Flooring, Remodeling & Countertop FAQs
Have questions about new flooring, countertop upgrades, or a full home remodel?
You’re in the right place. We’ve gathered the most common questions homeowners in Denton, Argyle, Flower Mound, and surrounding areas ask before starting their project. From installation timelines and material comparisons to financing and design guidance, our goal is to make your experience simple and stress-free.
If you’d rather talk through your project in person, we’d love to meet you, call, visit us or schedule a showroom visit to speak directly with our team.
How to Work With The Design House
1. What’s the first step if I’m interested in a flooring, countertop, or remodeling project with The Design House?
The first step is to visit our 10,000 sq ft design showroom at 2301 Colorado Blvd in Denton, TX, or request an in-home consultation through our website. During the first meeting, our design team asks about your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, timeline in the home, and budget so we can recommend products and services that genuinely fit your situation. You can also start with our flooring estimating tool for instant pricing before you ever come in.
2. Do I need to have my design ideas finalized before I visit The Design House?
No. Most of our clients arrive with inspiration photos or a Pinterest board and no final decisions — that’s exactly what our in-house designers help with. Bring images of homes, rooms, or finishes you’re drawn to, and our team will help you identify the elements you actually respond to and build a cohesive design from there.
3. Does The Design House offer in-home consultations, or do I need to visit the Denton showroom?
We offer both. Many clients start with a showroom visit to touch materials and see full displays, and follow up with an in-home consultation for measurements, lighting evaluation, and space planning. If you’re located in Denton, Argyle, Flower Mound, Highland Village, Bartonville, Corinth, Northlake, or the surrounding DFW area, we can come to you.
4. What should I bring to my first appointment at The Design House?
Bring inspiration photos, rough measurements of the space, a general budget range, and a sense of your timeline. If you already have architectural drawings, cabinet layouts, or a builder’s spec sheet, bring those too. Budget is the single most useful piece of information you can share — it tells us whether we’re doing a facelift, a same-layout remodel, or a full gut, which changes every recommendation.
5. How long does the design phase typically take before installation begins?
The design phase varies based on scope, but a typical kitchen or bathroom remodel takes 2 to 4 weeks of design work — including selections, 3D renderings, and material ordering — before demo starts. We use 3D renderings so clients can see their finished space before any material is ordered, which prevents costly “designing on the fly” mid-project.
6. Can I bring my own contractor, or does The Design House handle installation?
Both. The Design House offers a flexible menu of services: design-only, design plus materials, or full turnkey design-build. Many clients bring their own contractor and use us for designers, materials, and design services; others hand us the whole project start to finish. We’ll be clear about scope before any work begins.
7. How do payments and deposits work at The Design House?
A deposit is required to lock in materials and schedule work, followed by progress payments tied to project milestones (demo, cabinet install, countertop install, final punch list). Because we’re a brick-and-mortar business with 18+ years in Denton, our payment structure is designed to protect the homeowner — no large up-front lump sums to a contractor who might disappear.
What Makes The Design House Different
8. How long has The Design House been in business in Denton, TX?
The Design House has been in business for over 18 years, founded in 2008 by Jennifer and Ty Homeyer. We are the same company formerly known as Carpets Plus, now expanded into a full design-build firm serving Denton, Argyle, Flower Mound, Highland Village, and the greater DFW area with flooring, countertops, cabinetry, kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, and whole-home renovation.
9. Why should I choose The Design House over Home Depot, Lowe’s, Floor & Decor, or Nebraska Furniture Mart?
The Design House is a locally-owned design-build showroom, not a big-box retailer. Clients choose us for in-house designers, licensed and insured trades, comprehensive line-itemed quotes, project managers on every remodel, in-house plumbing through Haltex Plumbing, in-house countertop fabrication through Stonemeyer Granite, a 1-year labor guarantee, and the same team standing behind the work years after the sale. Big-box stores make sense if you need materials today and don’t care about long-term quality — for anything you want to love in 5 or 10 years, we’re the fair-price, designer-service option.
10. What’s the advantage of using a brick-and-mortar design house versus an online retailer or a “chuck in a truck” installer?
Brick-and-mortar means we’re here today, tomorrow, and years from now — with a physical showroom, a full staff, licensed trades, insurance, and a reputation we protect every day. Many independent installers don’t carry liability insurance, don’t use licensed plumbers or electricians, and disappear if something goes wrong. The Design House has served the Denton community for over 18 years and stands behind every project.
11. Does The Design House have project managers on remodeling jobs?
Yes. Every remodel gets a dedicated project manager who coordinates trades, scheduling, deliveries, and communication with the homeowner. This is a core reason why our timelines are reliable and why our clients rarely experience the long pauses and scheduling chaos that happen when a homeowner tries to GC their own project.
12. Is The Design House licensed and insured?
Yes. The Design House is fully licensed and insured, and all of our licensed trade work — plumbing, electrical, structural — is performed by properly licensed and insured professionals. This is a critical differentiator from unlicensed independent installers.
