5 Best Flooring Companies in Buffalo, 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 walnut, oak, cherry, maple, and more, it can fit any design without sacrificing durability. However, it's one of the most expensive flooring materials and requires significant upkeep. At a minimum, you'll need to use specialty cleaning products regularly and refinish the floor every few years. Since it's susceptible to water damage, it's also not suitable for basements, bathrooms, or laundry rooms.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood gives you the aesthetic of hardwood without the demand for regular maintenance. They use a plywood foundation with a layer of real hardwood on top – ultimately cutting your costs. 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 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 long-lasting. They also come at an affordable price point, somewhere between laminate and engineered wood.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is excellent for bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas. It provides years of life with little need for maintenance, and is available in many colors, materials, and patterns. However, it might not work well for living rooms and bedrooms since it's cooler and less grippy to walk on. The cost differs between styles, with porcelain carrying a higher price tag than ceramic.

Stone Flooring

Granite, sandstone, travertine, and marble 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

With attentive maintenance, linoleum floors can endure for years. It is a budget-friendly choice with various methods for customization. However, it can easily get dented or scratched and has been known to fade when exposed to the sun's rays. Direct sunlight also leads linoleum to lose color over time, and it may not be suitable for damp locations.

Carpet

Carpet is the most affordable flooring option. It can make a space feel more homey and is great for muffling sound. You don’t have to be concerned with scratches or dents, and the cushioning makes it a safer choice for young children. 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 Buffalo Flooring Company

Choosing the appropriate installer will impact your new floor's longevity. We recommend screening different companies using 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, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google, and Yelp. Every flooring installer will have a mix of positive and negative feedback 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 avoid working with it.

Portfolio and References

A reputable flooring company will be happy to show you portfolios of its previous work. Carefully scrutinize 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, 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 tile. Equally important is a provider'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 color, material, and style choices, you can also look for companies with design teams.

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 multiple companies to compare rates. You can do this fully online or by requesting complimentary on-site estimates.

Warranties and Guarantees

Flooring services typically come with a pair of warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the materials. The other backs the installation company's workmanship. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you select, warranty protection could be limited to a fixed term. In other instances, it continues for the life of the floor. Ask a company about its warranty terms, including extensions that could give you longer coverage.

Estimated Timeline

Time management is essential for a successful flooring job. Before you sign a contract, ask for an estimated timeline and inquire about what hurdles could impact the project. If a company commits to finishing the job by a certain deadline, get that guarantee in writing and communicate your expectations clearly as the work progresses.