5 Best Flooring Companies in Montclair, CA

Montclair gets more sun than 98% of the country. Although local residents experience beautiful weather, it can also cause your flooring to fade. A local flooring contractor can help you choose a resilient material that maintains its original hue. These Montclair, CA flooring installers offer a comprehensive selection, a knowledgeable team, and excellent value.

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

Homebuyers across Montclair seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from cherry and walnut to oak and maple. 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 restore its finish every few years. Since it's susceptible to water damage, it's also not suitable for basements, laundry rooms, or bathrooms.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood gives you the beauty of hardwood without the strict maintenance. They use a plywood base with a layer of real hardwood on top – ultimately cutting your costs. Despite the lower retail cost, it might sound more hollow to walk on, and the thin hardwood layer can only be refinished once. That said, its lower propensity to warp could still make it a sound investment.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate is another cost-effective 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 a variety of different colors and styles. However, it chips easily and is susceptible to moisture damage.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring has excellent water and fading resistance and is easy to maintain. Popular options include luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP), 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 another classy design that can last for years. Like vinyl, it requires minimal maintenance and is easy to clean. As such, it's perfect for moisture-prone spaces like bathrooms and kitchens. However, it might not work well for living rooms and bedrooms since it's colder 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 sandstone, travertine, marble, and granite. However, like hardwood, it can be expensive and difficult to clean.

Linoleum Flooring

With proper maintenance, linoleum floors can last for decades. It is a cost-effective choice with various possibilities for adaptation. However, it can readily become damaged and has been known to fade when exposed to the sun's rays. Direct sunlight also leads linoleum to fade over time, and it may not be suitable for areas with excess moisture.

Carpet

Of all flooring options, carpet is one of the most affordable. It lends a homey feel to a room and muffles noise effectively. Unlike hard floors, carpet removes 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 Montclair Flooring Company

Choosing a flooring company is just as significant 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, Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Trustpilot. Every flooring provider will have a mix of positive and negative feedback online. If a company addresses issues in a constructive and satisfactory way, it's generally a good sign. However, if you find more outright complaints than compliments, it's better to steer clear.

Portfolio and References

A good flooring company will be excited to show you portfolios of its previous work. Closely inspect each listed project and ask questions as you have them. It's also customary to ask for references from past customers. Once you have their contact information, reach out 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 tile. A contractor's service offerings can also make a difference. At the very least, you should choose a provider that will dispose of your old flooring materials. However, businesses can also offer hardwood refinishing or design consultations.

Cost

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

Warranties and Guarantees

Flooring services typically come with a pair of warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the floor itself. The second covers the installation crew's workmanship. While a few manufacturers and contractors have lifetime warranties, most are still restricted 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 essential for a successful flooring job. Before you agree to work with a company, ask for an estimated timeline and inquire about what delays could impact the project. If a company commits to finishing the job by a certain deadline, get that guarantee in writing and state your expectations clearly as the work progresses.

Other Flooring Resources

• Best Flooring for Kitchens
• Best Laminate Flooring
• What Is the Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors?

Sources

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics