5 Best Flooring Companies in Grafton, IL

If you're one of the many Grafton families with little ones, you might be thinking about a new floor that can resist messes and stand up to after-school hijinks. With an expert local flooring installer by your side, you'll feel more confident choosing the right design. These Grafton, IL flooring installers offer a comprehensive selection, a knowledgeable team, and excellent value.

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 walnut, cherry, maple, oak, and more, it can fit any design without sacrificing durability. Despite its charm, hardwood is associated with a higher cost. You also need to stick to a consistent refinishing schedule every few years, filling in the gaps with specialty 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 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 floors come in tile and wood finishes, but they all have a particle board base. A strong plastic coating gives them defense against scratches and simplifies cleaning. However, it's more susceptible to water damage and chipping.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring has excellent water and fading resistance and requires minimal upkeep. 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. The price for installing vinyl flooring sits comfortably between wood and laminate.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is another timeless-looking, robust option. Like vinyl, it requires minimal maintenance and is simple to clean. As such, it's an excellent choice for areas prone to moisture like bathrooms and kitchens. However, it requires intensive prep work before installation and can be cold and slippery to walk on. Pricing relies on the material you pick, with porcelain being more expensive than ceramic.

Stone Flooring

Stone floors are among the most waterproof available. You can choose from a variety of bold design options, including travertine, granite, marble, and sandstone. Despite its unique flair, it's not easy to clean, and long-term maintenance could be a bit more expensive.

Linoleum Flooring

With attentive maintenance, linoleum floors can persist for decades. It is a budget-friendly choice with various alternatives for customization. However, it can readily get dented or scratched and has been known to lose its original coloring when exposed to the sun's rays. The sun's rays also lead linoleum to lose color over time, and it may not be suitable for moisture-prone spaces.

Carpet

Of all flooring options, carpet is one of the most affordable. It lends a homey feel to a room and absorbs noise effectively. Unlike hard floors, carpet removes concerns about scratches or dents, and the extra padding is much safer for young children. However, carpet requires considerable effort to keep clean, especially if you have pets. The fibrous material grips stains, dampness, smells, and allergens.

How to Choose a Grafton Flooring Company

Choosing a floor installer 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 Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google, and Trustpilot to see what previous clients have to say. Every flooring contractor will have a mix of positive and negative feedback online. If a company addresses issues in a constructive and satisfactory way, it's generally a good sign. However, if you find more negative reviews than positive ones, it's better 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 workmanship. It's also good practice to ask for references from past customers. Once you have their contact information, get in touch and ask about their experiences.

Specialization and Services

Look for a provider that specializes in the type of flooring you're interested in. For example, a crew might be experienced with carpet but not hardwood. A company'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, businesses can also offer refinishing services or design consultations.

Cost

Cost is key to consider, but it should be less important than quality in your decision-making process. We recommend getting multiple different quotes for your flooring job to compare pricing and workmanship. Many companies offer on-site and online estimates to streamline the process.

Warranties and Guarantees

Flooring services typically come with a pair of warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the product itself. The second backs the installation company's workmanship. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you choose, warranty protection 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 critical for a successful flooring job. Before you sign a contract, request an estimated timeline and inquire about what issues could impact the project. If a company guarantees it'll finish the job by a certain deadline, get that guarantee in writing and communicate your expectations clearly as the work progresses.

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