5 Best Flooring Companies in San Leandro, CA

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 San Leandro seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from oak and maple to walnut and cherry. However, it's one of the most expensive flooring materials and requires consistent maintenance. 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, laundry rooms, or basements.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood gives you the charm 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 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 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'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 durable. They also come at a budget-friendly price point, somewhere between laminate and engineered wood.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is excellent for bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas. It provides years of life with little need for maintenance, and is available in many materials, colors, and patterns. However, it might not work well for bedrooms and living rooms since it's cooler and less grippy to walk on. Pricing varies between styles, with ceramic less expensive than porcelain.

Stone Flooring

Granite, marble, travertine, and sandstone aren't just for the outdoors. Inside, they can give you a bold look and unparalleled water resistance. Despite its unique flair, it's not easy to clean, and long-term maintenance could be a bit more expensive.

Linoleum Flooring

With attentive maintenance, linoleum floors can last for years. It is a cost-effective choice with many possibilities for customization. However, it can readily get dented or scratched and has been known to fade when exposed to direct sunlight. Direct sunlight also leads linoleum to lose color over time, and it may not be suitable for areas with excess moisture.

Carpet

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

How to Choose a San Leandro Flooring Company

Choosing a floor covering provider 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, Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp to see what previous clients have to say. Every flooring provider will have a mix of praise and criticism online. If a company addresses issues in a constructive and satisfactory way, it's generally a good sign. However, if you find more negative reviews than positive ones, it's better to steer clear.

Portfolio and References

Most flooring companies keep portfolios of their past projects. We recommend requesting a copy so you can examine the crew's craftsmanship. Portfolios might also include references from past customers. Ask for 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 company's service offerings can also make a difference. At the very least, you should choose a provider that will haul away your old flooring materials. However, installers can also offer refinishing services or design consultations.

Cost

While cost shouldn't be the most important factor when choosing a flooring installer, it's still important to find one that honors your budget. We recommend getting quotes from at least three companies to compare prices. You can do this fully online or by requesting complimentary on-site estimates.

Warranties and Guarantees

Flooring services typically come with a pair of warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the product 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. In other instances, it lasts for the life of the floor. Ask a company about its warranty terms, including extensions that could give you longer coverage.

Estimated Timeline

Time management is essential for a successful flooring job. Before you sign a contract, request an estimated timeline and inquire about what delays could impact the project. If a company promises to finish the job by a certain deadline, get that guarantee in writing and communicate your expectations clearly as the work progresses.