5 Best Flooring Companies in Santa Monica, 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 shades including cherry, oak, walnut, maple, 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 aesthetic of hardwood without the extra maintenance. They use a plywood foundation with a layer of real hardwood on top – ultimately saving you money. Despite the lower retail cost, it might feel more hollow to walk on, and the thin hardwood layer can only be refinished once. That said, its lower propensity to warp could still make it a good investment.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate floors come in wood and tile finishes, but they all have a particle board base. A strong plastic coating gives them resilience against scratches and simplifies cleaning. 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 durability and longevity depending on the model you buy. The price for installing vinyl flooring sits comfortably between wood and laminate.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas. It offers years of life with low upkeep requirements, and is available in many materials, colors, and patterns. 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

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 proper maintenance, linoleum floors can endure for years. It is an affordable choice with various alternatives for adaptation. However, it can readily become damaged and has been known to fade when exposed to direct sunlight. Direct sunlight also leads linoleum to fade over time, and it may not be suitable for moisture-prone spaces.

Carpet

Carpet is the most affordable flooring option. It can make a space feel more homey and is great for absorbing 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 holds onto stains, odors, and moisture, which isn't ideal for allergy sufferers in Santa Monica's perennially-high pollen levels.

How to Choose a Santa Monica Flooring Company

Choosing the proper installer significantly affects your new floor's longevity. We recommend screening 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, Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp. 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 works toward 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 wise to avoid working with it.

Portfolio and References

Most floor installers keep portfolios of their proudest projects. We recommend requesting a copy so you can examine the crew's workmanship. It's also good practice to ask for references from former customers. Once you have their contact information, get in touch and ask about their experiences.

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 stone. A contractor'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, companies can also offer hardwood refinishing or design consultations.

Cost

Cost is key 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 streamline the process.

Warranties and Guarantees

Flooring services typically come with two warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the materials. The other backs the installation crew's workmanship. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you select, warranty protection could be limited to a fixed term. In other instances, it continues for the life of the floor. Ask an installer about its warranty terms, including extensions that could give you additional 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.