Popular Types of Flooring
Whether you're looking for something bold and lively or subtle and elegant, there's a floor for you. Discover the most essential details about each type to guide your decision making.
Hardwood Flooring
Homebuyers across Cutler Bay 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 charm, 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 gives you the charm of hardwood without the strict maintenance. They use a plywood substrate with a layer of real hardwood on top – ultimately cutting your costs. While it's more resistant to warping versus true hardwood, it can sound 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 scratch resistance 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 plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT), with both having equal durability and longevity depending on the model you buy. The cost of installing vinyl flooring sits comfortably between wood and laminate.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas. It offers years of life with little need for maintenance, and is available in many materials, colors, 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
Granite, travertine, sandstone, and marble aren't just for the outdoors. Inside, they can give you a bold look and unparalleled water resistance. Despite its unique flair, it's not easy to clean, and long-term maintenance could be a bit more expensive.
Linoleum Flooring
With proper maintenance, linoleum floors can persist for decades. It is a budget-friendly choice with many possibilities for adaptation. However, it can easily get dented or scratched and has been known to lose its original coloring when exposed to sunlight. The sun's rays also lead 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 comfortable and is great for reducing sound. You don’t have to be concerned with scratches or dents, and the cushioning makes it a safer choice for young children. However, the fibrous material easily holds onto moisture, stains, and odors, which isn't ideal for allergy sufferers in Cutler Bay's perennially-high pollen levels.
How to Choose a Cutler Bay Flooring Company
Choosing the right installer makes all the difference for your new floor's longevity. We recommend screening different companies using 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, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp to see what previous clients have to say. Even the most reliable flooring installers will have both positive and negative reviews. Look for how a provider handles 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 combative or has a high negative-to-positive review ratio, it's wise to avoid working with it.
Portfolio and References
Most flooring companies keep portfolios of their proudest projects. We recommend requesting a copy so you can inspect 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. 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 color, material, and style choices, you can also look for installers with design teams.
Cost
Cost is key to consider, but it should be less important than quality in your decision-making 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 ease 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 covers the installers' workmanship. While a few manufacturers and contractors have lifetime warranties, most are still tied 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
You don't want your flooring work to last longer than expected. Request an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Communicate your expectations clearly and get any guarantees in writing.
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Flooring Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring in Cutler Bay
How much will it cost to install a new floor in Cutler Bay?
What's the most popular flooring material in Cutler Bay?
What are the licensing laws for Cutler Bay flooring companies?
Who is the largest flooring manufacturer?
How do I decide which flooring material is right?
Other questions to consider are:
- Does the room see a lot of moisture or foot traffic?
- What style best compliments my walls, furniture, and millwork?
- What are the long-term benefits of choosing one material over another?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.