5 Best Flooring Companies in Macon, GA

Popular Types of Flooring

Flooring varies greatly in price and design. Here's what to know about each type.

Hardwood Flooring

Homebuyers across Macon seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from maple and oak to cherry and walnut. However, it's among the priciest of 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 provides you the resilience and timeless design of hardwood without the extra maintenance. Typically, it uses a layer of real hardwood bonded over a plywood substrate. Despite the lower retail cost, it might sound more hollow to walk on, and the slender hardwood layer can only be refinished one time. That said, its lower propensity to warp could still make it a good investment.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate is another more affordable flooring option, consisting of a particleboard base, wood or tile finish, and protective plastic coating. It's scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and available in countless different colors and styles. 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 resilient. They also come at a cost-effective price point, somewhere between laminate and engineered wood.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and other moisture-prone areas. It offers years of life with low upkeep requirements, and is available in many materials, colors, and patterns. However, it might not work well for living rooms and bedrooms since it's cooler and less grippy to walk on. Pricing varies between styles, with porcelain carrying a higher price tag than ceramic.

Stone Flooring

Stone floors are among the most waterproof available. You can choose from a variety of bold design options, including marble, travertine, sandstone, and granite. However, like hardwood, it can be expensive and difficult to clean.

Linoleum Flooring

With proper maintenance, linoleum floors can last for years. It is a cost-effective choice with various possibilities for adaptation. However, it can easily get dented or scratched and has been known to lose its original coloring when exposed to sunlight. Direct sunlight also leads linoleum to fade over time, and it may not be suitable 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 reducing sound. You don’t have to worry about scratches or dents, and the cushioning makes it a safer choice for kids. However, the fibrous material easily retains odors, moisture, and stains, which isn't ideal for pet owners or allergy sufferers.

How to Choose a Macon 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 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, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Trustpilot. Even the most reliable flooring installers will have both positive and negative reviews. Look for how an installer responds to complaints and interacts with others. If it strives for a satisfactory resolution and acts in good faith, that's an encouraging sign. However, if it's combative or has a high negative-to-positive review ratio, it's advisable to avoid working with it.

Portfolio and References

Most flooring companies keep portfolios of their proudest projects. We recommend requesting a copy so you can examine the crew's handiwork. 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

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 an installer'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 material, style, and color choices, you can also look for companies with design teams.

Cost

While cost 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 prices. You can do this fully online or by requesting free in-home estimates.

Warranties and Guarantees

Flooring services typically come with two warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the materials. The other backs the installation crew's workmanship. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you choose, warranty coverage could be limited to a fixed term. Other times, it continues for the life of the floor. Ask an installer about its warranty terms, including extensions that could give you a few more years of coverage.

Estimated Timeline

Time management is key to a successful flooring job. Before you sign a contract, request an estimated timeline and inquire about what delays could impact the project. If a company guarantees it'll finish the job by a certain deadline, get that guarantee in writing and convey your expectations clearly as the work progresses.