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5 Best Flooring Companies in Arlington, MA
The best flooring company in Arlington is Floor Coverings International North Boston.
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- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
If you're one of the many Arlington residents with young children, you might be thinking about a new floor that can resist messes and stand up to after-school hijinks. With an experienced flooring expert by your side, you'll feel more confident choosing materials and designs. Begin your flooring company search with these Arlington, MA providers.
5 Best Flooring Companies in Arlington
Brands are algorithmically curated from a database of local service providers near you. We require a minimum number of Google reviews and average ratings for provider inclusion.
Floor Coverings International North Boston
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
LL Flooring
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Arthur J Hubbard & Sons
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Boston Sunshine Floors inc
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Colonial Hardwood Flooring
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Facts about Arlington
- Average Max Temperature:56°F
- Average Min Temperature:41°F
- Average Daily Precipitation:0.13”
- Median Home Size:2,048 sqft
- Homeownership Rate:62%
- Most Popular Flooring Type:Hardwood
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 Arlington seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from cherry and walnut to maple and oak. 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, bathrooms, or laundry rooms.
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood gives you the aesthetic of hardwood without the extra 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 thin hardwood layer can only be refinished once. That said, its lower propensity to warp could still make it a sound 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 defense against scratches and simplifies cleaning. However, it's more susceptible to water damage and chipping.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring has excellent water and fading resistance and is easy to maintain. Popular options include luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT), with both having equal durability and long-lasting nature depending on the model you buy. The cost of installing vinyl flooring sits comfortably between wood and laminate.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is another timeless-looking, robust option. Like vinyl, it requires minimal maintenance and is simple to clean. As such, it's an excellent choice for moisture-prone spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. However, it requires intensive prep work before installation and can be cool and slippery to walk on. Pricing relies on the material you choose, with porcelain being more expensive than ceramic.
Stone Flooring
Stone floors are among the most waterproof available. You can choose from a variety of bold design options, including sandstone, marble, travertine, and granite. However, like hardwood, it can be expensive and difficult to clean.
Linoleum Flooring
With proper maintenance, linoleum floors can endure for years. It is a cost-effective choice with various possibilities for customization. However, it can readily become damaged and has been known to fade when exposed to sunlight. Direct sunlight also leads linoleum to fade over time, and it may not be suitable for moisture-prone spaces.
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 gets rid of 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 holds onto stains, dampness, smells, and allergens.
How to Choose a Arlington 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 most crucial thing to research about any flooring company is its reputation. You can learn more about previous clients' experiences from review sites like Yelp, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google. Every flooring provider will have a mix of compliments and criticism online. If a company handles negative feedback 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
A trusted 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 former customers. Once you have their contact information, reach out to ask about their experiences.
Specialization and Services
Look for a business that specializes in the type of flooring you're interested in. For example, a crew might be experienced with carpet but not hardwood. 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 color, material, and style choices, you can also look for contractors with design teams.
Cost
While cost shouldn't be the most important factor when choosing a flooring provider, it's still important to find one that matches your budget. We recommend getting quotes from three to five companies to compare prices. You can do this fully online or by requesting complimentary on-site estimates.
Warranties and Guarantees
Flooring services typically come with two warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the materials. The other covers the installation company'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 work to last longer than expected. Request an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Express your expectations clearly and get any guarantees in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Flooring in Arlington
Arlington contractors typically charge between 60 cents and $4 per square foot for a flooring installation. Your costs will reflect the type of floor you choose and what other work is involved, such as structural preparations, grouting, cleaning up, and removing old flooring.
Most homes in Arlington have a mix of different flooring types, but the most popular in the area is hardwood.
Some states require licenses for flooring contractors, while others don't issue licenses at all. Massachusetts is somewhere in between. If your flooring job involves structural work, your contractor must hold a Construction Supervisor License, which requires three years of experience and a trade exam. If no structural work is necessary, a contractor must still register with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation.
Online stores have lower operating costs, so it could be cheaper in many cases. However, you'll likely have a better experience with a physical showroom. That way, you can see and touch different flooring choices, and the representatives are likely to be more attuned to Arlington customers' needs.
The average timeline to install a new floor depends on:
- The model and material of floor
- The size of your space
- Your installer's experience