5 Best Flooring Companies in Amherst, NY

Popular Types of Flooring

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

Hardwood Flooring

Homebuyers across Amherst 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 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 offers you the durability and look of hardwood without the extra maintenance. Typically, it consists of a layer of real hardwood bonded over a plywood substrate. 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 defense against scratches and simplifies cleaning. However, it's more susceptible to water damage and chipping.

Vinyl Flooring

Maintenance with vinyl floors is uncomplicated. 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 reasonable price point, somewhere between laminate and engineered wood.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is another classy design that can last for years. Like vinyl, it requires minimal maintenance and is simple to clean. As such, it's an excellent choice for moisture-prone spaces like bathrooms and kitchens. However, it might not work well for bedrooms and living rooms since it's colder and less grippy to walk on. Pricing varies 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 sandstone, granite, marble, and travertine. However, like hardwood, it can be expensive and difficult to clean.

Linoleum Flooring

With proper maintenance, linoleum floors can persist for decades. It is an affordable choice with numerous alternatives for customization. However, it can easily get dented or scratched and has been known to lose its original coloring when exposed to direct sunlight. Direct sunlight also leads linoleum to lose color 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 cozy and is great for reducing 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 pet owners or allergy sufferers.

How to Choose a Amherst Flooring Company

Choosing a floor installer 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 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), Google, and Yelp. Even the most reliable flooring installers will have both positive and negative reviews. Look for how an installer responds to complaints and interacts with others. If it works toward a satisfactory resolution and acts in good faith, that's an encouraging sign. However, if it's combative or has a high negative-to-positive review ratio, it's best to avoid working with it.

Portfolio and References

Most flooring contractors keep portfolios of their proudest projects. We recommend requesting a copy so you can inspect the crew's workmanship. It's also customary to ask for references from past customers. Once you have their contact information, contact them to ask about their experiences.

Specialization and Services

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

Cost

Cost is important to consider, but it should be less important than quality in your selection 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 streamline 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. 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 longer coverage.

Estimated Timeline

You don't want your flooring project to last longer than needed. Request an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Communicate your expectations clearly and get any guarantees in writing.