5 Best Flooring Companies in South San Francisco, CA

Popular Types of Flooring

Flooring varies greatly in price and design. Here's what to know about each type.

Hardwood Flooring

Homebuyers across South San Francisco seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from maple and oak to walnut and cherry. However, it's among the priciest of flooring materials and requires consistent maintenance. 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 bathrooms, basements, or laundry rooms.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood gives you the aesthetic of hardwood without the strict maintenance. They use a plywood base 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 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 floors come in wood and tile finishes, but they all have a particle board base. A strong plastic coating gives them defense against scratches and simplifies cleaning. However, it's more susceptible to water damage and chipping.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring has superior moisture and fading resistance and requires minimal upkeep. Popular options include luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP), with both having equal durability and long-lasting nature depending on the model you buy. Their price point sits comfortably between wood and laminate.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas. It provides years of life with low upkeep requirements, and is available in many patterns, colors, and materials. However, it might not work well for bedrooms and living rooms since it's cooler 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 travertine, sandstone, granite, and marble. However, like hardwood, it can be expensive and difficult to clean.

Linoleum Flooring

With attentive maintenance, linoleum floors can endure for years. It is a budget-friendly choice with various 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 fade 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 homey and is great for muffling sound. You don’t have to be concerned with scratches or dents, and the cushioning makes it a safer choice for babies and toddlers. However, the fibrous material easily retains odors, moisture, and stains, which isn't ideal for allergy sufferers in South San Francisco's perennially-high pollen levels.

How to Choose a South San Francisco 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 Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and Google to see what previous clients have to say. Every flooring provider will have a mix of compliments and criticism online. If a company addresses issues in an amicable 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

A reputable flooring company will be happy to show you portfolios of its previous work. Closely inspect each listed project and ask questions as you have them. 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

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 offers to haul away your old flooring materials. However, companies can also offer hardwood refinishing or design assistance.

Cost

Cost is key to consider, but it should be less important than quality in your selection process. We recommend getting at least three 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 some manufacturers and contractors have lifetime warranties, most are still restricted 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 key to a successful flooring job. Before you sign a contract, request an estimated timeline and inquire about what issues could impact the project. If a company commits to finishing the job by a certain deadline, get that guarantee in writing and communicate your expectations clearly as the work progresses.