5 Best Flooring Companies in Clifton, NJ

Popular Types of Flooring

Flooring varies greatly in price and design. Here's what to know about each type.

Hardwood Flooring

Homebuyers across Clifton 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. Despite its charm, 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 charm of hardwood without the strict maintenance. They use a plywood base with a layer of real hardwood on top – ultimately saving you money. While it's more resistant to warping versus true hardwood, it can sound 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 scratch resistance and simplifies cleaning. However, it's more susceptible to water damage and chipping.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring has superior moisture and fading resistance and requires minimal upkeep. Popular options include luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT), 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 suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas. It provides years of life with minimal maintenance needs, and is available in many colors, materials, and patterns. However, it might not work well for living rooms and bedrooms since it's colder and more slippery to walk on. The cost differs between styles, with ceramic less expensive than porcelain.

Stone Flooring

Granite, marble, sandstone, and travertine 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

Linoleum is made from cork and linseed oil and can last for many years if maintained properly. It’s an economical 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 moisture-prone spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.

Carpet

Carpet is the most affordable flooring option. It can make a space feel more comfortable and is great for absorbing 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 stains, odors, and moisture, which isn't ideal for allergy sufferers in Clifton's perennially-high pollen levels.

How to Choose a Clifton Flooring Company

Choosing a floor covering provider is just as significant as choosing a design. To ensure you get the most value, consider each of the following criteria.

Reputation and Reviews

The first thing to note is whether a company is known for good service and high-quality work. You can learn more about previous clients' experiences from review sites like Trustpilot, Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp. Every flooring provider 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 good flooring company will be excited to show you portfolios of its previous work. Carefully scrutinize each listed project and ask questions as you have them. It's also good practice to ask for references from former customers. Once you have their contact information, contact them to ask about their experiences.

Specialization and Services

Look for a provider that specializes in the type of flooring you're interested in. For example, a crew might be experienced with carpet but not stone. An installer's service offerings can also make a difference. At the very least, you should choose a provider that will haul away your old flooring materials. However, businesses can also offer hardwood refinishing or design assistance.

Cost

While price shouldn't be the most important factor when choosing a flooring company, it's still important to find one that respects your budget. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies to compare prices. You can do this fully online or by requesting free in-home estimates.

Warranties and Guarantees

You should look for two different warranties in your company search. A manufacturer's warranty protects you in case of a product defect, while an installer's warranty covers workmanship. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you choose, warranty protection could be limited to a fixed term. Other times, 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 critical for a successful flooring job. Before you agree to work with a company, ask for an estimated timeline and inquire about what issues could impact the project. If a company assures you it'll finish the job by a certain deadline, get that guarantee in writing and communicate your expectations clearly as the work progresses.