5 Best Flooring Companies in Du Page, IL

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 oak, walnut, maple, cherry, and more, it can fit any design without sacrificing durability. Despite its charm, 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 provides you the durability and look of hardwood without the extra maintenance. Typically, it consists of 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 more affordable flooring option, consisting of a particleboard base, wood or tile finish, and protective plastic coating. It's easy to clean, scratch-resistant, and available in countless different styles and colors. However, it's more susceptible to water damage and chipping.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring has excellent water and fading resistance and is easy to maintain. Popular options include luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP), 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 suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas. It provides years of life with low upkeep requirements, and is available in many colors, patterns, and materials. However, it requires intensive prep work before installation and can be cold and smooth to walk on. Pricing depends on the material you select, with porcelain being more expensive than ceramic.

Stone Flooring

Granite, sandstone, marble, 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

With attentive maintenance, linoleum floors can endure for decades. It is an affordable choice with numerous possibilities for customization. However, it can easily get dented or scratched and has been known to lose its original coloring when exposed to direct sunlight. The sun's rays also lead linoleum to lose color 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 comfortable and is great for muffling sound. You don’t have to fret about scratches or dents, and the cushioning makes it a safer choice for young children. However, the fibrous material easily holds onto odors, moisture, and stains, which isn't ideal for pet owners or allergy sufferers.

How to Choose a Du Page Flooring Company

Choosing a floor installer is just as influential 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, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Trustpilot 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 provider handles 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 wise 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 look over the crew's craftsmanship. Portfolios might also include references from past customers. Request 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 a company'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 companies with design teams.

Cost

Cost is vital to consider, but it should be less important than quality in your selection process. We recommend getting at least three different quotes for your flooring job to compare pricing and workmanship. Many companies offer on-site and online estimates to simplify the process.

Warranties and Guarantees

Flooring services typically come with two warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the product itself. The second backs the installers' 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

Time management is critical for a successful flooring job. Before you agree to work with a company, request an estimated timeline and inquire about what hurdles could impact the project. If a company assures you it'll finish the job by a certain deadline, get that guarantee in writing and communicate your expectations clearly as the work progresses.