5 Best Flooring Companies in Wheeling, IL

Popular Types of Flooring

Flooring varies greatly in price and design. Here's what to know about each type.

Hardwood Flooring

Homebuyers across Wheeling seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from walnut and cherry to oak and maple. However, it's among the priciest of 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 beauty of hardwood without the strict maintenance. They use a plywood foundation with a layer of real hardwood on top – ultimately cutting your costs. Despite the lower retail cost, it might sound more hollow to walk on, and the thin hardwood layer can only be refinished once. That said, its lower propensity to warp could still make it a worthy 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 a variety of different colors and styles. However, it's more susceptible to water damage and chipping.

Vinyl Flooring

Maintenance with vinyl floors is uncomplicated. You can purchase them in luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) styles, with each option equally long-lasting. They also come at a reasonable price point, somewhere between laminate and engineered wood.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas. It offers years of life with little need for maintenance, and is available in many patterns, materials, and colors. However, it requires intensive prep work before installation and can be cold and slippery to walk on. Pricing depends on the material you choose, with porcelain being more expensive than ceramic.

Stone Flooring

Granite, travertine, sandstone, and marble 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 cork and linseed oil and can last for decades if cared for 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 discolor with sun exposure. It’s also not suitable for areas with excess moisture 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 reduces 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 a good amount of effort to keep clean, especially if you have pets. The fibrous material retains stains, dampness, smells, and allergens.

How to Choose a Wheeling Flooring Company

Choosing the right installer significantly affects your new floor's longevity. We recommend evaluating different companies using the following criteria.

Reputation and Reviews

The most crucial thing to research about any flooring company is its reputation. Check review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, Google, and Yelp 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 steer clear.

Portfolio and References

Most flooring contractors keep portfolios of their proudest 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 interactions and thoughts about the company.

Specialization and Services

Look for an installer that specializes in the type of flooring you're interested in. For example, a crew might be experienced with carpet but not hardwood. 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, material, and color choices, you can also look for companies with design teams.

Cost

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

Warranties and Guarantees

Flooring services typically come with two warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the floor itself. The other covers the installation crew's workmanship. While some 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 essential for a successful flooring job. Before you agree to work with a company, request an estimated timeline and inquire about what delays could impact the project. If a company guarantees it'll finish the job by a certain deadline, get that guarantee in writing and state your expectations clearly as the work progresses.