Popular Types of Flooring
Whether you're looking for something lively and bold or elegant and subtle, there's a floor for you. Discover the most essential details about each type to guide your decision making.
Hardwood Flooring
The appeal of hardwood floors stands the test of time. With options including walnut, cherry, oak, maple, 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 base 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 a single time. That said, its lower propensity to warp could still make it a good 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 styles and colors. 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 durability and long-lasting nature depending on the model you buy. Their price point sits comfortably between wood and laminate.
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 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 more slippery to walk on. Pricing fluctuates between styles, with ceramic less expensive than porcelain.
Stone Flooring
Stone floors are among the most waterproof available. You can choose from a variety of bold design options, including granite, sandstone, marble, and travertine. 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 last for years. It is an affordable choice with numerous alternatives for adaptation. However, it can easily become damaged and has been known to fade when exposed to direct sunlight. Direct sunlight also leads linoleum to fade over time, and it may not be suitable for areas with excess moisture.
Carpet
Of all flooring options, carpet is one of the most affordable. It lends a homey feel to a room and muffles noise effectively. Unlike hard floors, carpet gets rid of concerns about scratches or dents, and the extra padding is much safer for young children. However, carpet requires time and effort to keep clean, especially if you have pets. The fibrous material grips stains, dampness, smells, and allergens.
How to Choose a Brooklyn Flooring Company
Choosing a floor installer is just as critical 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), Trustpilot, and Google to see what previous clients have to say. Even the most reliable flooring installers will have both positive and negative reviews. Look for how a company 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 reputable flooring company will be excited 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, get in touch and ask about their experiences.
Specialization and Services
Look for a company 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 dispose of your old flooring materials. However, businesses can also offer hardwood refinishing or design assistance.
Cost
While cost shouldn't be the most important factor when choosing a flooring installer, it's still important to find one that matches your budget. We recommend getting quotes from at least three companies to compare rates. You can do this fully online or by requesting free in-home estimates.
Warranties and Guarantees
Flooring services typically come with two warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the materials. The other covers the installers' workmanship. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you select, warranty protection 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 a few more years of coverage.
Estimated Timeline
You don't want your flooring project to last longer than expected. Request an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Communicate your expectations clearly and get any guarantees in writing.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring in Brooklyn
What are the best flooring installation prices?
See our guides to how much each flooring type typically costs:
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