5 Best Flooring Companies in South Gate, 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 oak, walnut, cherry, maple, and more, it can fit any design without sacrificing durability. However, it's among the priciest of flooring materials and requires significant upkeep. At a minimum, you'll need to use specialty cleaning products regularly and restore its finish every few years. Since it's susceptible to water damage, it's also not suitable for basements, bathrooms, or laundry rooms.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood gives you the beauty of hardwood without the extra maintenance. They use a plywood base with a layer of real hardwood on top – ultimately saving you money. 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 resilience against scratches and simplifies cleaning. However, it chips easily and is susceptible to moisture damage.

Vinyl Flooring

Maintenance with vinyl floors is a breeze. You can purchase them in luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or luxury vinyl tile (LVT) styles, with each option equally long-lasting. They also come at a budget-friendly price point, somewhere between laminate and engineered wood.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas. It provides years of life with minimal maintenance needs, and is available in many colors, materials, 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

Stone floors are among the most waterproof available. You can choose from a variety of bold design options, including sandstone, granite, marble, and travertine. 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 cork and linseed oil and can last for decades if cared for properly. It’s a cost-effective option with many design possibilities. However, the softer material is easier to dent or scratch, and it's known to fade 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 homey and is great for absorbing sound. You don’t have to worry about scratches or dents, and the cushioning makes it a safer choice for babies and toddlers. However, the fibrous material easily retains stains, moisture, and odors, which isn't ideal for allergy sufferers in South Gate's perennially-high pollen levels.

How to Choose a South Gate Flooring Company

Choosing the proper installer will impact your new floor's longevity. We recommend screening different companies using the following criteria.

Reputation and Reviews

The most crucial thing to research about any flooring company is its reputation. You can learn more about previous clients' experiences from review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google, Yelp, and Trustpilot. Every flooring installer 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 floor installers keep portfolios of their previous work. We recommend requesting a copy so you can inspect the crew's handiwork. Portfolios might also include references from past customers. Request their contact information so you can discuss their interactions and thoughts about the company.

Specialization and Services

Look for a provider that specializes in the type of flooring you're interested in. For example, a crew might be experienced with carpet but not stone. Equally important is an installer'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 color, style, and material choices, you can also look for installers with design teams.

Cost

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

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. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you pick, warranty coverage could be limited to a fixed term. Other times, it lasts for the life of the floor. Ask a company 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 needed. Request an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Express your expectations clearly and secure any guarantees in writing.