FAQ'S
FLOORING —GENERAL & TYPE COMPARISONS
What is the best flooring type for homes with pets and kids?
LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) is the best flooring for homes with pets and kids. It is 100% waterproof, scratch-resistant, and cleans up instantly pet accidents, spills, and muddy paws wipe off without staining or warping the floor. Porcelain tile is equally waterproof and even more scratch-resistant, though harder and colder underfoot. Carpet traps pet hair and odors, making it harder to keep clean in active households. Most families limit carpet to bedrooms only and use LVP or tile everywhere else. At MNR Flooring & Paint, this is the most common combination we install for San Antonio families: LVP throughout main living areas, tile in bathrooms, and carpet in bedrooms if desired.
Which flooring type adds the most resale value to a San Antonio home?
Hardwood and LVP add the most resale value. In the San Antonio market, buyers respond strongly to hard flooring throughout the home replacing worn carpet with LVP before listing typically delivers a 70–80% ROI on installation cost. Hardwood is the premium choice for buyers who want authenticity and long-term refinish ability. LVP is the practical alternative most buyers cannot visually distinguish from real wood at a significantly lower cost per square foot. Both are far more appealing to buyers than old carpet, which most view as an immediate expense to replace.
What is the difference between LVP and laminate flooring?
LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) is 100% waterproof; laminate is not. Both look similar wood-look planks with realistic grain texture but LVP has a solid vinyl core that water cannot penetrate. Laminate has an HDF (high-density fiberboard) core that swells and warps with prolonged moisture exposure. In San Antonio’s humid summers, LVP is the safer long-term choice for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and ground-floor spaces. For dry, low-moisture areas like upstairs bedrooms, laminate can perform well but LVP is the more versatile and durable option across most residential applications.
What is the difference between LVP and real hardwood?
The biggest difference is refinish ability and authenticity. Hardwood is solid milled wood it can be sanded and refinished up to 10 times and lasts 50+ years. LVP is engineered vinyl with a printed wood-grain surface it cannot be refinished, but it is 100% waterproof, more scratch-resistant, and costs significantly less to install. High-quality LVP is nearly indistinguishable from hardwood once installed. For households in San Antonio that want the look of wood without worrying about water damage or humidity, LVP is the more practical long-term choice.
What is the difference between solid hardwood and engineered wood?
Solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood and can be refinished up to 10 times over its lifespan. Engineered wood has a plywood base with a real hardwood veneer on top it can typically be refinished 1–3 times depending on veneer thickness. The key advantage of engineered wood is dimensional stability. It handles San Antonio’s heat, humidity swings, and concrete slab sub-floors far better than solid hardwood, which expands and contracts with seasonal moisture changes. For most Texas homes on a slab foundation, engineered wood is the smarter choice.
Is LVP or tile better for kitchens and bathrooms?
Both are excellent choices the decision comes down to comfort and budget. Tile is harder and colder underfoot but extremely durable, lasts the longest of any flooring material, and is ideal for full wet zones like shower floors and around bathtubs. LVP is warmer and softer to stand on, installs faster, and costs less in labor. For bathrooms with showers, tile is the preferred choice in wet zones. For kitchen floors and laundry rooms, LVP is a highly popular and cost-effective option that performs equally well in terms of waterproofing.
Can you install different flooring types in different rooms of the same home?
Yes, and it is very common. Most San Antonio homeowners use LVP or hardwood in main living areas, tile in bathrooms and laundry rooms, and carpet in bedrooms. The key is managing transitions between flooring types at doorways and thresholds. MNR uses matching transition strips that create a clean, professional finish where two floor types meet. During your estimate, we walk the full floor plan and advise on transition placement so the finished result looks cohesive rather than mismatched.
Can new flooring be installed over existing flooring?
In many cases yes but it depends on the material and condition of what is already there. LVP can often be floated directly over existing tile or concrete if the surface is flat (within 3/16″ per 10 feet), stable, and dry. Laminate cannot be installed over carpet. Old flooring with damage, loose tiles, or moisture issues typically needs to come up first. We inspect the existing sub-floor during every estimate and tell you upfront whether removal is needed and what it adds to the project cost no surprises once work begins.
Can LVP be installed over existing tile or concrete?
Yes. LVP can be installed directly over existing tile when the tile is fully intact, flat, and firmly bonded saving the $2–$6 per square foot labor cost of tile removal. On concrete sub-floors, LVP installs well but requires a moisture barrier underlayment to prevent vapor from rising through the slab. Any cracked, loose, or severely uneven tiles need to be repaired or removed first. MNR assesses the surface during your estimate and handles all necessary prep work before installation begins.
What flooring holds up best in San Antonio's heat and humidity?
Porcelain tile and LVP hold up best in San Antonio’s climate. The combination of high summer heat,humidity fluctuations, and clay soil which causes foundation movement puts significant stress on flooring materials. Both porcelain and LVP are dimensionally stable: they do not expand, contract, or warp with temperature and humidity changes the way solid hardwood does. Solid hardwood in San Antonio requires strict indoor humidity control year-round. Engineered wood handles our climate better than solid, but LVP remains the most resilient and low-maintenance flooring option for most San Antonio homes.
