Rapid City, South Dakota, has steadily carved a niche for itself as a dynamic hub for arts and entertainment, weaving a captivating tapestry of inspiration and expression. Offering more than just breathtaking natural beauty, this city is home to a thriving arts scene that flourishes with creativity and community engagement.
At the heart of
Rapid City's artistic pulse is the Dahl Arts Center, a cornerstone celebrating visual and performing arts. It routinely hosts a diverse array of exhibits and performances, showcasing talents from local artists to national acts. The Dahl is not just a gallery or theater; it's a space that fosters artistic dialogue and nurtures the creativity that propels the community forward.
For music enthusiasts, the Black
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Rapid City
Hills Symphony Orchestra provides an enriching auditory experience. Their performances resonate with those who appreciate the magic of live orchestral music, offering rich programs that bring classical and contemporary compositions to life.
Rapid City's dedication to the performing arts extends to the stage productions of the Black Hills Community Theatre, where passion and talent converge to produce spellbinding performances that captivate the audience. Add to that the vibrant murals of Art Alley, and you see how street art adds a colorful layer to the city's cultural landscape.
Rapid City stands as a...
Rapid City: A Vibrant Hub of Arts & Entertainment
Rapid City, South Dakota, has steadily carved a niche for itself as a dynamic hub for arts and entertainment, weaving a captivating tapestry of inspiration and expression. Offering more than just breathtaking natural beauty, this city is home to a thriving arts scene that flourishes with creativity and community engagement.
At the heart of Rapid City's artistic pulse is the Dahl Arts Center, a cornerstone celebrating visual and performing arts. It routinely hosts a diverse array of exhibits and performances, showcasing talents from local artists to national acts. The Dahl is not just a gallery or theater; it's a space that fosters artistic dialogue and nurtures the creativity that propels the community forward.
For music enthusiasts, the Black Hills Symphony Orchestra provides an enriching auditory experience. Their performances resonate with those who appreciate the magic of live orchestral music, offering rich programs that bring classical and contemporary compositions to life.
Rapid City's dedication to the performing arts extends to the stage productions of the Black Hills Community Theatre, where passion and talent converge to produce spellbinding performances that captivate the audience. Add to that the vibrant murals of Art Alley, and you see how street art adds a colorful layer to the city's cultural landscape.
Rapid City stands as a testament to how a city can break the mold, offering residents and visitors alike a stimulating arts and entertainment scene that is as vibrant and diverse as the community itself.
What to Do Before Installing New Floors
Installing new flooring is one of the most effective ways to transform a home. Whether it’s hardwood, vinyl, or carpet, a new floor changes the look and feel of every room. But before the first plank or tile is placed, proper preparation is essential. The success and longevity of any flooring project
depend heavily on what happens before installation day.The first step is clearing the room completely. Furniture, rugs, and personal items must be removed to create a clean, open workspace. It might seem like an obvious task, but skipping it can lead to delays and unexpected problems. When
6 | HelloRapid City, South Dakota • Fall Issue
What to Do Before Installing New Floors
Installing new flooring is one of the most effective ways to transform a home. Whether it’s hardwood, vinyl, or carpet, a new floor changes the look and feel of every room. But before the first plank or tile is placed, proper preparation is essential. The success and longevity of any flooring project depend heavily on what happens before installation day.
The first step is clearing the room completely. Furniture, rugs, and personal items must be removed to create a clean, open workspace. It might seem like an obvious task, but skipping it can lead to delays and unexpected problems. When installers have an empty room to work in, they can focus on the precision of layout and alignment rather than moving around obstacles.
Once the space is cleared, attention turns to the subfloor. Every flooring type, from engineered wood to luxury vinyl, depends on a stable and level base. Small imperfections, such as bumps or dips, can create visible unevenness once the floor is installed. Dust, dirt, and leftover adhesive should be carefully removed. A clean surface allows adhesives and underlayments to bond properly, preventing lifting or shifting over time.
Moisture is another key factor that often goes unnoticed. Before installation, it’s important to check for dampness in the subfloor, especially in basements, kitchens, or bathrooms. Excess moisture can cause warping or mold growth under new flooring. Professionals use moisture meters to measure humidity levels in concrete or wood bases. If the reading is too high, the area should be allowed to dry or be treated with a moisture barrier before installation begins.
Leveling the floor is the next step. Uneven subfloors can lead to loose edges, squeaks, or cracked materials later. Installers use leveling compounds or sanders to correct low or high spots, ensuring a consistent surface. This step is especially crucial for rigid materials like tile or laminate, where even minor irregularities can cause alignment problems. A properly leveled subfloor not only supports the new material but also extends its lifespan and appearance.
Temperature and humidity in the room also play a major role. Flooring materials expand and contract as the environment changes, so they must adjust before installation. This process, known as acclimation, allows wood or vinyl planks to settle into the room’s natural conditions. Typically, flooring should be stored in the installation area for several days before it’s laid. This helps prevent gaps, buckling, or seams that appear after the job is finished.
