5 Best Flooring Companies in Portland, ME

New flooring can significantly alter your space's character. Whether you're renovating a single room or upgrading your entire house, a Portland flooring contractor can offer you valuable style guidance and professionally install your new floors. Begin your flooring company search with these Portland, ME providers.

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 Portland seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from oak and maple to cherry and walnut. Despite its allure, hardwood is associated with a higher cost. You also need to follow 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 offers you the resilience and timeless design of hardwood without the extra maintenance. Typically, it consists of a layer of real hardwood bonded over 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 a worthy investment.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate floors come in tile and wood finishes, but they all have a particle board base. A strong plastic coating gives them resilience against scratches and simplifies cleaning. However, it's more susceptible to water damage and chipping.

Vinyl Flooring

Maintenance with vinyl floors is as simple as it gets. You can purchase them in luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) styles, with each option equally durable. They also come at a reasonable price point, somewhere between laminate and engineered wood.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and other moisture-prone areas. It offers years of life with little need for maintenance, and is available in many materials, colors, and patterns. 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, travertine, marble, and sandstone aren't just for the outdoors. Inside, they can give you a bold look and unparalleled water resistance. However, like hardwood, it can be expensive and difficult to clean.

Linoleum Flooring

With attentive maintenance, linoleum floors can persist for years. It is an affordable choice with many methods for adaptation. However, it can readily become damaged and has been known to lose its original coloring when exposed to the sun's rays. Direct sunlight also leads linoleum to fade over time, and it may not be suitable for damp locations.

Carpet

Carpet is the most affordable flooring option. It can make a space feel more cozy 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 kids. However, the fibrous material easily holds onto odors, stains, and moisture, which isn't ideal for pet owners or those with allergies.

How to Choose a Portland Flooring Company

Choosing the right installer will impact your new floor's quality. We recommend assessing different companies using the following criteria.

Reputation and Reviews

The most crucial thing to research about any flooring company is its reputation. Check review sites like Google, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp to see what previous clients have to say. Even the most reliable flooring installers will have both positive and negative reviews. Look for how an installer deals with complaints and interacts with others. If it works toward 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 advisable to avoid working with it.

Portfolio and References

Most flooring companies keep portfolios of their past projects. We recommend requesting a copy so you can examine the crew's craftsmanship. 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. A company's service offerings can also make a difference. At the very least, you should choose a provider that will haul away your old flooring materials. However, companies can also offer refinishing services or design assistance.

Cost

Cost is vital 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 ease the process.

Warranties and Guarantees

Flooring services typically come with a pair of warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the materials. The other covers the installation crew'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 project to last longer than necessary. 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