5 Best Flooring Companies in Tallahassee, FL

Popular Types of Flooring

Whether you're looking for something subtle and elegant or lively and bold, there's a floor for you. Discover the most essential details about each type to guide your decision making.

Hardwood Flooring

Homebuyers across Tallahassee 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. Despite its allure, hardwood comes with a higher price tag. You also need to stick to 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 beauty 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 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 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 many 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 tile (LVT) or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) styles, with each option equally long-lasting. They also come at a reasonable price point, somewhere between laminate and engineered wood.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and other moisture-prone areas. It offers years of life with minimal maintenance needs, and is available in many patterns, colors, and materials. However, it might not work well for bedrooms and living rooms since it's colder and less grippy to walk on. Pricing fluctuates 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 travertine, granite, sandstone, and marble. However, like hardwood, it can be expensive and difficult to clean.

Linoleum Flooring

With attentive maintenance, linoleum floors can endure for decades. It is a cost-effective choice with numerous alternatives for personalization. However, it can readily become damaged 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 damp locations.

Carpet

Of all flooring options, carpet is one of the most affordable. It lends a cozy feel to a room and absorbs noise effectively. Unlike hard floors, carpet removes concerns about scratches or dents, and the extra padding is much safer for young children. However, carpet requires considerable effort to keep clean, especially if you have pets. The fibrous material retains stains, dampness, smells, and pollen, making it less suitable for allergy sufferers.

How to Choose a Tallahassee Flooring Company

Choosing a flooring company is just as influential 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 Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Trustpilot. Every flooring contractor will have a mix of compliments and criticism online. If a company resolves complaints 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 contractors keep portfolios of their proudest projects. We recommend requesting a copy so you can look over the crew's workmanship. Portfolios might also include references from past customers. Ask for their contact information so you can discuss their experiences 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 style, color, and material choices, you can also look for contractors with design teams.

Cost

Cost is crucial to consider, but it should be less important than quality in your selection 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 simplify 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 restricted 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

Time management is key to a successful flooring job. Before you agree to work with a company, ask for an estimated timeline and inquire about what delays could impact the project. If a company commits to finishing the job by a certain deadline, get that guarantee in writing and communicate your expectations clearly as the work progresses.