5 Best Flooring Companies in Newton, MA

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 Newton seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from cherry and walnut to oak and maple. 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 laundry rooms, bathrooms, or basements.

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. 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 countless different styles and colors. However, it's more susceptible to water damage and chipping.

Vinyl Flooring

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

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and other moisture-prone areas. It provides years of life with minimal maintenance needs, 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 relies on the material you select, with porcelain being more expensive than ceramic.

Stone Flooring

Granite, marble, travertine, and sandstone 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 proper maintenance, linoleum floors can persist for decades. It is a budget-friendly choice with various alternatives for personalization. However, it can easily become damaged and has been known to lose its original coloring when exposed to the sun's rays. The sun's rays also lead linoleum to lose color over time, and it might not work well for damp locations.

Carpet

Carpet is the most affordable flooring option. It can make a space feel more comfortable 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 retains odors, stains, and moisture, which isn't ideal for pet owners or allergy sufferers.

How to Choose a Newton Flooring Company

Choosing a floor installer 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. Check review sites like Trustpilot, Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp to see what previous clients have to say. Every flooring installer will have a mix of praise 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 negative reviews than positive ones, it's better to steer clear.

Portfolio and References

Most flooring contractors keep portfolios of their previous work. We recommend requesting a copy so you can look over the crew's workmanship. Portfolios might also include references from past customers. Request their contact information so you can discuss their interactions and thoughts about the company.

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. 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 important to consider, but it should be less important than quality in your selection process. We recommend getting three to five 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

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 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 needed. Request an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Communicate your expectations clearly and get any guarantees in writing.