13. Does The Design House use licensed plumbers and electricians on remodeling projects?
Yes, always. The Design House uses licensed plumbers for every toilet pull and reset, every drain move, and every plumbing rough-in and trim — through our own in-house company, Haltex Plumbing. All electrical work is performed by licensed electricians. Many flooring companies allow their installers to pull toilets themselves, which is unlicensed plumbing work; we protect our homeowners by never cutting that corner.
14. What is Haltex Plumbing, and how does owning our own plumbing company benefit The Design House clients?
Haltex Plumbing is our in-house plumbing division, founded in 2021 to solve a coordination problem we saw over and over — remodel clients caught between a GC and an outside plumber who couldn’t be scheduled. With Haltex, we control the plumbing schedule directly. Our kitchen remodel clients typically have running water the day after countertops go in. Our bathroom remodel clients get all plumbing fixtures trimmed out in a single coordinated visit. And because Haltex plumbers specialize in remodel work — not just service — we can move shower drains, relocate toilets across bathrooms, and handle complex rough-ins that most service plumbers won’t touch.
15. What is Stonemeyer Granite, and how does it benefit The Design House clients?
Stonemeyer Granite is our in-house countertop fabrication and installation division, founded in 2012. Owning our own fabrication shop means faster templating and install turnaround, tighter quality control, direct slab selection at partner yards, and — a key differentiator — we sell countertops by the square foot for what you need rather than forcing you to buy an entire slab like many competitors require.
16. What awards has The Design House won?
The Design House has been voted Best Carpet/Flooring Store in Denton every year from 2021 through 2025, Best Kitchen & Bath Remodeler from 2020 through 2025, and Best Interior Designer from 2022 through 2025. We are also a Shaw Flooring Network Preferred Dealer with Jennifer Homeyer serving her second term on the Shaw SFN Dealer Council, a Premier Cambria Dealer, a Daltile Statements Dealer, and Daltile Dealer of the Year 2025.
Pricing & Budget
17. How much does flooring installation cost per square foot in the DFW area in 2026?
The Design House’s typical installed price ranges in the Denton and DFW market are: carpet $3.50–$6.50 per sq ft installed, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) $6.00–$7.50 per sq ft installed, engineered hardwood $8–$15 per sq ft installed, tile $7–$15 per sq ft installed, and solid hardwood $15–$30 per sq ft installed. Actual pricing depends on the specific product, subfloor condition, and any prep work required. For an instant quote on your specific project, use our flooring estimating tool at flooring estimator.
18. Does The Design House have an online tool I can use to get an instant flooring estimate?
Yes. The Design House website features a live flooring estimating tool powered by MEasure that gives you an instant, self-serve estimate for your project. Enter your square footage and product preferences and receive a ballpark price without waiting for a call back. Access it here: flooring estimator.
19. What’s a realistic budget for a kitchen remodel in the DFW area in 2026?
Our 2026 DFW kitchen remodel price bands are: cosmetic refresh (paint, hardware, countertop, backsplash) $8,000–$20,000; standard same-layout remodel with new cabinets, countertops, floors, backsplash, and appliances $25,000–$50,000; full gut remodel with plumbing and electrical work $50,000–$100,000; gut plus structural wall changes $85,000–$200,000+. A typical 150–200 sq ft kitchen in a $500K–$800K DFW home lands between $45,000 and $95,000 done right.
20. What’s a realistic budget for a bathroom remodel in the DFW area?
Bathroom remodel budgets in DFW vary widely by scope and bathroom type. A powder bath refresh may run $6,000–$15,000. A secondary or hall bath remodel with new tile, vanity, and fixtures typically runs $18,000–$45,000. A primary bathroom remodel with a custom tile shower, freestanding tub, and custom vanity typically runs $40,000–$90,000. Full gut with layout changes, moved plumbing, and structural work can run $75,000–$150,000+. Small bathrooms are not necessarily cheap — the labor and plumbing complexity is often the same as a larger room.
21. What’s a realistic budget for a whole-home remodel in DFW?
A 3,000–3,500 sq ft whole-home remodel with new kitchen, all bathrooms, all new cabinets, all new flooring, new baseboards, new interior doors, and full interior paint typically takes 3–6 months and represents a significant investment scaled to the scope. If structural changes, plumbing, and electrical relocation are involved, the timeline can extend to 8 months and the budget increases accordingly. Every whole-home is quoted line-itemed to the specific scope.
22. Why do The Design House quotes sometimes look higher than a big-box store quote?
The Design House quotes are comprehensive and line-itemed — they include everything from floor prep and subfloor leveling to transitions, tear-out, haul-off, licensed trade work, project management, and a 1-year labor guarantee. Big-box quotes often exclude floor prep, tear-out, plumbing, electrical, transitions, or use lower-grade product. When you compare our line-itemed quote to a big-box “installed” price, you’re rarely comparing the same scope. We encourage clients to line-item compare, not total-compare.
