5 Best Flooring Companies in Dundalk, MD

Beautiful historic neighborhoods define Dundalk, and residents strive to preserve the community's history. Whether you're restoring original hardwood floors or replacing aging carpet, a nearby flooring installer can help you get the job done. See which flooring companies in the Dundalk, MD area offer the best selection, pricing, and service.

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 walnut, oak, cherry, maple, and more, it can fit any design without sacrificing durability. However, it's among the priciest of 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, laundry rooms, or bathrooms.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood gives you the timeless look and resilience 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 sound 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 good investment.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate is another budget-friendly 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 colors and styles. However, it chips easily and is susceptible to moisture damage.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring has superior moisture and fading resistance and requires minimal upkeep. Popular options include luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT), with both having equal durability and longevity depending on the model you buy. Vinyl flooring installation cost sits comfortably between wood and laminate.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is another timeless-looking, robust option. Like vinyl, it requires minimal maintenance and is easy to clean. As such, it's an ideal choice for moisture-prone spaces 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 select, with porcelain being more expensive than ceramic.

Stone Flooring

Granite, sandstone, travertine, and marble 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 last for years. It is a budget-friendly choice with many alternatives for customization. However, it can readily become damaged and has been known to fade when exposed to sunlight. The sun's rays also lead linoleum to fade over time, and it might not work well for areas with excess moisture.

Carpet

Of all flooring options, carpet is one of the most affordable. It lends a homey feel to a room and muffles 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 Dundalk 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 the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, Google, and Yelp. Every flooring provider will have a mix of praise and criticism online. If a company resolves complaints 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 flooring contractors keep portfolios of their past projects. We recommend requesting a copy so you can study the crew's craftsmanship. Portfolios might also include references from past customers. Ask for their contact information so you can discuss their experiences and thoughts about the company.

Specialization and Services

Look for a company that specializes in the type of flooring you're interested in. For example, a crew might be experienced with carpet but not tile. 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 hardwood refinishing or design advisory.

Cost

While cost shouldn't be the most important factor when choosing a flooring installer, it's still important to find one that matches your budget. We recommend getting quotes from three to five companies to compare rates. You can do this fully online or by requesting complimentary on-site estimates.

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 some 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 agree to work with a company, request an estimated timeline and inquire about what hurdles could impact the project. If a company promises to finish the job by a certain deadline, get that guarantee in writing and convey your expectations clearly as the work progresses.

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