim.
Do I need to move furniture before installation?
Furniture removal is available as part of our service, so you don’t necessarily need to handle it yourself. Confirm the scope with your client advisor when you schedule your project.
How long does a typical flooring installation take?
Timelines vary by square footage, material, and whether moisture mitigation or subfloor repair is needed. Your client advisor will provide a project-specific timeline as part of your estimate.
What is the 5-Star Installation Guarantee?
It’s our commitment to standing behind the quality of every installation we complete. Full guarantee terms are available on our 5-Star Installation Guarantee page.
Can I see what flooring will look like in my home before buying?
Yes. Our Roomvo-powered Room Visualizer lets you upload a photo of your space and preview different flooring products in it before you commit.
Kitchen & Bath Remodeling (Kiba Studios)
Do you do more than flooring?
Yes. Through our Kiba Studios division, we offer full kitchen and bath remodeling, including cabinets, countertops, plumbing fixtures, and design consultation, in addition to flooring.
What countertop materials do you carry?
We offer a range of quartz, granite, and other surface options from brands including Cambria, Cosentino/Silestone, Daltile ONE Quartz Surfaces, and Neolith, among others.
Is a design consultation included?
Yes, design consultation is complimentary for kitchen and bath projects through Kiba Studios.
Do you install window coverings?
Yes, we carry window coverings including plantation shutters, with Hunter Douglas as a brand partner.
Reviews & Trust
Can I see reviews from past customers?
Yes. Verified customer reviews are available on our Reviews page, along with our BBB and Google review profiles.
Are you accredited with the Better Business Bureau?
Yes, American Floor & Home holds an A+ BBB rating and accreditation.
What if something goes wrong after installation?
Our 5-Star Installation Guarantee covers installation-related issues after project completion. Reach out to your original client advisor or contact your nearest location to start the process.
Have a question we did not cover? Contact your nearest American Floor & Home showroom in Honolulu or Kapolei, or shop at home and have samples brought to you.