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
Homebuyers across Little Rock seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from maple and oak to walnut and cherry. 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 laundry rooms, basements, or bathrooms.
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood gives you the aesthetic of hardwood without the strict maintenance. They use a plywood foundation with a layer of real hardwood on top – ultimately cutting your costs. While it's less likely to warp than true hardwood, it can sound hollow to walk on and can't be refinished more than once.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate floors come in tile and wood 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
Maintenance with vinyl floors is a breeze. You can purchase them in luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) styles, with each option equally strong. They also come at a reasonable price point, somewhere between laminate and engineered wood.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is another classy design that can endure for years. Like vinyl, it requires minimal maintenance and is simple to clean. As such, it's an ideal choice for areas prone to moisture like kitchens and bathrooms. However, it might not work well for bedrooms and living rooms since it's colder and less grippy to walk on. Pricing varies between styles, with porcelain carrying a higher price tag than ceramic.
Stone Flooring
Stone floors are among the most waterproof available. You can choose from a variety of bold design options, including travertine, sandstone, granite, and marble. Despite its unique flair, it's not easy to clean, and long-term maintenance could be a bit more expensive.
Linoleum Flooring
Linoleum is made from linseed oil and cork and can last for many years if maintained properly. It’s a cost-effective option with many design possibilities. However, the softer material is easier to dent or scratch, and it's known to fade with sunlight exposure. It’s also not suitable for areas with excess moisture like kitchens and bathrooms.
Carpet
Of all flooring options, carpet is one of the most affordable. It lends a comfortable feel to a room and reduces noise effectively. Unlike hard floors, carpet eliminates concerns about scratches or dents, and the extra padding is much safer for young children. However, carpet requires considerable effort to keep clean, especially if you have pets. The fibrous material grips stains, dampness, smells, and pollen, making it less suitable for allergy sufferers.
How to Choose a Little Rock Flooring Company
Choosing a floor covering provider is just as critical as choosing a design. To ensure you get the most value, consider each of the following criteria.
Reputation and Reviews
The first thing to note is whether a company is known for good service and high-quality work. You can learn more about previous clients' experiences from review sites like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google, and Trustpilot. Even the best flooring installers will have both positive and negative reviews. Look for how a business deals with complaints and interacts with others. If it works toward a satisfactory resolution and acts in good faith, that's an encouraging sign. However, if it's dismissive or has a high negative-to-positive review ratio, it's best 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 workmanship. It's also good practice to ask for references from past customers. Once you have their contact information, reach out to ask about their experiences.
Specialization and Services
No two companies have the same experience or product offerings. You should find one that specializes in the material or type of floor you're interested in. A company's service offerings can also make a difference. At the very least, you should choose a provider that offers to dispose of your old flooring materials. However, companies can also offer refinishing services or design advisory.
Cost
Cost is key to consider, but it should be less important than quality in your decision-making process. We recommend getting at least three different quotes for your flooring job to compare pricing and workmanship. Many companies offer on-site and online estimates to ease the process.
Warranties and Guarantees
Flooring services typically come with a pair of warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the materials. The other backs the installation crew's workmanship. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you pick, warranty coverage could be limited to a fixed term. Other times, it continues for the life of the floor. Ask an installer about its warranty terms, including extensions that could give you longer coverage.
Estimated Timeline
You don't want your flooring project to last longer than expected. Get an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Express your expectations clearly and secure any guarantees in writing.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring in Little Rock
What are the best flooring installation prices?
See our guides to how much each flooring type typically costs:
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