Popular Types of Flooring
Flooring varies greatly in price and design. Here's what to know about each type.
Hardwood Flooring
Homebuyers across Winchester seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from oak and maple to walnut and cherry. Despite its allure, hardwood is associated with a higher cost. You also need to follow 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 aesthetic of hardwood without the extra 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 floors come in wood and tile finishes, but they all have a particle board base. A strong plastic coating gives them resilience against scratches and simplifies cleaning. However, it chips easily and is susceptible to moisture damage.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring has excellent water and fading resistance and requires minimal upkeep. Popular options include luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP), with both having equal durability and long-lasting nature depending on the model you buy. The cost of installing vinyl flooring sits comfortably between wood and laminate.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and other moisture-prone areas. It offers years of life with little need for maintenance, and is available in many colors, patterns, and materials. However, it might not work well for bedrooms and living rooms since it's colder and more slippery to walk on. Pricing varies between styles, with ceramic less expensive than porcelain.
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. However, like hardwood, it can be expensive and difficult to clean.
Linoleum Flooring
Linoleum is made from linseed oil and cork and can last 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 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 homey and is great for muffling sound. You don’t have to be concerned with scratches or dents, and the cushioning makes it a safer choice for babies and toddlers. However, the fibrous material easily holds onto moisture, odors, and stains, which isn't ideal for allergy sufferers in Winchester's perennially-high pollen levels.
How to Choose a Winchester Flooring Company
Choosing a floor covering provider is just as influential 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. You can learn more about previous clients' experiences from review sites like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google. Even the most reliable flooring installers will have both positive and negative reviews. Look for how a provider handles 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 dismissive or has a high negative-to-positive review ratio, it's wise to avoid working with it.
Portfolio and References
Most flooring companies keep portfolios of their past projects. We recommend requesting a copy so you can look over the crew's craftsmanship. It's also good practice to ask for references from former customers. Once you have their contact information, reach out 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 tile. Equally important is a provider'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 color, style, and material choices, you can also look for contractors with design teams.
Cost
Cost is crucial to consider, but it should be less important than quality in your decision-making 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 materials. The second backs the installers' workmanship. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you select, warranty coverage could be limited to a fixed term. Other times, it continues for the life of the floor. Ask an installer about its warranty terms, including extensions that could give you additional coverage.
Estimated Timeline
Time management is key to a successful flooring job. Before you sign a contract, ask for an estimated timeline and inquire about what delays 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 Winchester
How much will it cost to install a new floor in Winchester?
What's the most popular flooring material in Winchester?
Do Winchester flooring companies need to be licensed?
How long does it usually take to install a floor in Winchester?
- The model and material of floor
- The size of your space
- Your installer's experience
What eco-friendly flooring options are available in Winchester?
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