5 Best Flooring Companies in Bloomington City, IL

If you're one of the many Bloomington City residents with kids, you might be thinking about a new floor that can resist messes and stand up to after-school activities. With an expert local flooring installer by your side, you'll feel more confident choosing materials and designs. These Bloomington City, IL flooring installers offer excellent value, a comprehensive selection, and a knowledgeable team.

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

The appeal of hardwood floors stands the test of time. With shades including walnut, maple, cherry, oak, and more, it can fit any design without sacrificing durability. 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 laundry rooms, bathrooms, or basements.

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 saving you money. 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 sound investment.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate is another budget-friendly 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 a breeze. You can purchase them in luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) styles, with each option equally resilient. They also come at a budget-friendly price point, somewhere between laminate and engineered wood.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is another classy design that can last for years. Like vinyl, it requires minimal maintenance and is simple to clean. As such, it's an ideal choice for moisture-prone spaces like bathrooms and kitchens. However, it might not work well for bedrooms and living rooms since it's cooler and less grippy to walk on. Pricing fluctuates between styles, with ceramic less expensive than porcelain.

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 linseed oil and cork and can endure for decades if cared for 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 moisture-prone spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.

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 babies and toddlers. However, the fibrous material easily retains stains, odors, and moisture, which isn't ideal for pet owners or allergy sufferers.

How to Choose a Bloomington City Flooring Company

Choosing the appropriate installer makes all the difference for your new floor's quality. We recommend assessing different companies using the following criteria.

Reputation and Reviews

The most crucial thing to research about any flooring company is its reputation. You can learn more about previous clients' experiences from review sites like Trustpilot, Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp. Even the best 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 an encouraging sign. However, if it's combative or has a high negative-to-positive review ratio, it's best to avoid working with it.

Portfolio and References

Most flooring contractors keep portfolios of their previous work. We recommend requesting a copy so you can examine the crew's workmanship. It's also customary to ask for references from former customers. Once you have their contact information, get in touch and ask about their experiences.

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. An installer'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, companies can also offer refinishing services or design assistance.

Cost

Cost is key 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 a few 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

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

Other Flooring Resources

• Best Flooring for Kitchens
• Best Laminate Flooring
• What Is the Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors?

Sources

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics