5 Best Flooring Companies in Lakeland, FL

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 Lakeland seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from maple and oak 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 wood 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. 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 an intelligent investment.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate floors come in wood and tile finishes, but they all have a particle board base. A strong plastic coating gives them resilience against scratches and simplifies cleaning. However, it's more susceptible to water damage and chipping.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring has excellent water 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 long-lasting nature depending on the model you buy. Their price point sits comfortably between wood and laminate.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is another timeless-looking, robust option. Like vinyl, it requires minimal maintenance and is simple to clean. As such, it's an ideal choice for moisture-prone spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. However, it requires intensive prep work before installation and can be cold and sleek to walk on. Pricing depends on the material you choose, 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 travertine, marble, sandstone, and granite. However, like hardwood, it can be expensive and difficult to clean.

Linoleum Flooring

With attentive maintenance, linoleum floors can last for decades. It is a budget-friendly choice with numerous possibilities for personalization. However, it can readily become damaged and has been known to lose its original coloring when exposed to direct sunlight. The sun's rays also lead linoleum to fade over time, and it may not be suitable for moisture-prone spaces.

Carpet

Carpet is the most affordable flooring option. It can make a space feel more homey and is great for absorbing sound. You don’t have to be concerned with scratches or dents, and the cushioning makes it a safer choice for babies and toddlers. However, the fibrous material easily holds onto stains, moisture, and odors, which isn't ideal for allergy sufferers in Lakeland's perennially-high pollen levels.

How to Choose a Lakeland 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 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), Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot. Every flooring installer will have a mix of praise and criticism online. If a company handles negative feedback in an amicable 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

A trusted flooring company will be eager to show you portfolios of its previous work. Closely inspect each listed project and ask questions as you have them. 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

Look for a business that specializes in the type of flooring you're interested in. For example, a crew might be experienced with carpet but not tile. Equally important is a provider'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 style, color, and material choices, you can also look for companies with design teams.

Cost

While price shouldn't be the most important factor when choosing a flooring company, it's still important to find one that honors your budget. We recommend getting quotes from three to five 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 product itself. The second covers the installers' workmanship. While some 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 needed. Get an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Communicate your expectations clearly and secure any guarantees in writing.