5 Best Flooring Companies in Wallingford, CT

Historic and picturesque neighborhoods define Wallingford, and residents strive to preserve the community's history. Whether you're replacing aging carpet or restoring original hardwood floors, a local contractor can help you get the job done. See which flooring companies in the Wallingford, CT area offer the best service, pricing, and selection.

Popular Types of Flooring

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

Hardwood Flooring

Homebuyers across Wallingford seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from oak and maple to walnut and cherry. Despite its allure, 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 provides you the timeless look and resilience 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 sound 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 worthy investment.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate is another budget-friendly flooring option, consisting of a particleboard base, wood or tile finish, and protective plastic coating. It's scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and available in countless different colors and styles. However, it's more susceptible to water damage and chipping.

Vinyl Flooring

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

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas. It offers 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 colder and less grippy to walk on. Pricing varies 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, travertine, granite, and marble. However, like hardwood, it can be expensive and difficult to clean.

Linoleum Flooring

With attentive maintenance, linoleum floors can persist for decades. It is an affordable choice with many possibilities for customization. However, it can readily become damaged and has been known to fade when exposed to direct sunlight. Direct sunlight also leads linoleum to lose color over time, and it might not work well 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 fret about scratches or dents, and the cushioning makes it a safer choice for young children. However, the fibrous material easily retains moisture, odors, and stains, which isn't ideal for pet owners or those with allergies.

How to Choose a Wallingford Flooring Company

Choosing a flooring company is just as influential 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 Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and Yelp to see what previous clients have to say. Every flooring contractor will have a mix of compliments and criticism online. If a company handles negative feedback 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 flooring contractors keep portfolios of their past projects. We recommend requesting a copy so you can look over the crew's craftsmanship. Portfolios might also include references from past customers. Ask for their contact information so you can discuss their interactions 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 contractor's service offerings can also make a difference. At the very least, you should choose a provider that offers to dispose of your old flooring materials. However, businesses can also offer refinishing services or design advisory.

Cost

While cost shouldn't be the most important factor when choosing a flooring installer, it's still important to find one that matches your budget. We recommend getting quotes from at least three companies to compare rates. You can do this fully online or by requesting complimentary on-site estimates.

Warranties and Guarantees

Flooring services typically come with two warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the materials. The second backs the installation crew's workmanship. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you choose, warranty coverage could be limited to a fixed term. In other instances, it continues for the life of the floor. Ask a company 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 needed. Request an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Communicate your expectations clearly and get any guarantees in writing.

Other Flooring Resources

• Best Flooring for Kitchens
• Best Laminate Flooring
• What Is the Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors?

Sources

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics