When it comes to demanding flooring projects, it appears that no obstacle is too big or too small for TW Hicks, Inc. to overcome.

This past month, T.W. Hicks, Inc. flooring contractors in Dallas tackled one of their most logistically challenging roles yet, when invited to take on the flooring installation at Dallas Life, a nationally acclaimed homeless recovery center located in the heart of Dallas.

Dallas Life Homeless Shelter

Like many organizations, Dallas Life asked for a decorative, yet hard-wearing flooring solution that will stand the test of time against the high traffic they receive.

The challenge? The installation of 31,216 square feet and 2,500 linear feet of 6” integral cove base flooring throughout the 2nd and 3rd levels of the building - parts of which were 90 years old and only accessible only by a small elevator.

To make things more challenging, the owner didn’t want this elevator to be used during the installation because the building was still in full operation.

T.W. Hicks, Inc. flooring contractors in Dallas prep the floor at Dallas Life.

Knowing that this was not going to be an easy flooring installation, the Architect and General Contractor asked Tnemec - the largest privately held protective coatings manufacturer in North America - who they could trust to complete the project on time and still maintain the quality required by the owner.

Due to their long-standing relationship on similar past projects, like the Union Gospel Mission in Fort Worth, Texas, Tnemec recommended T.W. Hicks, Inc. as the installation contractor on Dallas Life. Union Gospel Mission also made a special recommendation on behalf of T.W. Hicks, Inc. flooring contractors in Dallas.

Avoiding the Pitfalls, Overcoming Challenges

Making progress: Dallas Life flooring condition mid-project.

Flooring materials and system used:

Tnemec Series 245 slurry broadcast urethane mortar system applied at 3/16” thick.
Tnemec Series 222 part c colored quartz
Tnemec Series 284 clear epoxy topcoat
Schluter Dilex-BT Aluminum slip joint

Getting materials and equipment to the upper floors of a building without the use of stairs or an elevator is more difficult than it sounds.

To accommodate the needs of the owner and overcome these logistical challenges, the General Contractor removed a window from the second and third floor of the building and assisted T.W. Hicks, Inc. in getting all materials and equipment staged on each floor with a boom lift!

Because parts of the building were so old, there were also issues throughout the

dorms, internal rooms, and miscellaneous living spaces that required special attention. On the 3rd floor, there was a specific joint issue that needed correction. Here, the contractors used a Schluter joint transition to fix the issue and ensure a seamless flooring system.

The final look! Dallas Life receives a beautiful and durable T.W. Hicks, Inc. flooring system.

A special thanks to our partners on the Dallas Life project:

Schluter Joints – Specialty Joint Repair
Tnemec – Flooring Products
Blastrac – Floor Preparation Equipment
Hill & Wilkinson – General Contractor
HH Architects - Architect

TW Hicks, Inc. Flooring Contractors in Dallas

Parts of the Dallas Life building were over 90 years old. Replacing their existing flooring system with industrial flooring was one of their best investments they could make into the building!

Do you have a particularly challenging floor project you need assistance with? Contact T.W. Hicks, Inc. flooring contractors in Dallas to learn more about what we can do for you.

Dallas Life Homeless Shelter Project Showcase