Popular Types of Flooring
Flooring varies greatly in price and design. Here's what to know about each type.
Hardwood Flooring
Homebuyers across Hialeah 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 one of the most expensive 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 demand for regular maintenance. They use a plywood foundation 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 is another more affordable flooring option, consisting of a particleboard base, wood or tile finish, and protective plastic coating. It's easy to clean, scratch-resistant, and available in a variety of different styles and colors. However, it's more susceptible to water damage and chipping.
Vinyl Flooring
Maintenance with vinyl floors is a breeze. You can purchase them in luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or luxury vinyl tile (LVT) styles, with each option equally strong. They also come at an affordable price point, somewhere between laminate and engineered wood.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and other moisture-prone areas. It provides years of life with low upkeep requirements, and is available in many colors, materials, 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 pick, with porcelain being more expensive than ceramic.
Stone Flooring
Granite, sandstone, travertine, 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 attentive maintenance, linoleum floors can persist for years. It is a budget-friendly choice with various alternatives for personalization. However, it can easily get dented or scratched 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 cozy and is great for absorbing sound. You don’t have to worry about scratches or dents, and the cushioning makes it a safer choice for babies and toddlers. However, the fibrous material easily holds onto odors, stains, and moisture, which isn't ideal for allergy sufferers in Hialeah's perennially-high pollen levels.
How to Choose a Hialeah Flooring Company
Choosing the appropriate installer makes all the difference for your new floor's longevity. We recommend evaluating 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 the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, Google, and Yelp. Every flooring installer will have a mix of praise 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 steer clear.
Portfolio and References
Most flooring companies keep portfolios of their past projects. We recommend requesting a copy so you can study the crew's workmanship. It's also customary to ask for references from past 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. A contractor's service offerings can also make a difference. At the very least, you should choose a provider that will dispose of your old flooring materials. However, providers can also offer refinishing services or design consultations.
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 multiple companies to compare prices. 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 pick, 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 longer coverage.
Estimated Timeline
You don't want your flooring work to last longer than necessary. Request an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Communicate your expectations clearly and secure any guarantees in writing.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring in Hialeah
How much will it cost to install a new floor in Hialeah?
See our guides to how much each flooring type typically costs:
What are some of the most popular types of flooring in Hialeah?
What are the licensing laws for Hialeah flooring companies?
How do I choose the right flooring material for my space?
Other questions to consider are the following:
- 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?
Are there environmentally friendly flooring options in Hialeah?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.