Frequently Asked Questions

Book a time that works for you on our Shop from Home calendar, or call (760) 736-0080. Tell us which rooms you’re thinking about and the types of flooring you’re considering. You’ll get an email confirming the appointment. Then we come to you with samples so you can see them in your own light, next to your cabinets, walls and furniture. We’ll measure and talk through your options, and you’ll get a detailed estimate. The estimate is free, and there’s no pressure.

The visit usually takes anywhere from about 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size of your home and the type of project. We measure with a laser and diagram your rooms digitally in Measure Square, which is quick and accurate.

It depends on the product you choose (in stock or special order), the size of the project and our install calendar. We’ll give you a realistic timeline with your estimate and confirm your install date when you place your order.

As a general guide, materials stocked locally are often available within 2–3 business days of your order. Materials stocked in Georgia can take 7–10 business days.

It depends on the size of the project, the rooms involved and the type of flooring. We’ll give you a schedule with your estimate.

Our crew arrives at the scheduled time, reviews the job with you and protects the areas around the work. They remove your old flooring (removal is included on our projects, and disposal follows California’s strict disposal regulations), prepare the subfloor and install your new floor, along with transitions and trim as quoted. When the work is done, they clean up and walk through the finished job with you.

Please plan for an adult to be onsite during the installation.

Ask us about furniture moving when you schedule your installation. In the meantime, please pack up small items, breakables and anything valuable before install day, and let us know about large or delicate pieces during your estimate.

A new floor is only as good as what’s under it. Before installing, the subfloor needs to be clean, flat, dry and structurally sound. Depending on your home, prep can include leveling low spots, grinding high spots, fixing squeaks or loose plywood and checking concrete slabs for moisture. We look at your subfloor during the estimate and explain any prep your project needs.

Some contractors bid low and add change orders once the old floor is up. We take a different approach. Our estimates always include floor preparation based on your jobsite conditions, and we aim for an all-in price, so you’re not surprised by a large change order in the middle of your project. Removal of your old flooring is included too. When you compare bids, check whether prep and removal are included.

Some products, especially hardwood, need to sit in your home for a period before installation so they can adjust to its temperature and humidity. Requirements vary by product and manufacturer. We follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the floor you choose.

It varies by product type, but most floors can be walked on right after installation. We’ll let you know if your floor needs any extra time.

Yes. CQ Floors offers promotional financing through the Synchrony HOME Credit Card, subject to credit approval. You can apply online and usually get a decision in seconds, or ask our team in the showroom. Details and the application links are on our Financing page.

Our Fall promotional financing runs September 1 – October 31, 2026. With the Synchrony HOME Credit Card, you can choose no interest if paid in full within 12 months or no interest if paid in full within 18 months, with a $0 minimum purchase on all products. These are deferred-interest offers, subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments are required, and interest may be charged from the purchase date if the promotional balance isn’t paid in full within the promotional period. See the Financing page and Synchrony’s disclosures for full terms. CQ Floors doesn’t make credit decisions. Financing is provided by Synchrony Bank.

You can make a secure payment online on our Payments page, or call us at (760) 736-0080.

Sweep, dust-mop or vacuum often (no beater bar) to remove grit. Clean with the hardwood cleaner your manufacturer recommends. Never wet-mop or steam-clean, and wipe up spills right away. Use felt pads under furniture, mats at entries and window coverings to limit sun fading. Keep indoor humidity steady. Wood naturally expands and contracts with the seasons, so small seasonal gaps between boards are normal.

Sweep or vacuum regularly, then damp-mop with a pH-neutral cleaner made for vinyl. Avoid wax, abrasive cleaners and “mop and shine” products. Use non-staining furniture protectors. Rubber-backed mats can discolor some vinyl. Even waterproof floors should have spills wiped up promptly.

Dust-mop or vacuum often and clean with a laminate cleaner or a lightly damp (never wet) microfiber mop. Don’t steam-clean or let water sit on the seams unless your product is rated for it. Lift furniture instead of dragging it, and use felt pads.

Vacuum high-traffic areas often and the rest of the house weekly. Blot spills with a clean white cloth, working from the outside in. Don’t rub. Follow your carpet manufacturer’s guidance on professional hot-water extraction cleaning, which many carpet warranties require. Our carpet cleaning tips cover common stains.

Sweep or vacuum, then damp-mop with a pH-neutral tile cleaner. Avoid harsh acids, bleach and abrasive pads, which can damage grout and some finishes. Seal cement-based grout as the grout manufacturer recommends, and clean grout lines from time to time. Natural stone needs stone-safe cleaners. Avoid vinegar and citrus.

See our flooring maintenance tips. Always follow the care instructions from your floor’s manufacturer, because using the wrong products can affect the manufacturer’s warranty.

Our showroom is at 1945 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd., Suite C, San Marcos, CA 92078. Showroom hours are Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 5:00. Saturday and Sunday are by appointment. Call or text (760) 736-0080 or contact us.

Thousands of flooring samples across hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, laminate, carpet, tile and more, with room to compare them side by side. We offer design help, product-only sales for DIYers and full-service sales with professional installation. Take a look at our Suite C showroom.

Yes. Seeing a floor in your own lighting is the best way to choose, so we loan samples, and at an in-home estimate we bring samples to you. Just leave your contact information, and we’ll tag the samples with your name so we know who has them.

We’re based in San Marcos and install across San Diego County, including Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar and Rancho Santa Fe, as well as Orange County.

When CQ Floors installs your floor, our workmanship is backed by an 18-month limited workmanship warranty from the completion of work. It covers tile, hardwood, vinyl/LVP, laminate and carpet installations performed by CQ Floors. If a defect caused by faulty workmanship shows up during that time, we’ll correct it free of charge. Examples include seams that gap, loose transition moldings, air bubbles, loose pieces of flooring or grout, and carpet that needs re-stretching or seam repair. There’s no charge for us to come out and inspect.

Product defects are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, not our workmanship warranty. We pass the manufacturer’s warranty on to you and help with the claim process. If the manufacturer confirms a defect and provides replacement material, we’ll reinstall it within a reasonable time at no charge to you.

The workmanship warranty doesn’t cover damage from things like abuse, neglect or misuse, water or flooding, pets, improper cleaning or maintenance, not keeping proper indoor humidity, foundation settling or fading from sunlight. Because hardwood is a natural product, small seasonal gaps between boards are normal and aren’t considered defects. It only covers installations done by CQ Floors.

Let us know in writing as soon as you notice a problem, and within 30 days of first noticing it. Email info@cqfloors.com or call (760) 736-0080 to get started. The problem needs to show up during the 18-month warranty period. Please give us the chance to inspect and make the repair before anyone else works on the floor.

Yes. It can be transferred to a subsequent owner within the first year after the work is substantially complete.

This is a summary. The full terms are in the CQ Floors Limited Warranty provided with your installation. Ask us for a full copy of the warranty terms.