Popular Types of Flooring
There's a flooring material for every design preference and price point. In this section, we'll break down the most common types.
Hardwood Flooring
The appeal of hardwood floors stands the test of time. With shades including cherry, walnut, maple, oak, and more, it can fit any design without sacrificing durability. Despite its allure, hardwood is associated with a higher cost. You also need to follow a consistent refinishing schedule every few years, filling in the gaps with specialty 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 substrate 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 wood and tile finishes, but they all have a particle board base. A strong plastic coating gives them scratch resistance 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 long-lasting. They also come at an affordable price point, somewhere between laminate and engineered wood.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas. It offers years of life with minimal maintenance needs, and is available in many materials, patterns, and colors. However, it might not work well for bedrooms and living rooms since it's colder and less grippy to walk on. The cost differs between styles, with ceramic less expensive than porcelain.
Stone Flooring
Granite, travertine, sandstone, and marble aren't just for the outdoors. Inside, they can give you a bold look and unparalleled water resistance. However, like hardwood, it can be expensive and difficult to clean.
Linoleum Flooring
Linoleum is made from linseed oil and cork and can endure for decades if cared for properly. It’s an economical option with many design possibilities. However, the softer material is easier to damage, and it's known to fade with sun 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 cozy feel to a room and absorbs noise effectively. Unlike hard floors, carpet gets rid of concerns about scratches or dents, and the extra padding is much safer for young children. However, carpet requires time and effort to keep clean, especially if you have pets. The fibrous material retains stains, dampness, smells, and pollen, making it less suitable for allergy sufferers.
How to Choose a Hawthorne Flooring Company
Choosing the right installer significantly affects your new floor's quality. We recommend assessing different companies using the following criteria.
Reputation and Reviews
The first thing to note is whether a company is known for good service and high-quality work. Check review sites like Trustpilot, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google to see what previous clients have to say. Even the best flooring installers will have both positive and negative reviews. Look for how a provider handles 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 wise to avoid working with it.
Portfolio and References
Most flooring contractors keep portfolios of their past projects. We recommend requesting a copy so you can inspect the crew's handiwork. It's also customary to ask for references from previous customers. Once you have their contact information, contact them to ask about their experiences.
Specialization and Services
Look for an installer 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 an installer'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 installers with design teams.
Cost
Cost is crucial to consider, but it should be less important than quality in your selection process. We recommend getting three to five 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
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. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you select, warranty coverage could be limited to a fixed term. In other instances, it lasts for the life of the floor. Ask a company 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 necessary. Request 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 Hawthorne
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