Popular Types of Flooring
Flooring varies greatly in price and design. Here's what to know about each type.
Hardwood Flooring
Homebuyers across Bloomfield 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, basements, or bathrooms.
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood provides you the look and durability of hardwood without the extra maintenance. Typically, it uses a layer of real hardwood bonded over a plywood substrate. 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 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 a variety of different styles and colors. 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 durable. They also come at a budget-friendly price point, somewhere between laminate and engineered wood.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is another classy design that can endure for years. Like vinyl, it requires minimal maintenance and is easy to clean. As such, it's an ideal choice for moisture-prone spaces like bathrooms and kitchens. However, it requires intensive prep work before installation and can be cold and smooth to walk on. Pricing relies on the material you pick, 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, travertine, and sandstone. Despite its unique flair, it's not easy to clean, and long-term maintenance could be a bit more expensive.
Linoleum Flooring
With attentive maintenance, linoleum floors can endure for decades. It is a cost-effective choice with various alternatives for customization. However, it can easily become damaged and has been known to lose its original coloring when exposed to sunlight. Direct sunlight also leads linoleum to fade over time, and it might not work well for moisture-prone spaces.
Carpet
Carpet is the most affordable flooring option. It can make a space feel more homey and is great for absorbing 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 odors, stains, and moisture, which isn't ideal for allergy sufferers in Bloomfield's perennially-high pollen levels.
How to Choose a Bloomfield Flooring Company
Choosing the right installer significantly affects your new floor's quality. We recommend assessing 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 Trustpilot, Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see what previous clients have to say. Every flooring installer will have a mix of praise and criticism online. If a company resolves complaints in a constructive 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
A reputable 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. Request their contact information so you can discuss their experiences and thoughts about the company.
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 style, color, and material choices, you can also look for contractors with design teams.
Cost
While price shouldn't be the most important factor when choosing a flooring installer, it's still important to find one that respects your budget. We recommend getting quotes from three to five companies to compare labor costs. You can do this fully online or by requesting complimentary on-site estimates.
Warranties and Guarantees
Flooring services typically come with a pair of warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the materials. The second covers the installation company's workmanship. While some manufacturers and contractors have lifetime warranties, most are still restricted 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. Get an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Express your expectations clearly and get any guarantees in writing.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring in Bloomfield
How much will it cost to install a new floor in Bloomfield?
What are some of the most popular types of flooring in Bloomfield?
Do Bloomfield flooring companies need to be licensed?
If I'm replacing a kitchen floor, what material should I buy?
What are the signs it's time to replace my old flooring?
- Widening gaps between planks/tiles
- Severe mold or mildew growth
- Deep holes, scratches, or dents
- 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.