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
The appeal of hardwood floors stands the test of time. With options including walnut, maple, cherry, oak, and more, it can fit any design without sacrificing durability. Despite its allure, hardwood comes with a higher price tag. 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 gives you the beauty 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 sounds more hollow to walk on and can't be refinished more than once.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate floors come in wood and tile finishes, but they all have a particle board base. A strong plastic coating gives them scratch resistance and simplifies cleaning. However, it chips easily and is susceptible to moisture damage.
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 resilient. They also come at a cost-effective 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 little need for maintenance, and is available in many patterns, materials, and colors. However, it might not work well for bedrooms and living rooms since it's colder and more slippery to walk on. Pricing fluctuates between styles, with porcelain carrying a higher price tag 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 endure for decades. It is a cost-effective choice with many alternatives for personalization. However, it can readily 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 moisture-prone spaces.
Carpet
Of all flooring options, carpet is one of the most affordable. It lends a cozy 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 a good amount of effort to keep clean, especially if you have pets. The fibrous material grips stains, dampness, and smells
How to Choose a Macomb Flooring Company
Choosing the proper installer will impact your new floor's quality. We recommend assessing different companies using the following criteria.
Reputation and Reviews
The first thing to note is whether a company is known for good service and high-quality work. Check review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, Google, 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 a business responds to complaints and interacts with others. If it strives for 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 wise to avoid working with it.
Portfolio and References
A good flooring company will be happy to show you portfolios of its previous work. Take a careful look at each listed project and ask questions as you have them. 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
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. An installer's service offerings can also make a difference. At the very least, you should choose a provider that will dispose of your old flooring materials. However, businesses can also offer refinishing services or design consultations.
Cost
Cost is crucial to consider, but it should be less important than quality in your selection process. We recommend getting at least three different quotes for your flooring job to compare pricing and workmanship. Many companies offer on-site and online estimates to streamline 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 installers' workmanship. While some 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
Time management is critical for a successful flooring job. Before you sign a contract, request an estimated timeline and inquire about what hurdles could impact the project. If a company commits to finishing the job by a certain deadline, get that guarantee in writing and state your expectations clearly as the work progresses.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring in Macomb
What are the best flooring installation prices?
See our guides to how much each flooring type typically costs:
What are some of the most popular types of flooring in Macomb?
Do Macomb flooring companies need to be licensed?
How do I decide which flooring material is right?
Just as well, consider the nature of the space itself. Is it exposed to moisture or high foot traffic? What look would go best with the trim, furniture, and walls?
A Macomb flooring installer can discuss all these considerations and more to help you make an informed decision.
What are the telltale signs I need to replace my floor?
- Widening gaps between planks/tiles
- Severe mold or mildew growth
- Deep scratches, dents, or holes
- Patches that feel unstable
- Excessive squeakiness
- Water damage
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.