5 Best Flooring Companies in Livermore, CA

Popular Types of Flooring

Flooring varies greatly in price and design. Here's what to know about each type.

Hardwood Flooring

Homebuyers across Livermore seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from maple and oak to cherry and walnut. 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, basements, or laundry rooms.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood offers you the resilience and timeless design of hardwood without the extra maintenance. Typically, it consists of a layer of real hardwood bonded over a plywood substrate. Despite the lower retail cost, it might sound more hollow to walk on, and the slender hardwood layer can only be refinished once. That said, its lower propensity to warp could still make it an intelligent investment.

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's more susceptible to water damage and chipping.

Vinyl Flooring

Maintenance with vinyl floors is as simple as it gets. You can purchase them in luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or luxury vinyl tile (LVT) 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 perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and other moisture-prone areas. It offers years of life with minimal maintenance needs, and is available in many colors, patterns, and materials. However, it might not work well for living rooms and bedrooms since it's cooler and more slippery to walk on. Pricing fluctuates between styles, with ceramic less expensive than porcelain.

Stone Flooring

Stone floors are among the most waterproof available. You can choose from a variety of bold design options, including marble, sandstone, granite, and travertine. 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 endure for years. It is a cost-effective choice with many possibilities for adaptation. However, it can easily become damaged and has been known to fade when exposed to the sun's rays. The sun's rays also lead linoleum to lose color over time, and it may not be suitable for damp locations.

Carpet

Carpet is the most affordable flooring option. It can make a space feel more homey and is great for absorbing sound. You don’t have to worry about scratches or dents, and the cushioning makes it a safer choice for young children. However, the fibrous material easily retains moisture, stains, and odors, which isn't ideal for allergy sufferers in Livermore's perennially-high pollen levels.

How to Choose a Livermore Flooring Company

Choosing a flooring company is just as influential 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 Trustpilot, Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Even the most reliable flooring installers will have both positive and negative reviews. Look for how a company deals with complaints and interacts with others. If it works toward a satisfactory resolution and acts in good faith, that's a good 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

A reputable flooring company will be excited to show you portfolios of its previous work. Take a good look at each listed project and ask questions as you have them. It's also good practice to ask for references from past customers. Once you have their contact information, get in touch and 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. Equally important is a provider'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, color, and material choices, you can also look for contractors with design teams.

Cost

While price shouldn't be the most important factor when choosing a flooring company, it's still important to find one that matches your budget. We recommend getting quotes from three to five companies to compare prices. You can do this fully online or by requesting free in-home estimates.

Warranties and Guarantees

Flooring services typically come with two warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the floor itself. The second backs the installation company's workmanship. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you select, warranty protection 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 a few more years of coverage.

Estimated Timeline

Time management is essential for a successful flooring job. Before you agree to work with a company, ask for an estimated timeline and inquire about what hurdles could impact the project. If a company assures you it'll finish the job by a certain deadline, get that guarantee in writing and state your expectations clearly as the work progresses.