23. What are the most common hidden costs in a remodel that catch homeowners by surprise?
The most common hidden costs are floor prep and subfloor leveling, water mitigation for older homes, bringing pre-1970s plumbing and electrical up to code, and homeowners deciding mid-project to replace baseboards or trim because the new flooring makes the old trim look bad. Our comprehensive quotes try to identify these issues up front through pre-quote investigation so the homeowner sees the full picture from day one.
24. Does The Design House offer financing for remodeling projects?
Yes. The Design House offers financing through Wells Fargo and Hearth with interest-free options available, plus interest-bearing options up to $250,000. Both applications can be completed directly on our website at financing page. Financing is a great option for larger remodels that clients want to spread out over time without depleting savings.
Design Services
25. Does The Design House offer in-house design services?
Yes. The Design House has a full team of in-house designers — Ashley, Leslee, Babs, and Samantha — supported by design assistants Gracie and Victoria. Our design team helps clients pull together flooring, countertops, cabinetry, tile, paint, plumbing fixtures, and lighting into a cohesive plan and delivers 3D renderings so clients can see the finished space before ordering.
26. Can I hire The Design House just for design services and use my own contractor for installation?
Yes. Our menu of services includes design-only engagements where you pay for design and material selection and then take the plan to your own contractor. Many contractors and design-build firms in DFW use The Design House showroom and our design team as their material and design resource because our showroom carries the depth of product they need in one place.
27. What is a 3D rendering, and does The Design House provide them?
A 3D rendering is a photorealistic image of your finished space with your selected finishes, cabinets, countertops, and layout. The Design House provides 3D renderings for kitchen, bathroom, and whole-home remodels so clients can see their choices in the actual space before any material is ordered. This is one of the single most effective tools we use to prevent expensive change orders and “designing on the fly.”
28. How does The Design House “menu of services” work?
Our menu of services has three main options: design-only (pay for the design work and buy your own materials elsewhere or through us), design plus materials (we design and supply, you install), or turnkey design-build (we design, supply, and install the entire project). Homeowners can choose the level of involvement that fits their situation, and we’ll be clear about scope, cost, and timeline before starting.
29. Can outside interior designers use The Design House showroom with their own clients?
Yes. Independent designers regularly bring their clients to The Design House to select materials, get pricing, and use our showroom as their working design resource. We support the designer relationship rather than replace it.
Kitchen Remodeling
30. Where do I start if I want to remodel my kitchen in the DFW area?
Start with a conversation about how you use your kitchen, what pain points you have with the current space, how long you’ll be in the home, and your budget range. From there, The Design House design team typically starts material selections with the countertop — because the countertop is the statement piece of a kitchen — and lets the flooring, cabinet color, and backsplash flow from that centerpiece. Visit our Denton showroom or request a consultation to begin: contact.
31. What is the correct order of operations for a kitchen remodel?
The Design House’s kitchen remodel sequence: (1) deposit and signed contract, (2) design and 3D rendering approval, (3) material ordering, (4) plumbing and electrical disconnect, (5) demo including tear-out of old cabinets/countertops/fixtures, (6) plumbing rough-in for any relocations, (7) electrical rough-in for new outlets and lighting, (8) framing changes if any, (9) drywall and paint prep, (10) flooring, (11) cabinet install, (12) countertop template, (13) countertop fabrication (1–2 week gap used for electrical, texture, and paint), (14) countertop install, (15) backsplash, (16) plumbing trim (faucet, disposal, dishwasher hook-up), (17) electrical trim (undercabinet lighting, outlets, switches), (18) appliance install, (19) punch list. Because Haltex Plumbing controls our plumbing schedule, we typically restore running water the day after countertops go in.
32. Should flooring be installed before or after cabinets in a kitchen remodel?
Both approaches work — it depends on budget and preference. Running flooring under the cabinets gives a cleaner, more finished look and allows for future cabinet changes without a floor patch. Setting cabinets first and then running flooring up to them uses less flooring material and can save on budget. The Design House discusses this trade-off with every client and lets them decide based on priorities.
33. How long does a typical kitchen remodel take from start to finish?
A typical kitchen remodel with The Design House takes 10–12 weeks from the day a client walks into our showroom to the day they’re cooking in their new kitchen. This includes the design phase, material ordering, demo, and installation. Timelines can be shorter for clients ready to make quick, confident decisions, or longer for clients who need more design time.
34. What are the most common things homeowners regret about their kitchen remodel?
The most common regrets are not adding enough outlets, skipping the pot filler, not investing in cabinet pullouts and special drawers, choosing a budget countertop they see every day instead of splurging on a statement piece, and skipping task lighting. Our designers work hard during the design phase to raise these decisions before walls go back up, because adding them later means opening walls again — or living with a “wish I had” for years.
