Popular Types of Flooring
Whether you're looking for something lively and bold or subtle and elegant, there's a floor for you. Discover the most essential details about each type to guide your decision making.
Hardwood Flooring
Homebuyers across Brockton seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from walnut and cherry to oak and maple. 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 refinish the floor every few years. Since it's susceptible to water damage, it's also not suitable for laundry rooms, basements, or bathrooms.
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood gives you the charm 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. While it's less likely to warp than true hardwood, it can sound hollow to walk on and can't be refinished more than once.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate is another more affordable flooring option, consisting of a particleboard base, wood or tile finish, and protective plastic coating. It's easy to clean, scratch-resistant, and available in a variety of different colors and styles. However, it chips easily and is susceptible to moisture damage.
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 strength and longevity depending on the model you buy. Their price point 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 perfect for moisture-prone spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. However, it requires intensive prep work before installation and can be cool and smooth to walk on. Pricing depends on the material you select, 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 travertine, sandstone, granite, and marble. 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 linseed oil and cork and can endure for many years 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 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 holds onto stains, dampness, smells, and allergens.
How to Choose a Brockton Flooring Company
Choosing the appropriate installer will impact your new floor's quality. We recommend screening different companies using 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 Trustpilot, Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp. 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 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
A good flooring company will be happy to show you portfolios of its previous work. Carefully scrutinize each listed project and ask questions as you have them. It's also customary to ask for references from past customers. Once you have their contact information, contact them 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 a company'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, style, and color choices, you can also look for installers 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 honors 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 a pair of warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the materials. The other covers the installation company's 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 issues could impact the project. If a company promises to finish the job by a certain deadline, get that guarantee in writing and communicate your expectations clearly as the work progresses.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring in Brockton
What are the best flooring installation prices?
See our guides to how much each flooring type typically costs:
What's the most popular flooring material in Brockton?
What are the licensing laws for Brockton flooring companies?
Who is the largest flooring manufacturer?
How do I decide which flooring material is right?
Just as well, consider the nature of the space itself. Is it exposed to high foot traffic or moisture? What look would match the furniture, trim, and walls?
A Brockton flooring installer can discuss all these considerations and more to help you make an informed decision.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.