Tile installation
Ceramic, porcelain and stone for floors, showers and backsplashes. The only common floor FEMA rates flood damage-resistant when set in mortar.
Tile installation in OrlandoFlooring Installation Services in Orlando
Orlando Flooring Contractors covers four kinds of flooring installation for Orlando-area homes: tile, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), laminate and hardwood. Each one suits different rooms on a Florida concrete slab. Compare them below, then request a free written estimate.
Our flooring installation services
Every service starts with a free written estimate from an independent local installer.
Vinyl plank (LVP)
A wood look at a lower price and a common upgrade from carpet. It needs a flat, dry slab, so moisture gets checked first.
LVP installation in Orlando
Laminate
A budget-friendly wood look for dry rooms such as bedrooms. Not a fit for bathrooms or rooms that could flood.
Laminate installation in Orlando
Hardwood
Solid and engineered wood. On Florida slabs, engineered wood is often used because it handles humidity better.
Hardwood installation in OrlandoHow to choose the right floor for each room
The right floor depends on water exposure, the slab and how the room is used. The table matches each material to the rooms where it works best in a Florida home, using FEMA's flood ratings (Technical Bulletin 2).
| Floor | Best rooms | Avoid | FEMA TB-2 flood rating | Slab notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic / porcelain tile | Bathrooms, kitchens, entries, laundry, living areas | — | Acceptable (mortar set) | Needs a flat, crack-free base; large tiles need a flatter one |
| Luxury vinyl plank | Living areas, bedrooms, hallways | Rooms that could flood, unless the product is rated for it | Not listed; check the manufacturer | Flat and dry; follow the maker's moisture limit |
| Laminate | Bedrooms, dry living areas, upper floors | Bathrooms, laundry, ground floors in flood zones | Unacceptable | Usually floated over a vapor barrier on concrete; follow the maker's guide |
| Engineered / solid hardwood | Dry living and dining rooms, bedrooms | Bathrooms, kitchens with water risk | Unacceptable | Engineered wood is the usual choice on slabs |
Prices differ as much as the materials. See flooring cost guides for Orlando for sourced price ranges per square foot.
Before any new floor: the Florida slab
Most Central Florida homes are built on a concrete slab, and the slab decides how well any new floor performs. Two checks matter before installation.
- FlatnessLarge tiles, vinyl plank and laminate all need a flat base. Low spots get filled and high spots ground down before the floor goes in.
- MoistureVinyl, laminate and wood makers set a moisture limit for the slab. Ask which test the installer uses and whether the result meets the product's warranty terms.
- Old adhesive and cracksOld glue, paint and moving cracks are removed or treated, so the new floor bonds or floats correctly.
How we handle your flooring estimate
You send one short form with your ZIP code, the floor type and the room size. Your request goes to an independent local installer who covers your area, and you get a written estimate to compare at no cost. Read how the free estimate works for each step.
Areas we cover
Orlando Flooring Contractors serves homeowners in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties, including Orlando, Winter Park, Sanford, Oviedo, Winter Garden, Apopka, Kissimmee and Clermont.
Questions about choosing a floor
Which flooring is cheapest to install?
Basic laminate is usually the lowest installed cost, at about $4 to $7 per square foot according to Modernize (August 2026). Luxury vinyl plank runs about $6 to $16 and ceramic tile about $6 to $13. Removal of the old floor and slab prep are extra, so compare itemized estimates.
Which floor handles water best in a Florida home?
Ceramic or porcelain tile set in cement-based mortar. FEMA's Technical Bulletin 2 rates it as flood damage-resistant, while laminate, wood and carpet are rated unacceptable. Luxury vinyl plank is not listed in the bulletin, so check the manufacturer's data for water and slab moisture limits.
Can wood-look flooring go on a concrete slab?
Yes. Wood-look porcelain tile, luxury vinyl plank, laminate and engineered hardwood are all installed over concrete slabs. Vinyl, laminate and wood need a flat, dry slab, so ask the installer how they will test slab moisture and what the manufacturer's limit is.
Do I need a permit to replace flooring in Orange County?
Usually not. Orange County says replacing flooring generally does not need a building permit (Orange County Permitting FAQ). If the job also changes plumbing, electrical or the structure under the floor, that part needs a permit and a licensed contractor.
How do I choose between tile and vinyl plank?
Choose tile for bathrooms, kitchens, entries and any ground-floor room that could see water. Choose vinyl plank when you want a warmer, quieter wood look at a lower price in drier rooms. Many Florida homes use both: tile in wet areas and vinyl plank in living areas and bedrooms.
Not sure which floor fits your home?
Send the room and a short note, and a local installer can help you compare.