5 Best Flooring Companies in Alexandria, LA

Alexandria gets more sun than 83% of the country. Although local residents bask in beautiful weather, it might cause your flooring to fade. A local flooring contractor can help you select a resilient material that maintains its original hue. Begin your flooring company search with these Alexandria, LA providers.

Popular Types of Flooring

Flooring varies greatly in price and design. Here's what to know about each type.

Hardwood Flooring

The appeal of hardwood floors stands the test of time. With shades including oak, walnut, cherry, maple, and more, it can fit any design without sacrificing durability. 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 restore its finish every few years. Since it's susceptible to water damage, it's also not suitable for laundry rooms, bathrooms, or basements.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood gives you the aesthetic of hardwood without the demand for regular maintenance. They use a plywood foundation with a layer of real hardwood on top – ultimately cutting your costs. Despite the lower retail cost, it might sound more hollow to walk on, and the slender hardwood layer can only be refinished one time. That said, its lower propensity to warp could still make it a worthy investment.

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 uncomplicated. You can purchase them in luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) styles, with each option equally resilient. They also come at an affordable price point, somewhere between laminate and engineered wood.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is excellent for kitchens, bathrooms, and other moisture-prone areas. It provides years of life with low upkeep requirements, and is available in many patterns, colors, and materials. However, it might not work well for bedrooms and living rooms since it's colder and less grippy to walk on. The cost differs between styles, with porcelain carrying a higher price tag than ceramic.

Stone Flooring

Stone floors are among the most waterproof available. You can choose from a variety of bold design options, including marble, sandstone, granite, and travertine. However, like hardwood, it can be expensive and difficult to clean.

Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum is made from linseed oil and cork and can endure for decades if maintained 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 areas with excess moisture like kitchens and bathrooms.

Carpet

Of all flooring options, carpet is one of the most affordable. It lends a comfortable feel to a room and absorbs noise effectively. Unlike hard floors, carpet removes concerns about scratches or dents, and the extra padding is much safer for young children. However, carpet requires time and effort to keep clean, especially if you have pets. The fibrous material holds onto stains, dampness, smells, and pollen, making it less suitable for allergy sufferers.

How to Choose a Alexandria Flooring Company

Choosing the proper installer makes all the difference for your new floor's quality. We recommend assessing 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 Yelp, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google to see what previous clients have to say. Even the best flooring installers will have both positive and negative reviews. Look for how a business responds to complaints and interacts with others. If it works toward a satisfactory resolution and acts in good faith, that's an encouraging sign. However, if it's argumentative or has a high negative-to-positive review ratio, it's best to avoid working with it.

Portfolio and References

Most floor installers keep portfolios of their proudest projects. We recommend requesting a copy so you can study the crew's craftsmanship. It's also good practice to ask for references from former customers. Once you have their contact information, reach out to 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. 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 companies with design teams.

Cost

Cost is key to consider, but it should be less important than quality in your selection 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 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 backs the installers' workmanship. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you select, warranty coverage 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 work to last longer than necessary. Get an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Express your expectations clearly and secure 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