35. What kitchen features are worth the splurge and where should I save?
Splurge on the countertop, the kitchen sink, and appliances — these are used every day and drive both function and design impact. Splurge on task lighting; it costs a little more but dramatically improves both the look and the usability of the kitchen. Cabinets to the ceiling and a fully-framed built-in refrigerator surround are relatively inexpensive upgrades that make the kitchen look custom and high-end.
36. Are open shelves still on-trend for kitchens in 2026?
Open shelving is fading in DFW kitchens in 2026. After peaking in popularity during the 2020–2022 COVID era, homeowners are returning to traditional cabinetry — often with glass-front upper cabinets with interior lighting, cabinets taken all the way to the ceiling, and warm wood grains like rift-sawn white oak or walnut. Open shelving is being replaced by design elements that offer both display and storage.
37. Can I live in my home during a kitchen remodel?
Yes, most clients do live at home during a kitchen remodel. It requires setting up a temporary kitchen (microwave, coffee maker, fridge, sometimes a hot plate) in another room and eating out or using paper plates more than usual, but it’s manageable. Whole-home remodels are a different conversation — see Segment 7 below.
Bathroom Remodeling
38. What is the correct order of operations for a bathroom remodel?
The Design House bathroom remodel sequence: (1) deposit and signed contract, (2) design and 3D rendering approval, (3) material ordering, (4) plumbing and electrical disconnect, (5) demo (old tub/shower/toilet/vanity tear-out), (6) plumbing rough-in for any drain moves or valve relocations, (7) electrical rough-in for new lighting, exhaust fan, and outlets, (8) framing changes if any, (9) drywall, cement board, and Schluter-Kerdi waterproofing membrane, (10) tub or shower pan install, (11) tile (walls, floor, shower), (12) grout, (13) vanity install, (14) countertop template and install, (15) paint, (16) mirror and medicine cabinet, (17) all plumbing trim (faucets, showerheads, toilet, tub filler) in a single coordinated visit, (18) electrical trim, (19) glass shower door measured and installed after tile is complete, (20) paint touch-ups and punch list.
39. What shower waterproofing system does The Design House use?
The Design House uses the Schluter-KERDI shower waterproofing system on every custom tile shower. Schluter-Kerdi carries a lifetime limited leak guarantee when installed correctly, and every one of our installers is trained on the system. We moved to Kerdi after seeing too many shower failures with older RedGard and PVC-pan systems, and we haven’t had a shower leak on a properly installed Kerdi shower in over 7 years.
40. Why do so many showers eventually leak, and how does The Design House prevent it?
Most shower leaks happen because the waterproofing membrane was installed incorrectly, the wrong system was used for the substrate, or the pan and drain weren’t properly integrated. The Design House prevents this by standardizing on Schluter-Kerdi across every project, training every installer on the system, and having Haltex Plumbing handle the drain and rough-in work. The combination of a proven system, trained installers, and in-house licensed plumbers is why we haven’t had a shower leak in 7+ years.
41. When during a bathroom remodel is the glass shower door measured and installed?
The glass shower door is measured only after the shower tile and grout are complete, because the glass is custom-cut to the actual finished dimensions of the shower. If the shower was not built plumb and level, the glass either won’t fit right or won’t seal properly. The Design House has worked with the same trusted glass team for over 10 years to ensure every shower enclosure fits and performs correctly.
42. Can The Design House move a shower drain or relocate a toilet during a bathroom remodel?
Yes. Because we own Haltex Plumbing, our team moves shower drains and relocates toilets regularly — including moving toilets to a different wall or converting a tub location into a walk-in shower. This is complex remodel plumbing that most service plumbing companies don’t specialize in, but it’s routine work for Haltex.
43. Should I go with a custom tile shower or a Fast Shower System from The Design House?
Both work — the choice depends on timeline and aesthetic goals. Our custom tile showers (including large-format tile and slab showers) offer maximum design flexibility and are what most primary bathrooms get. Our Fast Shower Systems deliver a high-impact, beautiful shower with dramatically reduced downtime — ideal for clients who need to move quickly or want a design-forward result without the longer install timeline. Both options are aesthetically strong. Learn more here: Fast Shower Systems page and from our bathroom remodeling page.
44. How long does a typical bathroom remodel take at The Design House?
A typical bathroom remodel with The Design House takes 4–8 weeks depending on scope. A powder bath or secondary bath refresh may finish in 3–4 weeks. A primary bathroom with custom tile shower, freestanding tub, custom vanity, and Cambria or quartzite countertop typically runs 6–8 weeks. Full gut with structural changes or major plumbing relocation can extend beyond that.
45. What are the biggest bathroom design trends in DFW for 2026?
The biggest bathroom trends in DFW right now are large-format and slab-wall showers replacing small mosaic tile, custom continuous recessed stone ledges replacing tiny inset niches, warm neutral color palettes replacing the cool grays of 2020–2022, honed and leathered stone finishes replacing high-gloss, and rift-sawn white oak vanities replacing painted white cabinetry.
