5 Best Flooring Companies in San Bernardino, CA

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 shades including oak, maple, cherry, walnut, and more, it can fit any design without sacrificing durability. Despite its charm, 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 strict maintenance. They use a plywood base with a layer of real hardwood on top – ultimately cutting your costs. While it's less likely to warp than 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 scratch-resistant, easy to clean, 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 ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and other moisture-prone areas. It offers years of life with little need for maintenance, and is available in many patterns, colors, and materials. However, it might not work well for living rooms and bedrooms since it's cooler and less grippy to walk on. Pricing varies 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 granite, sandstone, marble, and travertine. However, like hardwood, it can be expensive and difficult to clean.

Linoleum Flooring

With proper maintenance, linoleum floors can endure for decades. It is a budget-friendly choice with numerous alternatives for personalization. However, it can easily become damaged and has been known to lose its original coloring when exposed to direct sunlight. The sun's rays also lead linoleum to lose color 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 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 San Bernardino Flooring Company

Choosing a floor installer 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. Check review sites like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google to see what previous clients have to say. Every flooring provider will have a mix of positive and negative feedback online. If a company resolves complaints 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 avoid working with it.

Portfolio and References

Most flooring companies keep portfolios of their proudest projects. We recommend requesting a copy so you can inspect the crew's craftsmanship. Portfolios might also include references from past customers. Don't hesitate to request their contact information so you can discuss their interactions and thoughts about the company.

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 haul away your old flooring materials. However, providers can also offer hardwood refinishing or design advisory.

Cost

While cost 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 three to five companies to compare rates. You can do this fully online or by requesting complimentary on-site estimates.

Warranties and Guarantees

Flooring services typically come with two warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the floor itself. The other covers the installation crew's workmanship. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you pick, warranty protection could be limited to a fixed term. Other times, it lasts 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

You don't want your flooring project to last longer than necessary. Request an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Express your expectations clearly and get any guarantees in writing.