Popular Types of Flooring
Flooring varies greatly in price and design. Here's what to know about each type.
Hardwood Flooring
The appeal of hardwood floors stands the test of time. With options including oak, walnut, cherry, maple, and more, it can fit any design without sacrificing durability. Despite its charm, hardwood comes with a higher price tag. You also need to stick to a consistent refinishing schedule every few years, filling in the gaps with specialty wood cleaners. The more time you invest in maintenance, the longer your floors will last.
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood gives you the charm of hardwood without the strict maintenance. They use a plywood foundation with a layer of real hardwood on top – ultimately saving you money. Despite the lower retail cost, it might sound more hollow to walk on, and the slender hardwood layer can only be refinished a single time. That said, its lower propensity to warp could still make it a worthy investment.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate is another budget-friendly flooring option, consisting of a particleboard base, wood or tile finish, and protective plastic coating. It's easy to clean, scratch-resistant, and available in countless different styles and colors. However, it's more susceptible to water damage and chipping.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring has superior moisture and fading resistance and requires minimal upkeep. Popular options include luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP), with both having equal durability and long-lasting nature depending on the model you buy. The price for installing vinyl flooring sits comfortably between wood and laminate.
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 perfect for areas prone to moisture like bathrooms and kitchens. However, it might not work well for bedrooms and living rooms since it's cooler and more slippery to walk on. The cost differs 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 marble, granite, sandstone, and travertine. However, like hardwood, it can be expensive and difficult to clean.
Linoleum Flooring
With attentive maintenance, linoleum floors can last for decades. It is an affordable choice with various methods for personalization. However, it can readily become damaged and has been known to fade when exposed to the sun's rays. The sun's rays also lead linoleum to fade over time, and it may not be suitable for moisture-prone spaces.
Carpet
Carpet is the most affordable flooring option. It can make a space feel more comfortable and is great for muffling sound. You don’t have to be concerned with scratches or dents, and the cushioning makes it a safer choice for young children. However, the fibrous material easily holds onto odors, moisture, and stains, which isn't ideal for allergy sufferers in Coachella's perennially-high pollen levels.
How to Choose a Coachella Flooring Company
Choosing a floor installer 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 most crucial thing to research about any flooring company is its reputation. Check review sites like Google, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Trustpilot to see what previous clients have to say. Even the best flooring installers will have both positive and negative reviews. Look for how an installer 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 combative or has a high negative-to-positive review ratio, it's wise to avoid working with it.
Portfolio and References
Most floor installers keep portfolios of their proudest projects. We recommend requesting a copy so you can study the crew's handiwork. It's also customary to ask for references from past customers. Once you have their contact information, contact them 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 contractor'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, businesses can also offer refinishing services or design advisory.
Cost
Cost is key to consider, but it should be less important than quality in your selection 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 simplify 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 covers the installation crew's workmanship. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you pick, warranty coverage could be limited to a fixed term. In other instances, it lasts for the life of the floor. Ask an installer about its warranty terms, including extensions that could give you additional coverage.
Estimated Timeline
You don't want your flooring work to last longer than needed. Get an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Communicate your expectations clearly and get any guarantees in writing.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring in Coachella
What are the best flooring installation prices?
What's the most popular flooring material in Coachella?
Do Coachella flooring companies need to be licensed?
If I'm replacing a kitchen floor, what material should I buy?
How do I decide which flooring material is right?
Other questions to consider include:
- Does the room see a lot of moisture or foot traffic?
- What style best compliments my walls, furniture, and millwork?
- What are the long-term benefits of choosing one material over another?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.