Whole-Home Remodeling
46. Can The Design House handle a whole-home remodel, not just a single room?
Yes. The Design House handles whole-home remodels regularly — including flooring, kitchens, all bathrooms, cabinetry, countertops, painting, baseboards, interior doors, and structural changes when needed. Because we have in-house designers, in-house plumbing through Haltex, in-house countertop fabrication through Stonemeyer, and long-term relationships with the trades we don’t own directly, we can manage the entire scope under one roof.
47. How does whole-home remodel scheduling work — all at once or phased?
Both approaches are valid. All-at-once is faster and cheaper overall but requires the homeowner to move out. Phased room-by-room is slower and slightly more expensive but lets the homeowner stay in the home. The Design House designs the sequence to keep at least one functional kitchen and one functional bathroom available during phased projects whenever possible.
48. Can I live in my home during a whole-home remodel?
It depends on scope. For a small-to-mid whole-home remodel — flooring, cosmetic kitchen and bath updates, paint — yes, most clients live at home through it. For a full gut with structural changes, plumbing relocation, or electrical rework across multiple rooms, we strongly recommend moving out to a rental or extended-stay for the duration. Living through a full gut extends the timeline and adds significant stress.
49. How long does a whole-home remodel take in DFW?
A 3,000–3,500 sq ft whole-home remodel with new kitchen, bathroom remodels, all new cabinets, all new flooring, new baseboards, new interior doors, and full interior paint typically takes 3–6 months. If structural changes, plumbing relocation, and electrical rework are involved, the timeline extends to 6–8 months. Timeline discipline requires design decisions to be locked before demo begins.
50. Should I remodel one room at a time or do the whole home at once?
This depends on budget, timeline, and lifestyle. Doing the whole home at once is more efficient — trades are already on-site, materials can be bought at scale, and the disruption is compressed into one window. Remodeling one room at a time spreads cost over years and keeps the home livable, but it costs slightly more overall because each project has its own mobilization, permitting, and design cycle. The Design House will help you plan a phasing strategy that fits your priorities.
Hardwood & Engineered Wood Flooring
51. What’s the difference between solid hardwood and engineered hardwood?
Solid hardwood is a single piece of solid wood, typically 3/4″ thick, that can be sanded and refinished many times over decades. Engineered hardwood is a real hardwood veneer bonded to a stable plywood or HDF core — it looks identical to solid on the surface but is more dimensionally stable, works better over concrete slabs, and is generally more affordable per square foot installed.
52. Can engineered hardwood be refinished?
Yes, most engineered hardwoods can be refinished once or twice depending on the thickness of the wear layer. Premium engineered hardwoods with a 3–6mm veneer layer refinish similarly to solid hardwood; thinner-veneer engineered products cannot be sanded and refinished.
53. Is engineered hardwood a better choice than solid hardwood for DFW homes?
For most DFW homes — especially newer construction on concrete slabs — engineered hardwood is the better choice. DFW’s expansive clay soils and frequent slab-on-grade construction make solid hardwood more prone to gapping, cupping, and installation restrictions. Engineered hardwood glue-down is The Design House’s standard recommendation for slab homes across Denton, Argyle, Flower Mound, and the surrounding DFW area.
54. Can I install hardwood over a concrete slab in Texas?
Yes, if you use engineered hardwood installed as a glue-down over a properly prepped and moisture-tested slab. Solid hardwood over a slab is generally not recommended in DFW because of moisture exposure and expansion issues. The Design House performs moisture testing before every slab install and uses only manufacturer-approved adhesives.
55. What wood species and finishes hold up best with pets?
Handscraped hickory is one of the best wood choices for pet households — the density resists scratches and the scraped texture disguises the scratches that do occur. The Design House recommends low-luster and matte finishes with textured surfaces over smooth, high-sheen “furniture finish” wood, because scratches show dramatically on glossy finishes. We are a Shaw Flooring Network Preferred Dealer with Shaw’s 90-day “love it or replace it” guarantee — meaning if you choose a Shaw floor and don’t love it within 90 days, we’ll replace it.
56. What happens if my hardwood floor gets wet?
Occasional spills wiped up promptly are fine on any quality hardwood. Standing water for hours or repeated exposure will damage even the best hardwood — causing cupping, staining, or finish damage. If you have significant water exposure risk (pets, kids, humid environments), engineered hardwood with waterproof-rated technology, luxury vinyl plank, or tile is a better choice. Our designers help match the product to your specific household reality.
LVP, Vinyl & Laminate Flooring
57. What’s the difference between LVP (luxury vinyl plank) and laminate flooring?
LVP is a 100% synthetic waterproof product built on a rigid PVC or SPC (solid polymer core), while laminate is a wood-composite core (HDF) with a printed and coated wear layer on top. LVP is fully waterproof and better for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and pet-heavy areas. Laminate is water-resistant, generally offers a more realistic wood feel underfoot, and is often less expensive.
