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How to Choose a Flooring Contractor in Denver (2025)

Flooring installation quality varies enormously — the same material can look stunning or fail within a year depending on who installs it. Denver's dry climate adds specific requirements around acclimation and subfloor prep. Here's how to hire right.

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Key Takeaways

1
Verify general liability and workers' comp insurance before work begins
2
Hardwood must acclimate 3–7 days in Denver's low humidity — non-negotiable
3
Subfloor flatness and moisture testing are the most critical prep steps
4
Get 3 quotes that each include subfloor prep, transitions, and disposal

Insurance and Credentials

Colorado does not require a specific flooring license, but contractors should carry general liability insurance (minimum $1M) and workers' compensation. Always ask for certificates before work begins.

For hardwood, NWFA (National Wood Flooring Association) certification is the industry standard. Ask if your installer is NWFA-certified for hardwood projects.

Denver's Climate and Flooring Acclimation

Denver's low humidity (30–40% average) is the most important factor in installation quality. Solid hardwood must acclimate to your home's humidity for 3–7 days before installation — non-negotiable.

Ask: How long will you acclimate the flooring before installation? 'We'll bring it the morning of installation' is a red flag for hardwood.

Engineered hardwood and LVP are more dimensionally stable in Denver's humidity swings, but proper subfloor prep is still critical.

Subfloor Preparation — The Hidden Factor

The most common cause of flooring failure is inadequate subfloor preparation. A quality contractor inspects and addresses: flatness (within 3/16 inch over 10 feet), moisture levels, squeaks, and height transitions.

Ask: What subfloor prep is included in your quote? What is your moisture testing process? If a contractor doesn't mention subfloor prep, that's a red flag.

Getting and Comparing Quotes

Get 3 written quotes. Each should specify: flooring material by manufacturer and product name, installation method, subfloor prep included, transition strips, removal and disposal of existing flooring, and labor warranty.

Watch for low quotes that exclude subfloor prep, transitions, or disposal — these add $1–$3/sq ft and can make a 'low' quote more expensive than a complete one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a flooring contractor need to be licensed in Colorado?

Colorado does not require a specific flooring license, but contractors should carry general liability and workers' comp insurance. Ask for certificates before work begins.

How long does hardwood flooring need to acclimate in Denver?

Solid hardwood should acclimate in your home for 3–7 days before installation in Denver's dry climate. Skipping acclimation leads to gaps, cupping, or buckling.

What should a flooring quote include?

Material specifications, installation method, subfloor prep, transition strips, removal and disposal of existing flooring, and a labor warranty. Quotes missing these items may have hidden costs.

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