5 Best Flooring Companies in Gainesville, GA

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 options including walnut, cherry, maple, oak, and more, it can fit any design without sacrificing durability. 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 aesthetic of hardwood without the strict maintenance. They use a plywood foundation with a layer of real hardwood on top – ultimately saving you money. While it's more resistant to warping versus true hardwood, it sounds more 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 defense against scratches and simplifies cleaning. However, it's more susceptible to water damage and chipping.

Vinyl Flooring

Maintenance with vinyl floors is uncomplicated. You can purchase them in luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or luxury vinyl tile (LVT) styles, with each option equally long-lasting. They also come at a cost-effective price point, somewhere between laminate and engineered wood.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is another timeless-looking, robust option. Like vinyl, it requires minimal maintenance and is easy to clean. As such, it's an ideal choice for areas prone to moisture like bathrooms and kitchens. 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, travertine, marble, and sandstone 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 cost-effective choice with various possibilities for personalization. However, it can easily become damaged and has been known to lose its original coloring when exposed to sunlight. The sun's rays also lead linoleum to lose color over time, and it might not work well for moisture-prone spaces.

Carpet

Of all flooring options, carpet is one of the most affordable. It lends a comfortable feel to a room and absorbs noise effectively. Unlike hard floors, carpet gets rid of concerns about scratches or dents, and the extra padding is much safer for young children. However, carpet requires a good amount of effort to keep clean, especially if you have pets. The fibrous material retains stains, dampness, smells, and allergens.

How to Choose a Gainesville Flooring Company

Choosing the appropriate installer will impact your new floor's quality. We recommend assessing 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 the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, Yelp, and Google to see what previous clients have to say. Every flooring provider 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 negative reviews than positive ones, it's better to avoid working with it.

Portfolio and References

A trusted flooring company will be happy to show you portfolios of its previous work. Examine each listed project and ask questions as you have them. It's also customary to ask for references from past customers. Once you have their contact information, reach out to 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 company'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, businesses can also offer refinishing services or design advisory.

Cost

While cost shouldn't be the most important factor when choosing a flooring installer, it's still important to find one that honors your budget. We recommend getting quotes from multiple 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 floor itself. The second covers the installation crew's workmanship. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you select, warranty coverage could be limited to a fixed term. In other instances, it continues for the life of the floor. Ask a company about its warranty terms, including extensions that could give you a few more years of coverage.

Estimated Timeline

You don't want your flooring project to last longer than needed. Request an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Express your expectations clearly and secure any guarantees in writing.