Popular Types of Flooring
Flooring varies greatly in price and design. Here's what to know about each type.
Hardwood Flooring
The appeal of hardwood floors stands the test of time. With shades including maple, oak, walnut, cherry, and more, it can fit any design without sacrificing durability. 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 laundry rooms, bathrooms, or basements.
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood offers you the look and durability of hardwood without the extra maintenance. Typically, it uses a layer of real hardwood fused with a plywood substrate. 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 scratch resistance and simplifies cleaning. However, it's more susceptible to water damage and chipping.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring has excellent water and fading resistance and is easy to maintain. Popular options include luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP), with both having equal durability and long-lasting nature depending on the model you buy. Their price point sits comfortably between wood and laminate.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas. It provides years of life with minimal maintenance needs, and is available in many materials, patterns, and colors. However, it requires intensive prep work before installation and can be cool and sleek 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 granite, sandstone, marble, and travertine. 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 last for decades. It is a cost-effective choice with various methods for personalization. However, it can easily get dented or scratched and has been known to fade when exposed to sunlight. Direct sunlight also leads linoleum to lose color over time, and it might not work well for moisture-prone spaces.
Carpet
Carpet is the most affordable flooring option. It can make a space feel more homey and is great for muffling sound. You don’t have to worry about scratches or dents, and the cushioning makes it a safer choice for young children. However, the fibrous material easily holds onto stains, moisture, and odors, which isn't ideal for allergy sufferers in Miramar's perennially-high pollen levels.
How to Choose a Miramar Flooring Company
Choosing the right installer will impact 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. Check review sites like Yelp, Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Trustpilot to see what previous clients have to say. Every flooring contractor will have a mix of positive and negative feedback 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 reputable flooring company will be eager to show you portfolios of its previous work. Examine each listed project and ask questions as you have them. 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
Look for a provider that specializes in the type of flooring you're interested in. For example, a crew might be experienced with carpet but not hardwood. 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, installers can also offer hardwood refinishing or design assistance.
Cost
Cost is crucial to consider, but it should be less important than quality in your decision-making 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 ease the process.
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. 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 necessary. Request an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Express your expectations clearly and secure any guarantees in writing.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring in Miramar
How much will it cost to install a new floor in Miramar?
See our guides to how much each flooring type typically costs:
What's the most popular flooring material in Miramar?
Do Miramar flooring companies need to be licensed?
Could I save money by buying flooring online?
What eco-friendly flooring options are available in Miramar?
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