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
Homebuyers across Carmel seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from cherry and walnut to maple and oak. 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 refinish the floor every few years. Since it's susceptible to water damage, it's also not suitable for basements, laundry rooms, or bathrooms.
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 cutting your costs. Despite the lower retail cost, it might feel more hollow to walk on, and the slender hardwood layer can only be refinished a single time. That said, its lower propensity to warp could still make it a worthy investment.
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 many 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 plank (LVP) or luxury vinyl tile (LVT) styles, with each option equally resilient. They also come at a reasonable price point, somewhere between laminate and engineered wood.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is another classy design that can last for years. Like vinyl, it requires minimal maintenance and is simple to clean. As such, it's an ideal choice for areas prone to moisture like kitchens and bathrooms. However, it requires intensive prep work before installation and can be cool and sleek to walk on. Pricing depends on the material you select, with porcelain being more expensive than ceramic.
Stone Flooring
Granite, marble, sandstone, and travertine aren't just for the outdoors. Inside, they can give you a bold look and unparalleled water resistance. 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 cared for properly. It’s a cost-effective option with many design possibilities. However, the softer material is easier to damage, and it's known to discolor with sunlight exposure. It’s also not suitable for moisture-prone spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.
Carpet
Carpet is the most affordable flooring option. It can make a space feel more homey and is great for reducing 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 retains stains, odors, and moisture, which isn't ideal for pet owners or allergy sufferers.
How to Choose a Carmel Flooring Company
Choosing the proper installer makes all the difference for your new floor's longevity. We recommend assessing 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 Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Trustpilot to see what previous clients have to say. Even the best flooring installers will have both positive and negative reviews. Look for how an installer handles complaints and interacts with others. If it works toward a satisfactory resolution and acts in good faith, that's a good sign. However, if it's dismissive or has a high negative-to-positive review ratio, it's best to avoid working with it.
Portfolio and References
A good flooring company will be excited to show you portfolios of its previous work. Examine each listed project and ask questions as you have them. Portfolios might also include references from past customers. Ask for their contact information so you can discuss their experiences and thoughts about the company.
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. 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, companies can also offer hardwood refinishing or design assistance.
Cost
While cost shouldn't be the most important factor when choosing a flooring provider, it's still important to find one that matches your budget. We recommend getting quotes from at least three companies to compare labor costs. You can do this fully online or by requesting free in-home estimates.
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 select, 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 longer coverage.
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. Communicate your expectations clearly and get any guarantees in writing.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring in Carmel
What are the best flooring installation prices?
See our guides to how much each flooring type typically costs:
What's the most popular flooring material in Carmel?
Do Carmel flooring companies need to be licensed?
How do I choose the right flooring material for my space?
Just as well, consider the nature of the space itself. Is it exposed to moisture or high foot traffic? What look would go best with the furniture, walls, and trim?
A Carmel flooring installer can discuss all these considerations and more to help you make an informed decision.
What are the telltale signs I need to replace my floor?
- 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.