Popular Types of Flooring
Whether you're looking for something elegant and subtle or bold and lively, there's a floor for you. Discover the most essential details about each type to guide your decision making.
Hardwood Flooring
The appeal of hardwood floors stands the test of time. With shades including walnut, cherry, oak, maple, 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 cleaners. The more time you invest in maintenance, the longer your floors will last.
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood gives you the beauty of hardwood without the strict 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 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 superior moisture and fading resistance and is easy to maintain. Popular options include luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP), with both having equal durability and long-lasting nature depending on the model you buy. Vinyl flooring installation cost sits comfortably between wood and laminate.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is a great choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas. It offers years of life with minimal maintenance needs, and is available in many patterns, colors, and materials. However, it might not work well for living rooms and bedrooms 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 travertine, sandstone, marble, and granite. 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 endure for years. It is a cost-effective choice with many alternatives for customization. However, it can easily become damaged and has been known to fade when exposed to direct sunlight. Direct sunlight also leads 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 cozy and is great for absorbing sound. You don’t have to be concerned with scratches or dents, and the cushioning makes it a safer choice for babies and toddlers. However, the fibrous material easily holds onto moisture, odors, and stains, which isn't ideal for pet owners or allergy sufferers.
How to Choose a Anderson Flooring Company
Choosing the appropriate installer will impact your new floor's quality. We recommend assessing different companies using 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 Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and Google to see what previous clients have to say. Every flooring provider will have a mix of praise and criticism online. If a company handles negative feedback in a constructive and satisfactory way, it's generally a good sign. However, if you find more outright complaints than compliments, it's better to steer clear.
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. It's also good practice to ask for references from former customers. Once you have their contact information, reach out to 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 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 color, material, and style choices, you can also look for installers with design teams.
Cost
Cost is vital to consider, but it should be less important than quality in your selection 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 ease the process.
Warranties and Guarantees
You should look for two different warranties in your company search. A manufacturer's warranty protects you in case of a product defect, while an installer's warranty covers workmanship. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you pick, warranty coverage could be limited to a fixed term. Other times, it lasts for the life of the floor. Ask an installer about its warranty terms, including extensions that could give you additional coverage.
Estimated Timeline
Time management is essential for a successful flooring job. Before you agree to work with a company, ask for 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring in Anderson
How much will it cost to install a new floor in Anderson?
What's the most popular flooring material in Anderson?
What are the licensing laws for Anderson flooring companies?
What is the best type of flooring for a kitchen?
What are the signs it's time to replace my old flooring?
- Uncontrollable mildew or mold growth
- Holes, scratches, or dents
- Increasing space between tiles or planks
- Spots that feel loose or unstable
- Water damage
- Heightened squeakiness
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.