5 Best Flooring Companies in Bloomington, IL

If you're one of the many Bloomington homeowners with little ones, you might be considering a new floor that can resist messes and stand up to after-school activities. With a reliable builder by your side, you'll feel more confident choosing the right design. See which flooring companies in the Bloomington, IL area offer the best service, selection, and pricing.

Popular Types of Flooring

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

Hardwood Flooring

Homebuyers across Bloomington seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from oak and maple 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 laundry rooms, basements, or bathrooms.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood gives you the durability and look of hardwood without the extra maintenance. Typically, it uses a layer of real hardwood bonded over a plywood substrate. While it's more resistant to warping versus true hardwood, it can sound hollow to walk on and can't be refinished more than once.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate is another cost-effective 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 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 strong. They also come at an affordable 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 areas prone to moisture like bathrooms and kitchens. However, it requires intensive prep work before installation and can be cool and slippery to walk on. Pricing relies on the material you pick, with porcelain being more expensive than ceramic.

Stone Flooring

Granite, marble, sandstone, and travertine 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 last for decades if maintained properly. It’s an economical option with many design possibilities. However, the softer material is easier to dent or scratch, and it's known to discolor with sun 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 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 holds onto odors, stains, and moisture, which isn't ideal for pet owners or allergy sufferers.

How to Choose a Bloomington Flooring Company

Choosing the proper installer will impact your new floor's quality. We recommend evaluating 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. You can learn more about previous clients' experiences from review sites like Google, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp. Even the best flooring installers will have both positive and negative reviews. Look for how a provider responds to complaints and interacts with others. If it strives for a satisfactory resolution and acts in good faith, that's a good sign. However, if it's dismissive or has a high negative-to-positive review ratio, it's best to avoid working with it.

Portfolio and References

Most floor installers keep portfolios of their past 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 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. An installer's service offerings can also make a difference. At the very least, you should choose a provider that will haul away your old flooring materials. However, companies can also offer hardwood refinishing or design advisory.

Cost

While price shouldn't be the most important factor when choosing a flooring provider, it's still important to find one that honors your budget. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies to compare prices. You can do this fully online or by requesting complimentary on-site estimates.

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 tied 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 expected. Request an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Communicate your expectations clearly and secure 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