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 shades including walnut, oak, maple, cherry, and more, it can fit any design without sacrificing durability. Despite its allure, hardwood comes with a higher price tag. You also need to stick to a consistent refinishing schedule every few years, filling in the gaps with specialty 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 extra maintenance. They use a plywood substrate 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 slender hardwood layer can only be refinished one time. That said, its lower propensity to warp could still make it a good investment.
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 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 longevity depending on the model you buy. Vinyl flooring installation cost sits comfortably between wood and laminate.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is excellent for kitchens, bathrooms, and other moisture-prone areas. It offers years of life with little need for maintenance, and is available in many patterns, materials, and colors. 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 marble, granite, sandstone, and travertine. However, like hardwood, it can be expensive and difficult to clean.
Linoleum Flooring
Linoleum is made from cork and linseed oil and can last for decades 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 fade with sunlight exposure. It’s also not suitable for areas with excess moisture like kitchens and bathrooms.
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 be concerned with scratches or dents, and the cushioning makes it a safer choice for young children. However, the fibrous material easily retains stains, odors, and moisture, which isn't ideal for allergy sufferers in Sunrise Manor's perennially-high pollen levels.
How to Choose a Sunrise Manor Flooring Company
Choosing the appropriate installer makes all the difference for 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 the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Trustpilot, and Google to see what previous clients have to say. Every flooring contractor will have a mix of positive and negative feedback 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 avoid working with it.
Portfolio and References
Most flooring contractors keep portfolios of their past projects. We recommend requesting a copy so you can examine the crew's workmanship. It's also good practice to ask for references from past customers. Once you have their contact information, reach out 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. A contractor's service offerings can also make a difference. At the very least, you should choose a provider that offers to dispose of your old flooring materials. However, businesses can also offer hardwood refinishing or design advisory.
Cost
Cost is crucial 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
Flooring services typically come with a pair of warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the product itself. The other backs the installation crew's workmanship. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you pick, warranty coverage could be limited to a fixed term. In other instances, it lasts for the life of the floor. Ask an installer about its warranty terms, including extensions that could give you a few more years of coverage.
Estimated Timeline
Time management is essential for a successful flooring job. Before you sign a contract, ask for an estimated timeline and inquire about what issues 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 Sunrise Manor
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