5 Best Flooring Companies in West Haven, CT

Many West Haven residents work to preserve their older homes' legacy. Whether you're dealing with worn-out carpet or original hardwood, a nearby flooring company can help restore your existing floors' historic charm or install a timeless new solution. These West Haven, CT flooring installers offer excellent value, a knowledgeable team, and a comprehensive selection.

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

Homebuyers across West Haven seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from oak and maple to cherry and walnut. 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 bathrooms, basements, or laundry rooms.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood gives you the charm 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 less likely to warp than true hardwood, it can sound 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 defense against scratches and simplifies cleaning. 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 durable. They also come at a cost-effective price point, somewhere between laminate and engineered wood.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas. It provides years of life with low upkeep requirements, and is available in many materials, colors, and patterns. However, it requires intensive prep work before installation and can be cool and smooth to walk on. Pricing relies on the material you select, with porcelain being more expensive 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. 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 endure for decades if cared for properly. It’s an economical option with many design possibilities. However, the softer material is easier to damage, and it's known to fade with sun 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 cozy 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 retains stains, dampness, and smells

How to Choose a West Haven Flooring Company

Choosing the appropriate installer makes all the difference for your new floor's quality. 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 Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Trustpilot. Even the most reliable flooring installers will have both positive and negative reviews. Look for how a provider deals with complaints and interacts with others. If it strives for a satisfactory resolution and acts in good faith, that's a good sign. However, if it's argumentative or has a high negative-to-positive review ratio, it's best to avoid working with it.

Portfolio and References

A trusted flooring company will be eager to show you portfolios of its previous work. Take a careful look at 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 interactions and thoughts about the company.

Specialization and Services

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

Cost

While price shouldn't be the most important factor when choosing a flooring installer, it's still important to find one that respects your budget. We recommend getting quotes from three to five companies to compare rates. You can do this fully online or by requesting free in-home 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 choose, warranty coverage could be limited to a fixed term. In other instances, it lasts for the life of the floor. Ask an installer 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 expected. Get an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Communicate your expectations clearly and secure 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