CARPET
What is the difference between Berber, plush, and frieze carpet?
These three styles refer to how the carpet fiber is constructed. Berber is a loop-pile carpet tight, dense, and very durable in high-traffic areas like hallways and stairs, though its loops can snag on pet claws. Plush (cut pile) has a smooth, velvety texture that looks formal and feels luxurious underfoot, but it shows footprints and vacuum marks easily. Frieze is a tightly twisted cut pile with a textured, casual look that hides foot traffic and wear patterns well. For households with kids and pets, frieze or textured cut pile is the most forgiving everyday choice.
Is carpet or hard flooring better for bedrooms?
Carpet remains the most popular choice for bedrooms because it is warmer underfoot, quieter, and more comfortable for kids who play on the floor. However, hard flooring in bedrooms is increasingly preferred by allergy sufferers carpet traps dust mites, pet dander, and allergens that vacuuming alone does not fully remove. If anyone in the household has asthma or severe allergies, hard flooring with an area rug delivers the comfort of softness without the allergen trap of wall-to-wall carpet. MNR helps you weigh both options based on your household’s specific needs during the consultation.
What type of carpet holds up best in high-traffic areas?
Solution-dyed nylon is the most durable carpet fiber for high-traffic areas like hallways, living rooms, and stairs. The color is embedded into the fiber during manufacturing not applied to the surface making it far more resistant to staining and fading than standard polyester or olefin. Choose a low-to-medium pile height with a dense face weight of at least 40–45 oz. for heavy-traffic zones. Avoid high-pile and plush styles in these areas they mat down and show wear quickly. MNR specs the right fiber type and construction for each specific area of your home.
TILE FLOORING
What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile?
Porcelain tile is denser, less porous, and more water-resistant than ceramic. Porcelain is fired at higher temperatures, giving it a moisture absorption rate below 0.5% compared to ceramic’s 3% or higher. This makes porcelain the better choice for wet areas (bathrooms, showers, outdoor patios) and high-traffic floors. Ceramic is slightly softer, easier to cut, and typically less expensive it works well in lower-moisture interior areas where heavy wear is not a concern. For flooring throughout a home in San Antonio, MNR generally recommends porcelain for its long-term durability
What type of tile works best for showers and wet areas?
Porcelain tile is the best choice for showers and wet areas. It absorbs almost no moisture, resists mold and mildew better than ceramic, and holds up to regular cleaning with standard bathroom products. For
shower floors, smaller mosaic tiles (2″x2″ or 3″x3″) are recommended because the additional grout lines provide better slip resistance underfoot. Large-format tiles (12″x24″ and up) work beautifully on shower walls and create a clean, modern look with fewer grout joints to maintain. Natural stone adds a premium aesthetic but requires sealing and more upkeep than porcelain.
Can new tile be installed over existing tile?
Yes, in some cases.Tiling over existing tile avoids the cost and mess of removal, but the existing tile must be completely flat, stable, and firmly bonded no hollow or loose spots. Any hollow-sounding tile must be repaired or removed first. Keep in mind that layering tile raises the floor height, which can create transition issues at doorways and may affect toilet rough-in height in bathrooms. MNR evaluates each situation during the estimate and gives you an honest recommendation on whether an overlay or full tile removal is the right approach.
COMMERCIAL FLOORING
What flooring is best for commercial office spaces?
Carpet tile is the most widely used flooring for commercial offices. It absorbs sound (reducing noise in open-plan work environments), is comfortable underfoot for long work days, and individual tiles can be replaced when one section gets damaged or stained without pulling up the entire floor. For reception areas, corridors, and high-traffic zones within the same building, commercial LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) is the preferred choice for its durability and professional appearance. MNR specifies the right product for each zone based on foot traffic volume, acoustics needs, and your brand aesthetic.
What is the difference between commercial-grade and residential LVP/LVT?
Commercial-grade LVT has a thicker wear layer typically 20 mil or higher, versus 6–12 mil for residential along with a denser core and certifications for commercial load, fire ratings, and slip resistance. Residential LVP installed in a commercial space wears through faster, voids manufacturer warranties, and may not meet local building code for commercial occupancy. MNR always specifies and installs the correct commercial-grade product for business environments. This matters for performance, liability, and long-term compliance with commercial building standards.
What flooring is recommended for gyms and fitness centers?
INTERIOR PAINTING
What paint finish (sheen) should I use in each room?
The right finish depends on the room’s traffic level and moisture exposure. Flat or matte is best for ceilings and low-traffic bedroom walls it hides surface imperfections but is not washable. Eggshell is the most popular choice for living rooms, dining rooms, and master bedrooms subtle sheen, wipe-able, and forgiving. Satin is ideal for hallways, kids’ rooms, and walls that get touched or scuffed frequently. Semi-gloss is the standard for kitchens, bathrooms, trim, doors, and window frames it repels moisture and cleans easily. High-gloss is used on cabinetry and trim where maximum durability and a hard finish are needed.
How many coats of paint does a room actually need?
