5 Best Flooring Companies in Lawrence, KS

Popular Types of Flooring

Whether you're looking for something bold and lively or subtle and elegant, 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 oak, maple, cherry, walnut, and more, it can fit any design without sacrificing durability. Despite its allure, 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 look and durability of hardwood without the extra maintenance. Typically, it consists of a layer of real hardwood attached to a plywood substrate. While it's more resistant to warping versus true hardwood, it sounds more hollow to walk on and can't be refinished more than once.

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 countless different styles and colors. 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 plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT), with both having equal durability and long-lasting nature depending on the model you buy. Their price point 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 patterns, colors, and materials. However, it might not work well for living rooms and bedrooms since it's cooler and less grippy to walk on. Pricing varies between styles, with porcelain carrying a higher price tag 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

With proper maintenance, linoleum floors can endure for years. It is a budget-friendly choice with numerous methods for customization. However, it can readily get dented or scratched and has been known to lose its original coloring when exposed to direct sunlight. The sun's rays also lead linoleum to lose color over time, and it might not work well for moisture-prone spaces.

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 eliminates 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 grips stains, dampness, and smells

How to Choose a Lawrence Flooring Company

Choosing a floor installer is just as significant as choosing a design. To ensure you get the most value, consider each of the following criteria.

Reputation and Reviews

The most crucial thing to research about any flooring company is its reputation. Check review sites like Yelp, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), 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 addresses issues in an amicable 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 proudest projects. We recommend requesting a copy so you can examine the crew's handiwork. Portfolios might also include references from past customers. Don't hesitate to request their contact information so you can discuss their experiences and thoughts about the company.

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. Equally important is an installer'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 material, color, 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 three to five different quotes for your flooring job to compare pricing and workmanship. Many companies offer on-site and online estimates to streamline 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. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you select, warranty protection could be limited to a fixed term. In other instances, it continues for the life of the floor. Ask a company 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. Request an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Communicate your expectations clearly and secure any guarantees in writing.