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 Redwood City 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. Despite its allure, hardwood comes with a higher price tag. 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 beauty of hardwood without the demand for regular maintenance. They use a plywood foundation with a layer of real hardwood on top – ultimately saving you money. While it's more resistant to warping versus true hardwood, it sounds more hollow to walk on and can't be refinished more than once.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate is another more affordable 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 colors and styles. However, it's more susceptible to water damage and chipping.
Vinyl Flooring
Maintenance with vinyl floors is uncomplicated. You can purchase them in luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) styles, with each option equally resilient. They also come at an affordable price point, somewhere between laminate and engineered wood.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is another classy design that can last 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 requires intensive prep work before installation and can be cold and sleek to walk on. Pricing depends on the material you select, with porcelain being more expensive than ceramic.
Stone Flooring
Granite, marble, sandstone, and travertine 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
With proper maintenance, linoleum floors can persist for decades. It is an affordable choice with many possibilities for personalization. However, it can readily get dented or scratched and has been known to lose its original coloring when exposed to sunlight. Direct sunlight also leads linoleum to fade 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 cozy and is great for absorbing sound. You don’t have to be concerned with scratches or dents, and the cushioning makes it a safer choice for babies and toddlers. However, the fibrous material easily retains stains, moisture, and odors, which isn't ideal for allergy sufferers in Redwood City's perennially-high pollen levels.
How to Choose a Redwood City Flooring Company
Choosing the proper installer makes all the difference for your new floor's quality. We recommend evaluating 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 the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, Google, and Yelp to see what previous clients have to say. Even the most reliable flooring installers will have both positive and negative reviews. Look for how a business deals with complaints and interacts with others. If it strives for 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 advisable 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 study the crew's workmanship. 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
Look for a provider that specializes in the type of flooring you're interested in. For example, a crew might be experienced with carpet but not tile. Equally important is a company'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
Cost is crucial to consider, but it should be less important than quality in your decision-making 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 ease the process.
Warranties and Guarantees
Flooring services typically come with two warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the materials. The second backs the installation company's workmanship. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you pick, warranty protection 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 a few more years of 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. Communicate your expectations clearly and get any guarantees in writing.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring in Redwood City
What are the best flooring installation prices?
See our guides to how much each flooring type typically costs:
What are some of the most popular types of flooring in Redwood City?
Do Redwood City flooring companies need to be licensed?
What is the average timeline for flooring installation in Redwood City?
What are the signs it's time to replace my old flooring?
- Uncontrollable mildew or mold growth
- Holes, scratches, or dents
- Increasing space between tiles or planks
- Spots that feel loose or unstable
- Water damage
- Heightened squeakiness
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.