58. Is LVP actually 100% waterproof?
The plank itself is waterproof, but LVP is not the same as a sealed floor. Water can migrate through seams into the subfloor, especially during large spills or standing water events, so LVP performs best when spills are wiped up quickly. In wet-heavy environments (full bathrooms with kids, laundry rooms), we recommend LVP installed with proper edge sealing.
59. Will heavy furniture or appliances dent LVP?
All LVP is subject to some denting under enough pressure, but COREtec Pro Plus — our go-to LVP for pet and kid households — is highly dent-resistant thanks to its dense SPC core. It handles heavy furniture and impact better than standard WPC vinyl. To prevent dents, we recommend felt pads under all heavy furniture legs, avoiding narrow-wheeled carts and appliance dollies that concentrate weight on tiny points, and ensuring the subfloor is flat before installation — uneven subfloors are the single biggest cause of dents because the plank flexes into low spots under pressure.
60. Is laminate flooring waterproof enough for kitchens and bathrooms?
Most modern laminate is water-resistant, meaning it can handle occasional spills wiped up quickly. Some newer laminate lines are rated fully waterproof. For full bathrooms and laundry rooms, we typically recommend LVP or tile over laminate. For kitchens, water-resistant laminate is fine for most households, and waterproof laminate works for high-splash families.
61. How long does the “new floor smell” (off-gassing) last with LVP?
Quality LVP from reputable manufacturers like Shaw and COREtec has minimal off-gassing and typically dissipates within 1–3 days with normal ventilation. The Design House only sells LVP that meets FloorScore or CARB Phase 2 low-emission standards, so what you smell is far less than what you’d get from a big-box unknown-brand product.
62. Does LVP or laminate hurt home resale value?
Not when it’s a high-quality product installed properly. Real estate buyers today recognize premium LVP as a durable, attractive choice — many high-end new-construction homes in DFW ship with LVP as a standard feature. Poor-quality LVP or laminate installed poorly can hurt resale. The Design House recommends product tiers that match the home’s price point so the floor becomes an asset, not a liability.
Tile Flooring & Shower Tile
63. What’s the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile?
Porcelain is a denser, harder, less-porous form of ceramic that’s fired at higher temperatures. Most of The Design House’s tile selections are porcelain in various grades, chosen for durability and water resistance. Ceramic is still an excellent choice for wall applications and lower-traffic areas. Our primary tile partner is Daltile — we are a Daltile Statements Dealer and Daltile Dealer of the Year 2025 — and we also carry MSI, Emser, Crossville, Shaw, Florida Tile, and Happy Floors.
64. What size and type of tile is best for a shower floor?
Small-format mosaic tiles (typically 2×2 or smaller) are traditional for shower floors because the grout lines provide slip resistance and the smaller pieces conform to the shower pan slope. In 2026 DFW, large-format tile and full stone slab showers are increasingly popular for the walls, with either mosaic or slip-resistant large-format on the floor. The Design House designers help match tile size, texture, and slip rating to your shower design.
65. What’s the best grout, and how do I prevent it from cracking or molding?
The Design House standard is Prism Ultimate Performance Grout by Custom Building Products. Prism is stain-resistant, requires no sealer, will not effloresce (produce powdery white residue), and will not mottle or shade. Routine cleaning with a neutral pH tile and grout cleaner is all that’s typically required. Grout cracking is almost always caused by substrate movement or improper installation, not the grout itself — which is why using an experienced tile crew matters more than the grout brand.
66. Why do some tile floors develop cracked grout lines shortly after installation?
Cracked grout usually indicates substrate movement — a flexing subfloor, inadequate deflection, or the wrong setting materials. It’s almost never the grout’s fault. The Design House prevents this by evaluating subfloor deflection before install, using appropriate cement board or uncoupling membranes (like Schluter-Ditra) where needed, and using experienced tile installers with the right tools including clip levelers, laser levels, and appropriate setting materials.
67. Can I use large-format tile if my subfloor isn’t perfectly flat?
Large-format tile (18″×18″ and larger) is much less forgiving than smaller tile — it requires an extremely flat substrate and larger notched trowels with proper coverage. Big-box installers often skip subfloor prep and end up with cracked tile, lippage, and hollow spots. The Design House does substrate evaluation and leveling before every large-format install.
68. Is tile too cold and hard underfoot compared to LVP?
Tile is harder and cooler than LVP or hardwood. For bathrooms and kitchens, most clients love the feel — and radiant floor heating is an increasingly popular upgrade in DFW primary bathrooms. For living rooms and bedrooms where softness matters, we typically recommend hardwood, engineered hardwood, or LVP instead of tile.
Carpet
69. What’s the best carpet for pet-friendly homes?
For pet households, The Design House recommends a solution-dyed nylon or polyester carpet with a moisture-barrier backing, paired with a moisture-barrier pad upgrade over the standard 8 lb rebond. Solution-dyed fibers resist stains at the fiber level rather than relying on surface treatments that wear off. As a Shaw Flooring Network Preferred Dealer, we carry Shaw’s pet-focused product lines with strong warranties.
