5 Best Flooring Companies in Santa Cruz, CA

Popular Types of Flooring

Whether you're looking for something lively and bold or elegant and subtle, there's a floor for you. Discover the most essential details about each type to guide your decision making.

Hardwood Flooring

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

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood offers you the look and durability of hardwood without the extra maintenance. Typically, it consists of a layer of real hardwood fused with a plywood substrate. Despite the lower retail cost, it might feel more hollow to walk on, and the slender hardwood layer can only be refinished a single time. 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 many different styles and colors. However, it's more susceptible to water damage and chipping.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring has excellent water and fading resistance and is easy to maintain. Popular options include luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT), with both having equal strength and long-lasting nature depending on the model you buy. The cost of installing vinyl flooring sits comfortably between wood and laminate.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is another timeless-looking, robust option. Like vinyl, it requires minimal maintenance and is simple to clean. As such, it's an ideal choice for moisture-prone spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. However, it might not work well for living rooms and bedrooms since it's colder and less grippy to walk on. Pricing varies between styles, with ceramic less expensive than porcelain.

Stone Flooring

Granite, sandstone, marble, and travertine 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

Linoleum is made from linseed oil and cork and can last for decades 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 fade with sunlight exposure. It’s also not suitable for moisture-prone spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.

Carpet

Of all flooring options, carpet is one of the most affordable. It lends a comfortable feel to a room and reduces noise effectively. Unlike hard floors, carpet gets rid of 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 holds onto stains, dampness, smells, and pollen, making it less suitable for allergy sufferers.

How to Choose a Santa Cruz Flooring Company

Choosing a floor installer is just as critical 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 contractor 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 negative reviews than positive ones, it's better to steer clear.

Portfolio and References

Most flooring companies keep portfolios of their previous work. We recommend requesting a copy so you can look over the crew's workmanship. 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

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. An installer'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 assistance.

Cost

Cost is vital to consider, but it should be less important than quality in your selection process. We recommend getting three to five 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

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