During the preparation stage, it’s also wise to inspect door frames, baseboards, and transitions. Removing or loosening trim pieces allows the new flooring to fit neatly beneath them, creating a polished finish. In some cases, door heights might need adjustment to accommodate the new material’s thickness. Planning for these details early avoids last-minute trimming or refitting once the floor is installed.
For homes with old flooring, proper removal is equally important. Carpet tack strips, nails, or old adhesives must be cleared to prevent interference with the new surface. Some older vinyl floors may contain adhesives that require special handling or disposal. Professional installers are familiar with safe removal techniques and can determine if extra preparation is needed before the new flooring goes down.
Once the subfloor is clean, level, and dry, and the new material has acclimated, the installation can proceed smoothly. Taking these steps helps prevent damage, reduce future maintenance, and ensure a finished floor that looks beautiful for years to come. Preparation may seem time-consuming, but it is the foundation for lasting quality.
Every home and flooring type has unique conditions, and professional guidance helps address specific concerns like moisture control or structural movement. With the right preparation, homeowners can enjoy a seamless installation process and confidence that their investment will perform as expected.
Darcie Strehlow
bumps or dips, can create visible unevenness once the floor is installed. Dust, dirt, and leftover adhesive should be carefully removed. A clean surface allows adhesives and underlayments to bond properly, preventing lifting or shifting over time.Moisture is another key factor that often goes unnoticed. Before installation, it’s important to check for dampness in the subfloor, especially in basements, kitchens, or bathrooms. Excess moisture can cause warping or mold growth under new flooring. Professionals use moisture meters to measure humidity levels in concrete or wood bases. If the reading is too high, the area should be...
installers have an empty room to work in, they can focus on the precision of layout and alignment rather than moving around obstacles.Once the space is cleared, attention turns to the subfloor. Every flooring type, from engineered wood to luxury vinyl, depends on a stable and level base. Small imperfections, such as
A properly leveled subfloor not only supports the new material but also extends its lifespan and appearance.
About the Author
Darcie Strehlow is the Sales Manager at Thornton Flooring in Rapid City, where she leads the team with a personalized, client-focused approach. She believes every space has its own story and works to match each customer with flooring solutions that fit their lifestyle and needs. With strong local ties and a commitment to excellence, Darcie helps ensure every project is delivered with care and expertise.
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Exploring the Vibrant Charms of Rapid City,
South Dakota
Rapid City, South Dakota, is a dynamic hub brimming with energy and a unique blend of the great outdoors and rich cultural heritage. Known affectionately as the "Gateway to the Black Hills," this city is more than just a doorstep to adventure; it’s a vibrant community with a spirit that captivates residents and visitors alike.
Home to just
over 75,000 friendly folks, Rapid City offers a delightful small-town feel with the conveniences of urban living. The downtown area is a thriving center of creativity and conviviality, where art galleries, eclectic shops, and local eateries line the streets. Each year, events like the Art Night and Summer Nights bring music and culture to life, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration.
Nature
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Exploring the Vibrant Charms of Rapid City,
enthusiasts will find themselves enchanted by the scenic beauty surrounding Rapid City. With easy access to stunning landscapes like Custer State Park and Badlands National Park, opportunities for hiking, biking, and outdoor exploration are virtually limitless. Moreover, the city is a short drive from Mount Rushmore, welcoming families and history buffs to delve into iconic American heritage.
Rapid City is not just a place to live—it's a community that embraces its history, celebrates its diversity, and invites you to create your own adventure amidst its welcoming spirit and breathtaking surroundings.
Exploring the Vibrant Charms of Rapid City, South Dakota
Rapid City, South Dakota, is a dynamic hub brimming with energy and a unique blend of the great outdoors and rich cultural heritage. Known affectionately as the "Gateway to the Black Hills," this city is more than just a doorstep to adventure; it’s a vibrant community with a spirit that captivates residents and visitors alike.
Home to just over 75,000 friendly folks, Rapid City offers a delightful small-town feel with the conveniences of urban living. The downtown area is a thriving center of creativity and conviviality, where art galleries, eclectic shops, and local eateries line the streets. Each year, events like the Art Night and Summer Nights bring music and culture to life, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration.
Nature enthusiasts will find themselves enchanted by the scenic beauty surrounding Rapid City. With easy access to stunning landscapes like Custer State Park and Badlands National Park, opportunities for hiking, biking, and outdoor exploration are virtually limitless. Moreover, the city is a short drive from Mount Rushmore, welcoming families and history buffs to delve into iconic American heritage.
Rapid City is not just a place to live—it's a community that embraces its history, celebrates its diversity, and invites you to create your own adventure amidst its welcoming spirit and breathtaking surroundings.
