5 Best Flooring Companies in San Mateo, 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

The appeal of hardwood floors stands the test of time. With options including walnut, oak, cherry, maple, and more, it can fit any design without sacrificing durability. Despite its allure, hardwood comes with a higher price tag. You also need to stick to a consistent refinishing schedule every few years, filling in the gaps with specialty wood cleaners. The more time you invest in maintenance, the longer your floors will last.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood provides you the durability and look 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 thin hardwood layer can only be refinished one time. That said, its lower propensity to warp could still make it an intelligent investment.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate floors come in tile and wood finishes, but they all have a particle board base. A strong plastic coating gives them scratch resistance and simplifies cleaning. However, it chips easily and is susceptible to moisture damage.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring has superior moisture and fading resistance and is easy to maintain. Popular options include luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP), with both having equal strength and longevity depending on the model you buy. Their price point sits comfortably between wood and laminate.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is another timeless-looking, robust option. Like vinyl, it requires minimal maintenance and is easy to clean. As such, it's an ideal choice for moisture-prone spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. However, it might not work well for bedrooms and living rooms since it's colder and less grippy to walk on. Pricing fluctuates 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, marble, granite, and travertine. However, like hardwood, it can be expensive and difficult to clean.

Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum is made from cork and linseed oil and can last for many years if maintained properly. It’s an economical option with many design possibilities. However, the softer material is easier to dent or scratch, and it's known to discolor with sun exposure. It’s also not suitable for moisture-prone spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.

Carpet

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

How to Choose a San Mateo Flooring Company

Choosing the right installer will impact your new floor's longevity. We recommend assessing 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. You can learn more about previous clients' experiences from review sites like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google. Every flooring contractor will have a mix of compliments and criticism online. If a company handles negative feedback in an amicable 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 contractors keep portfolios of their previous work. We recommend requesting a copy so you can look over 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 experiences and thoughts about the company.

Specialization and Services

Look for a business that specializes in the type of flooring you're interested in. For example, a crew might be experienced with carpet but not hardwood. 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 important 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 simplify the process.

Warranties and Guarantees

You should look for two different warranties in your company search. A manufacturer's warranty protects you in case of a product defect, while an installer's warranty covers workmanship. While a few manufacturers and contractors have lifetime warranties, most are still tied 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, 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 convey your expectations clearly as the work progresses.