Popular Types of Flooring
Whether you're looking for something elegant and subtle or lively and bold, there's a floor for you. Discover the most essential details about each type to guide your decision making.
Hardwood Flooring
The appeal of hardwood floors stands the test of time. With options including cherry, oak, maple, walnut, and more, it can fit any design without sacrificing durability. However, it's among the priciest of 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 basements, bathrooms, or laundry rooms.
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. While it's more resistant to warping versus true hardwood, it sounds more hollow to walk on and can't be refinished more than once.
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 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 tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP), with both having equal strength and long-lasting nature depending on the model you buy. Their price point sits comfortably between wood and laminate.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is a great choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and other moisture-prone areas. It offers years of life with low upkeep requirements, and is available in many materials, patterns, and colors. However, it requires intensive prep work before installation and can be cold and sleek to walk on. Pricing relies 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 granite, marble, sandstone, and travertine. However, like hardwood, it can be expensive and difficult to clean.
Linoleum Flooring
With attentive maintenance, linoleum floors can last for years. It is a cost-effective choice with various possibilities for adaptation. However, it can easily become damaged and has been known to fade when exposed to the sun's rays. The sun's rays also lead linoleum to lose color over time, and it may not be suitable for areas with excess moisture.
Carpet
Carpet is the most affordable flooring option. It can make a space feel more cozy and is great for muffling sound. You don’t have to worry about scratches or dents, and the cushioning makes it a safer choice for kids. However, the fibrous material easily holds onto stains, odors, and moisture, which isn't ideal for pet owners or allergy sufferers.
How to Choose a Lee's Summit Flooring Company
Choosing the appropriate installer will impact your new floor's longevity. We recommend evaluating different companies using the following criteria.
Reputation and Reviews
The most crucial thing to research about any flooring company is its reputation. Check review sites like Yelp, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google to see what previous clients have to say. Every flooring installer will have a mix of compliments and criticism online. If a company addresses issues in a constructive and satisfactory way, it's generally a good sign. However, if you find more outright complaints than compliments, it's better to avoid working with it.
Portfolio and References
Most floor installers keep portfolios of their past projects. We recommend requesting a copy so you can look over the crew's workmanship. It's also customary to ask for references from former customers. Once you have their contact information, contact them to ask about their experiences.
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 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 style, color, and material choices, you can also look for contractors with design teams.
Cost
Cost is important 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 simplify the process.
Warranties and Guarantees
Flooring services typically come with a pair of warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the floor itself. The other covers the installation company's 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
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 secure any guarantees in writing.
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Lee's Summit Flooring FAQ
What are the best flooring installation prices?
Lee's Summit contractors typically charge between 60 cents and $4 per square foot for a floor replacement. Your costs will vary based on the type of floor you choose and what other work is involved, such as structural preparations, grouting, cleaning up, and removing old flooring.
See our guides to how much each flooring type typically costs:
- How Much Does Vinyl Flooring Installation Cost?
- How Much Does Hardwood Flooring Cost?
- How Much Does Laminate Flooring Installation Cost?
What's the most popular flooring material in Lee's Summit?
According to local data, the majority of Lee's Summit homes use more than one flooring material. However, hardwood is ultimately the most popular choice.
What are the licensing laws for Lee's Summit flooring companies?
Missouri doesn't require flooring contractors to carry a license, but they must still register their business with the Secretary of State and follow local licensing requirements within their service areas. To learn more about what's required in Lee's Summit, contact your city hall, county offices, or building department.
What are the telltale signs I need to replace my floor?
Here are a few signs it's time to replace your old flooring:
- Uncontrollable mildew or mold growth
- Holes, scratches, or dents
- Increasing space between tiles or planks
- Spots that feel loose or unstable
- Water damage
- Heightened squeakiness
What is the average timeline for flooring installation in Lee's Summit?
A basic vinyl floor installation could take just a few days. Something more complex, like tile, could require up to a week of work. Your installer will give you an expected timeline based on the experience of the crew, your room's size, and the specific flooring type you've purchased.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.