5 Best Flooring Companies in Albany, NY

Popular Types of Flooring

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

Hardwood Flooring

The appeal of hardwood floors stands the test of time. With options including maple, oak, cherry, walnut, and more, it can fit any design without sacrificing durability. Despite its allure, hardwood comes with a higher price tag. 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 demand for regular maintenance. They use a plywood substrate with a layer of real hardwood on top – ultimately saving you money. Despite the lower retail cost, it might sound more hollow to walk on, and the thin hardwood layer can only be refinished one time. That said, its lower propensity to warp could still make it a sound investment.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate is another 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 colors and styles. 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 tile (LVT) or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) 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 areas prone to moisture like bathrooms and kitchens. However, it requires intensive prep work before installation and can be cool and sleek to walk on. Pricing depends on the material you select, with porcelain being more expensive than ceramic.

Stone Flooring

Granite, travertine, sandstone, and marble aren't just for the outdoors. Inside, they can give you a bold look and unparalleled water resistance. Despite its unique flair, it's not easy to clean, and long-term maintenance could be a bit more expensive.

Linoleum Flooring

With proper maintenance, linoleum floors can last for decades. It is an affordable choice with many alternatives for adaptation. However, it can easily become damaged and has been known to lose its original coloring when exposed to direct sunlight. The sun's rays also lead linoleum to lose color over time, and it may not be suitable for areas with excess moisture.

Carpet

Carpet is the most affordable flooring option. It can make a space feel more cozy and is great for reducing sound. You don’t have to fret about scratches or dents, and the cushioning makes it a safer choice for kids. However, the fibrous material easily retains moisture, stains, and odors, which isn't ideal for pet owners or allergy sufferers.

How to Choose a Albany Flooring Company

Choosing the proper installer will impact your new floor's quality. 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. You can learn more about previous clients' experiences from review sites like Yelp, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google. Every flooring provider will have a mix of praise and criticism online. If a company handles negative feedback in a constructive 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

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 customary to ask for references from previous 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. 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 contractors with design teams.

Cost

While cost shouldn't be the most important factor when choosing a flooring provider, it's still important to find one that honors your budget. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies to compare prices. You can do this fully online or by requesting complimentary on-site estimates.

Warranties and Guarantees

Flooring services typically come with two warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the product itself. The second 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 a company about its warranty terms, including extensions that could give you additional coverage.

Estimated Timeline

Time management is essential for 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 commits to finishing the job by a certain deadline, get that guarantee in writing and convey your expectations clearly as the work progresses.