Meet the Editors
Michael Roberts
Michael Roberts is a Certified Materials Inspector with over 14 years of experience in the flooring industry, specializing in comparative analysis of hard surface materials. His work focuses on engineered hardwood, LVP, solid hardwood, tile, bamboo, and cork flooring performance.
Michael has spent more than a decade reviewing manufacturer specifications, independent laboratory test data, and field performance studies to help homeowners understand material suitability for different environments. He regularly references standards from the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), ASTM International, and FloorScore certifications in his analysis. Known for his methodical, data-driven approach, Michael avoids marketing hype and focuses on delivering clear, evidence-based comparisons between flooring types. He contributes in-depth guides that help readers make informed decisions during the research phase of their flooring projects.
Michael Hargrove
Michael Hargrove is a product testing specialist with 12 years of experience evaluating residential and commercial flooring brands. He has personally tested and documented performance characteristics of major brands including CoreLuxe, LifeProof, Shaw, Mohawk, and Pergo across thousands of square feet of installations.
Michael’s reviews combine hands-on testing with analysis of manufacturer technical data sheets, warranty claims, and third-party performance reports. He maintains detailed records of real-world durability, color retention, and installation feedback. His methodical approach has earned him respect among contractors and serious DIYers seeking unbiased brand comparisons and buying guidance. Michael is particularly known for his clear breakdown of value propositions and long-term performance expectations.
David Chen
David Chen is a certified flooring installation professional with 17 years of field experience. He has installed and supervised more than 400 residential and light commercial projects across various substrates and material types.
Specializing in proper installation techniques for LVP, laminate, engineered hardwood, and tile, David emphasizes correct subfloor preparation, expansion requirements, and industry best practices. He regularly consults manufacturer installation guidelines, NWFA standards, and building code requirements in his instructional content. David is committed to helping DIYers avoid costly mistakes by providing clear, sequential guidance based on proven field methods rather than theoretical advice.
Thomas Whitaker
Thomas Whitaker is a licensed professional engineer with 19 years of structural and building science experience. He specializes in subfloor systems, floor framing, moisture management, and underlayment specifications for various flooring applications.
Thomas frequently references International Residential Code (IRC) requirements, ASTM standards, and engineering research when analyzing subfloor flatness, joist spacing, concrete moisture testing, and radiant heating compatibility. His technical yet accessible writing helps homeowners and contractors understand critical pre-installation requirements that affect long-term flooring performance and structural integrity.
Dr. James Caldwell
Dr. James Caldwell holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and has spent the last 13 years researching indoor air quality and chemical emissions from building materials, with a particular focus on flooring.
He specializes in analyzing VOC emissions, phthalates, formaldehyde, and other potential indoor pollutants. James regularly reviews EPA studies, California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations, and independent laboratory testing data. He is a strong advocate for FloorScore-certified and low-VOC products. His content helps health-conscious homeowners understand the real science behind flooring safety, mold prevention, and creating healthier indoor environments for families and pets.
Steven Morales
Steven Morales is a master flooring technician with 16 years of hands-on repair experience. He has resolved thousands of flooring issues ranging from vinyl lifting and buckling to hardwood scratches, water damage, and discoloration.
Steven’s expertise comes from years of diagnosing root causes in both new and older homes. He combines practical repair techniques with analysis of moisture levels, substrate conditions, and material compatibility. Known for his clear troubleshooting guides, Steven helps homeowners understand whether a problem can be fixed as a DIY project or requires professional intervention, saving readers significant time and expense.
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett has worked in the flooring industry for 15 years, with a specialization in cost analysis, market research, and project budgeting. He has tracked material and labor costs across multiple U.S. markets and maintains an extensive database of current pricing trends.
Richard provides detailed cost-per-square-foot breakdowns, labor estimates, and return-on-investment calculations for various flooring types. He references industry reports, supplier data, and regional market conditions to give readers realistic expectations. His practical buying guides help homeowners make financially sound decisions while avoiding common budget pitfalls.
Alan Kensington
Alan Kensington is a building code consultant with 18 years of experience in residential construction and renovation. He specializes in floor framing, structural requirements, building codes, and proper integration of flooring systems within overall home construction.
Alan regularly studies International Residential Code (IRC) updates, engineered wood association guidelines, and structural engineering best practices. His content bridges the gap between flooring and broader construction requirements, making complex regulations understandable for homeowners planning major renovations or new builds.
Carlos Rivera
Carlos Rivera is a wet-area specialist with 14 years of experience in bathroom and tile installations. He has particular expertise in waterproofing, moisture management, tile selection, and mold prevention in high-humidity environments.
Carlos has completed hundreds of bathroom flooring and wall projects and maintains strict adherence to TCNA (Tile Council of North America) guidelines and ANSI standards. His practical, experience-based advice helps homeowners create durable, safe, and attractive wet-area surfaces that resist common problems like grout failure, water damage, and mold growth.
Daniel Brooks
Daniel Brooks is a surface finishing and restoration specialist with 13 years of experience in wood care, protective coatings, and home improvement projects. He focuses on proper application of stains, sealers, oils, and epoxy finishes for decks, floors, and interior wood surfaces.
Daniel emphasizes preparation techniques, product compatibility, and maintenance schedules based on manufacturer technical data and real-world performance. His content helps homeowners extend the life of their surfaces through correct finishing methods and ongoing care strategies that protect against wear, UV damage, and moisture.