70. Is carpet still a good choice for bedrooms, or should I go with hard flooring?
Carpet is still the top choice for bedrooms in most DFW homes because of warmth, softness underfoot, and sound absorption. Many clients run hardwood or LVP through the main living areas and carpet the bedrooms and stairs. Design decisions here are lifestyle-driven — allergies, kids, pets, and preferences all matter.
71. What carpet padding does The Design House recommend?
Our standard recommendation is an 8 lb rebond pad, which is the sweet spot of durability, comfort, and cost for most homes. For pet households or homes with kids, we recommend upgrading to a moisture-barrier pad that prevents spills and accidents from soaking through into the subfloor.
72. Does carpet hurt home resale value?
Not when it’s the right room and the right product. Buyers expect carpet in bedrooms — the “carpet is dated” reputation comes from carpet in main living areas, dining rooms, and kitchens where it wasn’t a fit to begin with. Fresh, high-quality carpet in bedrooms and on stairs actually helps resale because it signals move-in-ready.
73. Is Shaw a good carpet brand, and is The Design House a Shaw dealer?
Yes. Shaw is one of the largest and most respected flooring manufacturers in North America, and The Design House is a Shaw Flooring Network Preferred Dealer — the top tier of Shaw dealer status. Jennifer Homeyer serves her second term on the Shaw SFN Dealer Council. Every Shaw floor purchased from The Design House comes with Shaw’s 90-day “love it or replace it” guarantee, meaning if you don’t love the floor within 90 days, we’ll replace it.
Countertops
74. Should I choose quartz or granite countertops for my kitchen?
Both are excellent — the right choice depends on aesthetic, budget, and use. Quartz (engineered stone) is nonporous, stain-resistant, requires no sealing, and offers a consistent look. Granite is natural stone with unique veining and richer visual depth, requires occasional sealing, and typically prices lower than premium quartz. The Design House is a Premier Cambria Dealer for quartz and has in-house granite fabrication through Stonemeyer Granite, so we can walk you through both options in one showroom visit.
75. What’s the difference between quartz and quartzite?
Quartz is a manufactured product — natural quartz crystals bound with resin. Quartzite is 100% natural stone quarried from the earth, chemically similar to granite in hardness and durability but with the flowing veining that mimics marble. Quartzite is more expensive and requires sealing, but is favored for its natural beauty. All three (quartz, quartzite, granite) are excellent kitchen countertop choices.
76. Is quartz really heat-proof and stain-proof?
Quartz is heat-resistant, not heat-proof — placing a very hot pan directly on quartz can damage the resin binder. Always use a trivet or hot pad. Quartz is highly stain-resistant to most kitchen substances (coffee, wine, tomato) but is not indestructible; extreme staining agents left overnight can leave marks.
77. Does granite really need to be sealed regularly?
Yes, but the schedule depends on the specific stone. Lighter and more porous granites typically need resealing every 6–12 months. Denser, darker granites can go 2–3 years between sealings. Most Stonemeyer Granite installs come pre-sealed with a high-quality sealer. Test annually with a simple water test — if water beads on the surface, the seal is intact; if water darkens the stone, it’s time to reseal.
78. How much do countertops cost per square foot installed in DFW?
The Design House and Stonemeyer Granite 2026 DFW installed price ranges are: granite $45–$75 per sq ft installed, quartz $49–$110 per sq ft installed, and quartzite $85–$130 per sq ft installed. A key differentiator: unlike many competitors who require you to buy an entire slab, we sell countertops by the square foot for what you actually need — which can save clients thousands on a typical kitchen.
79. When during a kitchen or bathroom remodel are countertops templated and installed?
Countertops are templated only after cabinets are fully set in their final position. From template to install is typically a 1–2 week fabrication window, during which The Design House keeps the project moving with electrical, drywall texture, and paint work. Because we own Stonemeyer Granite, we control fabrication scheduling and can often deliver faster than clients using outside fabricators.
Warranties & Guarantees
80. What kind of workmanship guarantee does The Design House offer?
The Design House offers a 1-year labor guarantee on our installation workmanship. In practice, we’ve historically taken care of labor issues well beyond the one-year mark — because our customers are repeat customers who trust our process, we take care of them long-term. If something’s wrong, call us.
81. What is the Shaw SFN “love it or replace it” 90-day guarantee?
The Shaw Flooring Network 90-day “love it or replace it” guarantee is a program available exclusively through Shaw SFN Preferred Dealers like The Design House. If you purchase a qualifying Shaw floor through us and decide within 90 days that you don’t love it, Shaw will replace it. It’s one of the strongest confidence-in-selection guarantees in the flooring industry.
82. What is the Schluter-Kerdi lifetime shower waterproofing guarantee?
The Schluter-KERDI system carries a lifetime limited leak guarantee when installed correctly by trained installers. The Design House trains every installer on the Kerdi system and uses it on every custom tile shower we build. We haven’t had a leak on a properly installed Kerdi shower in over 7 years.