Most rooms need two coats of paint for a complete, even result. One coat is only acceptable when repainting with the exact same color on a wall in good condition. Going from dark to light, painting new drywall, covering stains, or making a dramatic color change always requires two coats and sometimes three without a tinted primer first. At MNR Flooring & Paint, the number of coats is specified clearly in your written quote before work begins. We never apply one coat to finish faster and deliver a substandard result.
Do walls need to be primed before painting?
Yes, in most cases. New drywall always requires a PVA primer without it, paint absorbs unevenly and the finish looks patchy. Repaired walls need spot-priming at every patch location. Walls with stains from water damage, smoke, grease, or crayon need a stain-blocking primer before finish paint the stain bleeds through multiple color coats without it. When transitioning from a very dark to a very light color, a tinted primer dramatically reduces the number of finish coats needed. MNR includes all necessary priming in the project scope —it is never presented as an extra charge.
Is it worth painting kitchen cabinets instead of replacing them?
Yes,in almost every case where the cabinet boxes are structurally sound. Full cabinet replacement in an average kitchen costs $12,000–$35,000 and takes weeks of disruption. Professional cabinet painting costs a fraction of that, takes 3–7 days, and delivers a dramatically refreshed look using cabinet-specific industrial coatings built for daily kitchen use. Professionally painted cabinets last 8–10 years with proper care. Cabinet painting is the right choice when doors are not warped, boxes are not damaged, and the layout functions well. If those conditions are not met, we will tell you honestly during the estimate.
What is the difference between painting an accent wall vs. painting a full room?
An accent wall applies a bolderor contrasting color to one feature wall typically behind a bed, sofa, or fireplace to add depth and visual interest without a full color change. It is more affordable and quicker to complete than a full room repaint. Full room painting creates a cohesive, polished look and is the right choice when walls are dated, stained, or you want a consistent design throughout the space. If you are unsure which approach fits your room, MNR brings color samples during the estimate and walks you through how each option looks in your specific space before you commit.
EXTERIOR PAINTING
Should I paint or stain my deck and fence?
Stain is generally the better choice for decks; either works for fences. Stain penetrates wood fibers and fades gradually it is easier to reapply without stripping and allows the natural wood grain to show. Paint creates a thicker, longer-lasting protective layer (5–7 years vs. 2–4 for stain) but peels and cracks when it fails, requiring more prep work before the next coat. For decks under heavy foot traffic, stain holds up better because paint chips from constant wear. MNR assesses the condition of your wood and recommends the right product during your exterior estimate.
What is the difference between exterior and interior paint?
Exterior paint is formulated to withstand UV rays, rain, temperature swings, mildew, and direct weather exposure. Interior paint is designed for low odor, easy cleaning, and indoor air quality it breaks down rapidly when used outside, causing fading, peeling, and failure within one to two seasons. Never use interior paint on exterior surfaces, and never use exterior paint indoors —the higher solvent and mildewcide content in exterior formulas is not appropriate for enclosed living spaces. MNR uses the correct product for every surface, every time.
How do I know when my home's exterior needs repainting?
Your home’s exterior needs repainting when paint is visibly fading or chalking (chalky residue when you run your hand along the wall), when you see peeling or bubbling, when caulking around windows and trim is cracked and pulling away, or when bare substrate is visible through the finish. In San Antonio’s intense sun, most quality exterior paint jobs last 7–10 years. Waiting too long allows moisture to penetrate the substrate turning a standard paint job into a costly repair project. MNR offers free exterior assessments as part of every estimate.
Can exterior painting be done in San Antonio summers?
Yes with the right scheduling approach. Extreme heat above 90°F causes paint to dry too fast, reducing adhesion and leaving visible brush marks in the finish. MNR schedules exterior painting work during early morning hours in peak summer months and avoids painting surfaces in direct afternoon sun at high temperatures. Wind is also a factor it speeds drying and can carry dust onto fresh paint. Your project timeline reflects these seasonal adjustments. The goal is never to rush a job at the expense of finish quality.
COMMERCIAL PAINTING
What kind of paintis used for commercial spaces vs. residential homes?
Commercial spaces require higher-grade, more durable coatings than residential homes. High-traffic commercial walls are painted with industrial enamels, commercial-grade acrylic latex, or epoxy-basedsystems that withstand repeated scrubbing without losing sheen or color. Healthcare facilities, commercial kitchens, and restrooms require mold-resistant and antimicrobial paint systems that meet applicable health code standards. MNR never applies residential paint specs to a commercial job. The durability difference is apparent within the first year of wear, and repainting a commercial space ahead of schedule is far more disruptive and expensive than using the right product from the start.
Can commercial painting be done without shutting down the business?
In most cases, yes. MNR works around your operation evenings, weekends, and phased section-by-section painting during off-hours are standard approaches for commercial clients. Retail spaces, offices, and restaurants can typically stay operational while we work one section at a time. We discuss phasing, access requirements, and scheduling during your commercial estimate so your business faces minimal disruption. For projects that require a specific area to be temporarily vacated, we work to minimize that window and complete our scope as efficiently as possible.