Popular Types of Flooring
Whether you're looking for something lively and bold or elegant and subtle, there's a floor for you. Discover the most essential details about each type to guide your decision making.
Hardwood Flooring
Homebuyers across Bradenton seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from walnut and cherry to maple and oak. 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 offers you the look and durability of hardwood without the extra maintenance. Typically, it consists of a layer of real hardwood bonded over a plywood substrate. 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 tile and wood finishes, but they all have a particle board base. A strong plastic coating gives them defense against scratches and simplifies cleaning. However, it chips easily and is susceptible to moisture damage.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring has superior moisture and fading resistance and requires minimal upkeep. Popular options include luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT), with both having equal strength 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 ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas. It provides years of life with low upkeep requirements, and is available in many patterns, materials, and colors. However, it might not work well for living rooms and bedrooms since it's colder and less grippy to walk on. The cost differs 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 marble, travertine, granite, and sandstone. However, like hardwood, it can be expensive and difficult to clean.
Linoleum Flooring
Linoleum is made from linseed oil and cork and can endure for many years if maintained properly. It’s a cost-effective option with many design possibilities. However, the softer material is easier to damage, and it's known to fade with sunlight exposure. It’s also not suitable for areas with excess moisture 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 eliminates 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 grips stains, dampness, smells, and pollen, making it less suitable for allergy sufferers.
How to Choose a Bradenton Flooring Company
Choosing a floor covering provider is just as significant 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. You can learn more about previous clients' experiences from review sites like Trustpilot, Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). 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 flooring contractors keep portfolios of their proudest projects. We recommend requesting a copy so you can inspect the crew's handiwork. It's also good practice to ask for references from previous customers. Once you have their contact information, get in touch and ask about their experiences.
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. Equally important is a company'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 material, style, and color choices, you can also look for companies with design teams.
Cost
Cost is crucial 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 simplify the process.
Warranties and Guarantees
Flooring services typically come with two warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the product itself. The second backs the installers' workmanship. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you select, warranty protection could be limited to a fixed term. Other times, 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
Time management is essential for 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 promises to finish the job by a certain deadline, get that guarantee in writing and state your expectations clearly as the work progresses.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring in Bradenton
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