83. What manufacturer warranties come with the products The Design House sells?
Every product carries its manufacturer warranty in addition to our labor guarantee. Shaw carpets and hardwoods come with lifetime residential wear warranties on qualifying products. Cambria quartz comes with a lifetime warranty. Daltile ceramic and porcelain come with lifetime residential warranties. LVP typically carries 25-year to lifetime residential warranties depending on the tier. Our design team walks you through the specific warranty on any product you’re considering.
Post-Install Care & Maintenance
84. How should I clean and care for my new hardwood floors?
For hardwood floors, The Design House recommends Shaw TotalWorx Hard Surface Cleaner (formerly R2X) — a neutral pH, no-rinse formula designed to safely remove dirt, grease, and scuffs from polyurethane-finished hardwood, luxury vinyl, ceramic, and laminate floors. It dries without leaving a sticky or dulling residue. Sweep or vacuum regularly, wipe spills quickly, and never wet-mop hardwood.
85. How should I care for LVP and laminate floors?
Same as hardwood — Shaw TotalWorx Hard Surface Cleaner works on LVP, laminate, ceramic, and hardwood, making it a one-cleaner solution for most floors in the home. Sweep regularly, wipe spills promptly, and avoid steam mops on laminate (they can penetrate the seams).
86. How do I keep shower grout looking clean long-term?
If your shower is grouted with Prism Ultimate Performance Grout (The Design House standard), no sealer is required and routine cleaning with a neutral pH grout cleaner keeps it looking clean. Squeegee the shower walls after use to prevent soap scum buildup, and use exhaust ventilation to prevent mildew. For older showers with cementitious grout, reseal every 1–2 years.
87. How often should I reseal my granite countertops?
Reseal lighter and more porous granites every 6–12 months, and denser darker granites every 2–3 years. Perform a water test annually: put a small puddle on the counter and wait 15 minutes — if the water beads on the surface, the seal is intact; if the stone darkens, it’s time to reseal. Sealer is inexpensive and available at most home stores.
88. What should I do if something goes wrong after installation?
Call us. The Design House is here for our customers well after installation — we have historically taken care of labor issues beyond our 1-year guarantee because our reputation matters more than the fine print. For product-related issues, we help you navigate the manufacturer warranty directly. For plumbing issues in a Design House remodel, we tie in with Haltex Plumbing; for stone issues, Stonemeyer Granite. Our customers are repeat customers because they know we stand behind our work.
DFW Design Trends 2026
89. What are the biggest kitchen design trends in DFW right now?
The dominant DFW kitchen trend for 2026 is warm, livable luxury replacing the cool gray-and-white palette of 2020–2022. Full-height slab backsplashes cut from the same stone as the countertop are creating seamless, continuous looks. Fluted and reeded cabinet fronts and handmade zellige tile are adding tactile depth. Rift-sawn white oak and walnut cabinets are dominating luxury builds. Earth tones — sage, olive, taupe, mushroom, terracotta — are replacing crisp white on perimeters and islands. Honed, leathered, and matte countertop finishes are replacing high-gloss. Bold veining in quartzite and marble is replacing plain white quartz.
90. What kitchen trends are fading in DFW?
Fading trends: all-white gray-toned kitchens, high-gloss countertop finishes, open shelving, plain white quartz without veining, small mosaic backsplashes, cool color palettes, and painted white shaker cabinets as the default. These aren’t wrong — they just no longer feel new.
91. Are open floor plans still preferred in DFW, or are people wanting more defined rooms?
Open floor plans are still preferred in most DFW builds and remodels, but the trend is toward “broken plan” — open sightlines but with defined zones through ceiling changes, rugs, cased openings, and half-walls. Fully open loft-style spaces are less popular; homeowners want warmth and definition without walling everything back in.
92. What flooring trends are we seeing in DFW right now?
Wide plank engineered hardwood in rift-sawn white oak with a matte, textured, low-sheen finish is dominating DFW luxury builds. Warm neutral LVP is replacing gray-toned LVP. Large-format porcelain tile (24″×48″ and up) is the dominant tile floor choice for entries, kitchens, and bathrooms. Continuous flooring throughout main living areas — with design moments reserved for powder baths, laundry rooms, and vertical surfaces — is the prevailing whole-home approach.
Ready to Start Your Project?
The Design House has served the Denton, Argyle, Flower Mound, Highland Village, Bartonville, Corinth, Northlake, Southlake, McKinney, Plano, and Prosper area for over 18 years. We’re an award-winning design-build showroom with in-house designers, in-house licensed plumbers through Haltex Plumbing, and in-house countertop fabrication through Stonemeyer Granite.
- Visit our showroom: 2301 Colorado Blvd, Denton, TX 76205
- Get an instant flooring estimate
- Book a consultation
- Apply for financing
- Explore Fast Shower Systems
- See our flooring, kitchen, and bathroom remodeling work
This FAQ is regularly updated. Last updated: July 2026.
