Popular Types of Flooring
Flooring varies greatly in price and design. Here's what to know about each type.
Hardwood Flooring
Homebuyers across Lyons seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from oak and maple to walnut and cherry. However, it's one of the most expensive 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 aesthetic of hardwood without the demand for regular maintenance. They use a plywood substrate with a layer of real hardwood on top – ultimately saving you money. 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 is another more affordable 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 chips easily and is susceptible to moisture damage.
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 durable. They also come at a budget-friendly price point, somewhere between laminate and engineered wood.
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 perfect for moisture-prone spaces like bathrooms and kitchens. However, it might not work well for bedrooms and living rooms since it's colder and more slippery to walk on. Pricing varies between styles, with ceramic less expensive than porcelain.
Stone Flooring
Stone floors are among the most waterproof available. You can choose from a variety of bold design options, including sandstone, granite, travertine, and marble. Despite its unique flair, it's not easy to clean, and long-term maintenance could be a bit more expensive.
Linoleum Flooring
Linoleum is made from cork and linseed oil and can last 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 fade with sun exposure. It’s also not suitable for moisture-prone spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.
Carpet
Of all flooring options, carpet is one of the most affordable. It lends a homey feel to a room and muffles noise effectively. Unlike hard floors, carpet gets rid of 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 Lyons 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 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 Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google, and Yelp. Even the best flooring installers will have both positive and negative reviews. Look for how a company handles complaints and interacts with others. If it strives for a satisfactory resolution and acts in good faith, that's an encouraging sign. However, if it's argumentative or has a high negative-to-positive review ratio, it's advisable to avoid working with it.
Portfolio and References
Most flooring contractors keep portfolios of their past projects. We recommend requesting a copy so you can look over the crew's handiwork. It's also customary 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 company 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 a provider'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 style, color, and material choices, you can also look for companies with design teams.
Cost
Cost is important to consider, but it should be less important than quality in your decision-making 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 ease 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 other backs the installation crew's workmanship. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you choose, warranty protection could be limited to a fixed term. In other instances, it continues for the life of the floor. Ask a company about its warranty terms, including extensions that could give you additional 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. Express your expectations clearly and secure any guarantees in writing.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring in Lyons
How much will it cost to install a new floor in Lyons?
See our guides to how much each flooring type typically costs:
What are some of the most popular types of flooring in Lyons?
What are the licensing laws for Lyons flooring companies?
Is it cheaper to buy flooring online?
How do I choose the right flooring material for my space?
Other questions to consider are the following:
- Does the room see a lot of moisture or foot traffic?
- What style best compliments my walls, furniture, and millwork?
- What are the long-term benefits of choosing one material over another?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.