5 Best Flooring Companies in Wichita, KS

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 Wichita seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from walnut and cherry to maple and oak. Despite its charm, hardwood comes with a higher price tag. You also need to stick to a consistent refinishing schedule every few years, filling in the gaps with specialty wood 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 demand for regular maintenance. They use a plywood base with a layer of real hardwood on top – ultimately cutting your costs. While it's less likely to warp than true hardwood, it sounds more 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

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 strong. They also come at an affordable 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 slippery to walk on. Pricing depends on the material you pick, with porcelain being more expensive than ceramic.

Stone Flooring

Granite, marble, travertine, and sandstone 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 endure for decades if maintained properly. It’s an economical option with many design possibilities. However, the softer material is easier to damage, and it's known to discolor with sun exposure. It’s also not suitable for areas with excess moisture 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 fret about scratches or dents, and the cushioning makes it a safer choice for young children. However, the fibrous material easily holds onto odors, stains, and moisture, which isn't ideal for pet owners or people with allergies.

How to Choose a Wichita Flooring Company

Choosing a flooring company 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 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 Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google, and Trustpilot. Even the most reliable flooring installers will have both positive and negative reviews. Look for how a business responds to complaints and interacts with others. If it strives for 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 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 good practice to ask for references from former customers. Once you have their contact information, get in touch and ask about their experiences.

Specialization and Services

Look for a provider that specializes in the type of flooring you're interested in. For example, a crew might be experienced with carpet but not stone. 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, businesses can also offer refinishing services or design consultations.

Cost

Cost is important to consider, but it should be less important than quality in your decision-making 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 simplify 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 choose, warranty protection 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 a few more years of coverage.

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 guarantees it'll finish the job by a certain deadline, get that guarantee in writing and communicate your expectations clearly as the work progresses.