5 Best Flooring Companies in St. Clair, IL

Installing new flooring is a big job, and it's simple to get lost in all the various design and material options. A local contractor in St. Clair can help you choose the right floor and install it to last. These St. Clair, IL flooring installers offer a comprehensive selection, excellent value, 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, oak, cherry, maple, and more, it can fit any design without sacrificing durability. However, it's one of the most expensive 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, basements, or bathrooms.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood gives you the timeless look and resilience of hardwood without the extra maintenance. Typically, it uses a layer of real hardwood bonded over a plywood substrate. Despite the lower retail cost, it might sound more hollow to walk on, and the thin hardwood layer can only be refinished one time. That said, its lower propensity to warp could still make it an intelligent investment.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate is another 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 many different styles and colors. However, it chips easily and is susceptible to moisture damage.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring has excellent water and fading resistance and is easy to maintain. 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 cost of installing vinyl flooring sits comfortably between wood and laminate.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is excellent for kitchens, bathrooms, and other moisture-prone areas. It provides years of life with minimal maintenance needs, and is available in many materials, colors, and patterns. However, it might not work well for living rooms and bedrooms since it's cooler and less grippy to walk on. The cost differs 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, travertine, granite, and marble. Despite its unique flair, it's not easy to clean, and long-term maintenance could be a bit more expensive.

Linoleum Flooring

With proper maintenance, linoleum floors can persist for decades. It is a cost-effective choice with numerous alternatives for adaptation. However, it can readily get dented or scratched and has been known to lose its original coloring when exposed to sunlight. Direct sunlight also leads linoleum to fade 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 cozy feel to a room and muffles 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 retains stains, dampness, smells, and allergens.

How to Choose a St. Clair Flooring Company

Choosing a floor covering provider 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. Check review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, Google, and Yelp to see what previous clients have to say. Every flooring installer will have a mix of praise and criticism online. If a company resolves complaints 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

A reputable flooring company will be excited to show you portfolios of its previous work. Carefully scrutinize each listed project and ask questions as you have them. Portfolios might also include references from past customers. Request their contact information so you can discuss their experiences and thoughts about the company.

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 stone. A contractor'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, providers can also offer hardwood refinishing or design advisory.

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 simplify the process.

Warranties and Guarantees

Flooring services typically come with two warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the materials. The other covers the installation company's 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 needed. Get 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