Popular Types of Flooring
Flooring varies greatly in price and design. Here's what to know about each type.
Hardwood Flooring
Homebuyers across Paterson seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from walnut and cherry to oak and maple. However, it's one of the most expensive flooring materials and requires consistent maintenance. At a minimum, you'll need to use specialty cleaning products regularly and restore its finish every few years. Since it's susceptible to water damage, it's also not suitable for laundry rooms, bathrooms, or basements.
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 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 a single time. That said, its lower propensity to warp could still make it an intelligent 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 scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and available in countless different colors and styles. However, it's more susceptible to water damage and chipping.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring has excellent water and fading resistance and is easy to maintain. 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 excellent for bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas. It provides years of life with minimal maintenance needs, and is available in many patterns, colors, and materials. However, it might not work well for bedrooms and living rooms since it's cooler and more slippery to walk on. The cost differs between styles, with porcelain carrying a higher price tag than ceramic.
Stone Flooring
Stone floors are among the most waterproof available. You can choose from a variety of bold design options, including travertine, marble, sandstone, and granite. However, like hardwood, it can be expensive and difficult to clean.
Linoleum Flooring
Linoleum is made from cork and linseed oil and can endure 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 moisture-prone spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.
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 babies and toddlers. However, the fibrous material easily holds onto stains, moisture, and odors, which isn't ideal for allergy sufferers in Paterson's perennially-high pollen levels.
How to Choose a Paterson Flooring Company
Choosing a flooring company 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. Check review sites like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google, and Trustpilot to see what previous clients have to say. Even the best flooring installers will have both positive and negative reviews. Look for how a business responds to 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
A good flooring company will be happy to show you portfolios of its previous work. Examine each listed project and ask questions as you have them. It's also good practice to ask for references from past 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 an installer'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 material, style, and color choices, you can also look for installers with design teams.
Cost
Cost is vital 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 simplify the process.
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. While a few 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
Time management is key to a successful flooring job. Before you agree to work with a company, request 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.
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Flooring Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring in Paterson
What are the best flooring installation prices?
See our guides to how much each flooring type typically costs:
What are some of the most popular types of flooring in Paterson?
What are the licensing laws for Paterson flooring companies?
If I'm replacing a kitchen floor, what material should I buy?
What are the telltale signs I need to replace my floor?
- Widening gaps between planks/tiles
- Severe mold or mildew growth
- Deep dents, scratches, or holes
- 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.