Flooring FAQs

Solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood and can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifetime — making it a true forever floor. It's ideal for above-grade installations on wood subfloors, and it adds real value to a home.

Engineered hardwood has a real wood veneer on top bonded to a plywood core. It's dimensionally more stable, which means it handles humidity and temperature changes better — making it a great choice for California's climate, concrete subfloors, and below-grade installations. Both products look identical once installed. See our Solid Hardwood and Engineered Hardwood pages for current in-stock options.

Vinyl SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) is the most waterproof flooring available — the core is 100% waterproof, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and anywhere moisture is a concern. It won't swell, warp, or buckle from water exposure.

Laminate has improved water resistance in recent years, but most laminate is not fully waterproof — it can still swell at the edges with standing water. For true wet areas, Vinyl SPC is the right call. Browse our Vinyl SPC collection.

Yes — Southern California's relatively dry, stable climate is actually one of the better environments for hardwood. The main things to watch are direct sunlight (which can cause fading) and areas near moisture sources like bathrooms or sliding glass doors. Engineered hardwood is especially well-suited to SoCal because it handles temperature swings from AC and heat more gracefully than solid. If you have concrete slab construction (very common in LA), engineered hardwood or Vinyl SPC are the recommended choices.

For high-traffic homes with pets or kids, we typically recommend Vinyl SPC or Laminate — both offer excellent scratch resistance and are easy to clean. Vinyl SPC has the added benefit of being 100% waterproof, which matters with pets.

If you prefer the look and feel of real wood, wire-brushed or hand-scraped engineered hardwood hides scratches far better than smooth-finish products. Harder species like hickory and white oak also hold up better than softer ones like pine. Come into any of our three LA showrooms and we'll help you find the right fit.

Both look similar and are sold as floating floors, but the cores are very different.

Laminate has a wood-based (HDF) core with a photographic layer that mimics wood or tile. It's very scratch-resistant and durable for foot traffic, but not waterproof — extended water exposure can cause swelling.

Vinyl SPC has a rigid stone-plastic composite core that is 100% waterproof. It's also softer underfoot and slightly quieter. For kitchens, bathrooms, or any wet-adjacent area, Vinyl SPC is the better choice. See Laminate and Vinyl SPC.

Yes. We work with licensed flooring contractors, general contractors, interior designers, and property managers across Southern California. Trade accounts get access to wholesale pricing, priority availability on large orders, and dedicated support. Contact us or visit any of our three locations to set up a trade account.

Measure the length and width of each room in feet and multiply them together to get square footage. Add up all rooms. Then add 10% overage for cuts, waste, and pattern matching — for diagonal or herringbone installations, add 15%.

Example: A 15 × 20 ft room = 300 sq ft. With 10% overage, order 330 sq ft.

Not sure? Bring your measurements into any of our showrooms and our team will help you calculate exactly what you need.

We carry the largest in-stock flooring inventory in Southern California. The vast majority of what you see on our site and in our showrooms is available same day at our Gardena warehouse. No waiting weeks for a shipment — if it's in stock, you can take it with you or arrange delivery. Call ahead to confirm availability on specific products or large quantities.

Yes — our sister brand Portofino Flooring ships nationwide via our Shopify store. If you're not local to Los Angeles, visit portofino-flooring.com to browse and order online. For local customers, visiting one of our three LA showrooms in person is always the best experience — you can see and feel the product before you buy.

Yes — we stock a full range of flooring supplies including underlayment, adhesives, transition strips, stair nosing, floor leveler, tapping blocks, pull bars, spacers, and more. Whether you're a contractor buying in bulk or a homeowner doing a DIY install, we have everything you need to finish the job.

We are a flooring dealer and distributor — we sell flooring and supplies, but we do not provide installation services directly. However, we work with a network of trusted licensed installers across Los Angeles and can refer you to contractors we know and trust. Ask us at any location.

Yes — solid hardwood should acclimate in the installation space for 3–5 days before installation. This allows the wood to adjust to the room's temperature and humidity, minimizing gaps or cupping after install. Engineered hardwood typically requires less acclimation time (24–48 hours) due to its more stable core. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the specific product you're installing.

Engineered hardwood can be installed over concrete — either glued down or as a floating floor, depending on the product. This makes it the preferred choice for the vast majority of LA homes, which are built on concrete slab.

Solid hardwood should not be installed directly over concrete due to moisture risk. It requires a wood subfloor. If you have a concrete slab, engineered hardwood or Vinyl SPC are your best options for a wood look.

It depends on the flooring type and subfloor. For floating laminate or vinyl SPC, a foam or cork underlayment adds cushion, sound reduction, and a vapor barrier. For glue-down engineered hardwood, you typically don't need separate underlayment. For nail-down solid hardwood over a wood subfloor, a rosin paper or felt is standard.

We carry all types in stock. Our team can recommend the right product for your specific install — just ask at any showroom location or browse our supplies.

We have three locations across Greater Los Angeles:

Pico (Los Angeles) — 5205 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019 · (323) 936-2444
Gardena — 17010 S Vermont Ave, Gardena, CA 90247 · (310) 323-4222
Canoga Park — 7634 Deering Ave, Canoga Park, CA 91304 · (818) 779-2900

Our Gardena location serves as our primary warehouse hub and carries the largest inventory. See full hours and directions on our Locations page.

Monday – Friday: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Hours may vary by location. Call ahead if you're making a special trip.

Our showrooms serve the Greater Los Angeles area including Gardena, Torrance, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Canoga Park, the San Fernando Valley, the Westside, and beyond. Contractors and homeowners come to us from across Southern California because of our in-stock selection and pricing.

For customers outside of Southern California, our Portofino Flooring brand ships nationwide.

Yes — our Gardena showroom at 17010 S Vermont Ave is just minutes from Torrance, Hawthorne, and the South Bay. It's our primary warehouse hub and carries the largest in-stock flooring selection in Southern California. Call us at (310) 323-4222.

Yes — our Canoga Park showroom at 7634 Deering Ave serves the West Valley including Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, Chatsworth, West Hills, and Reseda. Call (818) 779-2900.

Yes — our Pico showroom at 5205 W Pico Blvd serves Mid-City, Culver City, the Westside, Koreatown, and Central Los Angeles. Call (323) 936-2444. Contractors and homeowners from across LA also visit our Gardena warehouse for the full inventory selection.

Our three showrooms collectively serve all of Greater Los Angeles, including: Gardena, Torrance, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Carson, Compton, the South Bay, Mid-City Los Angeles, Culver City, the Westside, Koreatown, Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, Chatsworth, West Hills, Reseda, Northridge, and the broader San Fernando Valley. Contractors and homeowners from as far as Long Beach, Pasadena, and the San Gabriel Valley visit our Gardena warehouse for same-day availability on the largest in-stock flooring selection in Southern California.