5 Best Flooring Companies in Manhattan, NY

Popular Types of Flooring

Whether you're looking for something subtle and elegant or bold and lively, there's a floor for you. Discover the most essential details about each type to guide your decision making.

Hardwood Flooring

Homebuyers across Manhattan seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from oak and maple to walnut and cherry. Despite its charm, hardwood comes with a higher price tag. You also need to stick to a consistent refinishing schedule every few years, filling in the gaps with specialty wood cleaners. The more time you invest in maintenance, the longer your floors will last.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood gives you the charm of hardwood without the strict maintenance. They use a plywood foundation 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 thin 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 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's more susceptible to water damage and chipping.

Vinyl Flooring

Maintenance with vinyl floors is as simple as it gets. You can purchase them in luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or luxury vinyl tile (LVT) styles, with each option equally long-lasting. They also come at a budget-friendly price point, somewhere between laminate and engineered wood.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is another timeless-looking, robust option. Like vinyl, it requires minimal maintenance and is simple to clean. As such, it's perfect for moisture-prone spaces like bathrooms and kitchens. However, it requires intensive prep work before installation and can be cool and slippery to walk on. Pricing relies on the material you choose, 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

Linoleum is made from linseed oil and cork and can endure for many years if maintained properly. It’s an economical option with many design possibilities. However, the softer material is easier to dent or scratch, and it's known to fade with sun exposure. It’s also not suitable for areas with excess moisture like kitchens and bathrooms.

Carpet

Of all flooring options, carpet is one of the most affordable. It lends a homey feel to a room and absorbs 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 retains stains, dampness, smells, and allergens.

How to Choose a Manhattan Flooring Company

Choosing the appropriate installer makes all the difference for your new floor's longevity. We recommend assessing 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. Check review sites like Trustpilot, Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see what previous clients have to say. Every flooring provider will have a mix of praise and criticism online. If a company addresses issues in an amicable 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

Most flooring companies keep portfolios of their proudest projects. We recommend requesting a copy so you can study the crew's workmanship. It's also good practice to ask for references from former customers. Once you have their contact information, reach out to ask about their experiences.

Specialization and Services

Look for a business that specializes in the type of flooring you're interested in. For example, a crew might be experienced with carpet but not tile. A company's service offerings can also make a difference. At the very least, you should choose a provider that offers to haul away your old flooring materials. However, businesses can also offer hardwood refinishing or design assistance.

Cost

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

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 select, warranty coverage could be limited to a fixed term. Other times, 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

You don't want your flooring work to last longer than expected. Request an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Express your expectations clearly and secure any guarantees in writing.