5 Best Flooring Companies in Algonquin, IL

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 Algonquin seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from cherry and walnut to maple and oak. However, it's among the priciest of flooring materials and requires consistent maintenance. 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, laundry rooms, 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 attached to a plywood substrate. While it's less likely to warp than 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 resilience against scratches and simplifies cleaning. However, it chips easily and is susceptible to moisture damage.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring has excellent water and fading resistance and is easy to maintain. 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 easy to clean. As such, it's an excellent choice for areas prone to moisture like kitchens and bathrooms. However, it might not work well for bedrooms and living rooms 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

Granite, travertine, sandstone, and marble aren't just for the outdoors. Inside, they can give you a bold look and unparalleled water resistance. However, like hardwood, it can be expensive and difficult to clean.

Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum is made from cork and linseed oil and can endure for many years if maintained properly. It’s a cost-effective option with many design possibilities. However, the softer material is easier to dent or scratch, and it's known to discolor with sunlight exposure. It’s also not suitable for areas with excess moisture like kitchens and bathrooms.

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 young children. However, the fibrous material easily holds onto moisture, stains, and odors, which isn't ideal for pet owners or allergy sufferers.

How to Choose a Algonquin 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. Check review sites like Google, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp to see what previous clients have to say. Even the most reliable flooring installers will have both positive and negative reviews. Look for how a business deals with complaints and interacts with others. If it works toward a satisfactory resolution and acts in good faith, that's a good sign. However, if it's argumentative or has a high negative-to-positive review ratio, it's wise to avoid working with it.

Portfolio and References

A good flooring company will be happy 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 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 color, style, and material choices, you can also look for installers with design teams.

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 labor costs. 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 second backs the installation company'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 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 work to last longer than expected. Get an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Communicate your expectations clearly and get any guarantees in writing.