Popular Types of Flooring
Whether you're looking for something subtle and elegant or bold and lively, there's a floor for you. Discover the most essential details about each type to guide your decision making.
Hardwood Flooring
The appeal of hardwood floors stands the test of time. With options including maple, walnut, cherry, oak, and more, it can fit any design without sacrificing durability. However, it's one of the most expensive flooring materials and requires significant upkeep. At a minimum, you'll need to use specialty cleaning products regularly and refinish the floor every few years. Since it's susceptible to water damage, it's also not suitable for bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements.
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood provides you the durability and look of hardwood without the extra maintenance. Typically, it consists of a layer of real hardwood attached to a plywood substrate. While it's more resistant to warping versus true hardwood, it sounds more hollow to walk on and can't be refinished more than once.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate floors come in wood and tile finishes, but they all have a particle board base. A strong plastic coating gives them defense against scratches and simplifies cleaning. However, it chips easily and is susceptible to moisture damage.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring has superior moisture and fading resistance and requires minimal upkeep. Popular options include luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT), with both having equal durability and longevity depending on the model you buy. The price for installing vinyl flooring sits comfortably between wood and laminate.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas. It offers years of life with low upkeep requirements, and is available in many colors, materials, and patterns. However, it requires intensive prep work before installation and can be cool and smooth to walk on. Pricing depends on the material you select, with porcelain being more expensive than ceramic.
Stone Flooring
Granite, sandstone, marble, and travertine aren't just for the outdoors. Inside, they can give you a bold look and unparalleled water resistance. Despite its unique flair, it's not easy to clean, and long-term maintenance could be a bit more expensive.
Linoleum Flooring
With proper maintenance, linoleum floors can last for decades. It is an affordable choice with many alternatives for personalization. However, it can easily become damaged and has been known to lose its original coloring when exposed to sunlight. The sun's rays also lead linoleum to lose color over time, and it may not be suitable for areas with excess moisture.
Carpet
Carpet is the most affordable flooring option. It can make a space feel more cozy and is great for muffling sound. You don’t have to worry about scratches or dents, and the cushioning makes it a safer choice for babies and toddlers. However, the fibrous material easily holds onto stains, moisture, and odors, which isn't ideal for pet owners or allergy sufferers.
How to Choose a Dothan Flooring Company
Choosing the right installer significantly affects your new floor's longevity. We recommend evaluating different companies using the following criteria.
Reputation and Reviews
The most crucial thing to research about any flooring company is its reputation. You can learn more about previous clients' experiences from review sites like Google, Trustpilot, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Even the best flooring installers will have both positive and negative reviews. Look for how a company deals with complaints and interacts with others. If it strives for a satisfactory resolution and acts in good faith, that's an encouraging sign. However, if it's combative or has a high negative-to-positive review ratio, it's advisable to avoid working with it.
Portfolio and References
Most flooring companies keep portfolios of their proudest projects. We recommend requesting a copy so you can inspect the crew's handiwork. Portfolios might also include references from past customers. Ask for their contact information so you can discuss their interactions and thoughts about the company.
Specialization and Services
Look for a provider that specializes in the type of flooring you're interested in. For example, a crew might be experienced with carpet but not stone. Equally important is a company's service offerings. At the very least, it should offer cleanup and haul-away for your old flooring materials. However, if you're feeling lost in all the style, material, and color choices, you can also look for contractors with design teams.
Cost
Cost is crucial to consider, but it should be less important than quality in your decision-making process. We recommend getting multiple different quotes for your flooring job to compare pricing and workmanship. Many companies offer on-site and online estimates to streamline the process.
Warranties and Guarantees
You should look for two different warranties in your company search. A manufacturer's warranty protects you in case of a product defect, while an installer's warranty covers workmanship. While some manufacturers and contractors have lifetime warranties, most are still tied to a specific time period (often ten years.) If you'd like additional coverage, you might be able to pay extra for an extended warranty.
Estimated Timeline
Time management is critical for a successful flooring job. Before you sign a contract, request an estimated timeline and inquire about what hurdles could impact the project. If a company commits to finishing the job by a certain deadline, get that guarantee in writing and communicate your expectations clearly as the work progresses.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring in Dothan
How much will it cost to install a new floor in Dothan?
What are some of the most popular types of flooring in Dothan?
Do Dothan flooring companies need to be licensed?
Is it cheaper to buy flooring online?
How long does it usually take to install a floor in Dothan?
- The model and material of floor
- The size of your space
- Your installer's experience
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.