5 Best Flooring Companies in Portage, IN

Installing new flooring is a major job, and it's simple to get lost in all the plentiful design and material options. A local professional in Portage can help you choose the right floor and install it to last. These Portage, IN flooring installers offer a knowledgeable team, a comprehensive selection, and excellent value.

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

Homebuyers across Portage 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 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 bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements.

Engineered Wood Flooring

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

Laminate Flooring

Laminate is another cost-effective 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 colors and styles. However, it chips easily and is susceptible to moisture damage.

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 strength 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 suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and other moisture-prone areas. It provides years of life with low upkeep requirements, and is available in many colors, patterns, and materials. However, it requires intensive prep work before installation and can be cold and sleek to walk on. Pricing relies on the material you select, with porcelain being more expensive than ceramic.

Stone Flooring

Granite, sandstone, travertine, and marble 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

With attentive maintenance, linoleum floors can last for years. It is an affordable choice with numerous possibilities for personalization. However, it can readily become damaged and has been known to fade when exposed to direct sunlight. The sun's rays also lead 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 fret about scratches or dents, and the cushioning makes it a safer choice for young children. However, the fibrous material easily retains stains, odors, and moisture, which isn't ideal for pet owners or allergy sufferers.

How to Choose a Portage Flooring Company

Choosing the proper installer significantly affects your new floor's quality. We recommend screening 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 Trustpilot, Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) 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 steer clear.

Portfolio and References

A good flooring company will be eager to show you portfolios of its previous work. Carefully scrutinize each listed project and ask questions as you have them. It's also good practice to ask for references from previous customers. Once you have their contact information, get in touch and ask about their experiences.

Specialization and Services

No two companies have the same experience or product offerings. You should find one that specializes in the material or type of floor you're interested in. 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, installers can also offer hardwood refinishing or design assistance.

Cost

While price shouldn't be the most important factor when choosing a flooring installer, it's still important to find one that matches your budget. We recommend getting quotes from at least three 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 a pair of warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the product itself. The second backs the installation company's workmanship. While a few 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 work to last longer than expected. 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