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 Overland Park seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from cherry and walnut 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 refinish the floor every few years. Since it's susceptible to water damage, it's also not suitable for basements, bathrooms, or laundry rooms.
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood provides you the resilience and timeless design of hardwood without the extra maintenance. Typically, it uses 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 floors come in wood and tile 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
Maintenance with vinyl floors is a breeze. You can purchase them in luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) styles, with each option equally strong. They also come at a reasonable price point, somewhere between laminate and engineered wood.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is another classy design that can endure for years. Like vinyl, it requires minimal maintenance and is simple to clean. As such, it's perfect for areas prone to moisture like kitchens and bathrooms. 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, sandstone, marble, 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 attentive maintenance, linoleum floors can endure for decades. It is an affordable choice with various possibilities for adaptation. However, it can readily get dented or scratched and has been known to fade when exposed to direct sunlight. The sun's rays also lead linoleum to fade 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 homey and is great for muffling 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 holds onto moisture, odors, and stains, which isn't ideal for pet owners or people with allergies.
How to Choose a Overland Park Flooring Company
Choosing a flooring company is just as influential as choosing a design. To ensure you get the most value, consider each of the following criteria.
Reputation and Reviews
The first thing to note is whether a company is known for good service and high-quality work. You can learn more about previous clients' experiences from review sites like Google, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Trustpilot. Every flooring provider will have a mix of compliments 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 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. Take a careful look at each listed project and ask questions as you have them. It's also customary to ask for references from past customers. Once you have their contact information, reach out to 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. Equally important is a company'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 companies with design teams.
Cost
Cost is crucial to consider, but it should be less important than quality in your decision-making 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
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. While a few 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 key to a successful flooring job. Before you sign a contract, request an estimated timeline and inquire about what issues could impact the project. If a company commits to finishing the job by a certain deadline, get that guarantee in writing and state your expectations clearly as the work progresses.
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Overland Park Flooring FAQ
What are the best flooring installation prices?
Overland Park companies typically charge between 60 cents and $4 per square foot for a floor replacement. Your costs will reflect the type of floor you choose and what other work is involved, such as structural preparations, removing old flooring, grouting, and cleaning up.
See our guides to how much each flooring type typically costs:
- How Much Does Vinyl Flooring Installation Cost?
- How Much Does Hardwood Flooring Cost?
- How Much Does Laminate Flooring Installation Cost?
What's the most popular flooring material in Overland Park?
According to local data, most Overland Park homes use more than one flooring material. However, hardwood is ultimately the most popular choice.
Do Overland Park flooring companies need to be licensed?
The Kansas state government doesn't require flooring installers to be licensed. However, they might still be subject to city or county licensing requirements, especially if they work in larger communities. Before you hire a contractor, contact the Overland Park city hall and ask about local requirements. You should also ask a company about third-party accreditations and memberships, both of which can attest to experience and professionalism.
Could I save money by buying flooring online?
Online shops have lower operating costs, so it could be cheaper in many cases. However, you'll likely get better service from a brick-and-mortar store. That way, you can see and touch different flooring choices, and the representatives are likely to be more attuned to Overland Park customers' needs.
What eco-friendly flooring options are available in Overland Park?
Many, but not all, Overland Park flooring companies offer environmentally-friendly options. Your representative can point you toward sustainably harvested, reclaimed and recycled coverings. They can also discuss options to recycle your old flooring.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.