Popular Types of Flooring
Whether you're looking for something lively and bold or subtle and elegant, there's a floor for you. Discover the most essential details about each type to guide your decision making.
Hardwood Flooring
Homebuyers across The Bronx seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from walnut and cherry to maple and oak. However, it's among the priciest of 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 bathrooms, basements, or laundry rooms.
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood gives you the resilience and timeless design of hardwood without the extra maintenance. Typically, it uses a layer of real hardwood fused with a plywood substrate. Despite the lower retail cost, it might feel more hollow to walk on, and the slender hardwood layer can only be refinished once. That said, its lower propensity to warp could still make it a sound 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 resilience against scratches and simplifies cleaning. However, it's more susceptible to water damage and chipping.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring has superior moisture and fading resistance and is easy to maintain. Popular options include luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP), 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 timeless-looking, robust option. Like vinyl, it requires minimal maintenance and is simple to clean. As such, it's an ideal choice for areas prone to moisture 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 fluctuates between styles, with ceramic less expensive than porcelain.
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. However, like hardwood, it can be expensive and difficult to clean.
Linoleum Flooring
Linoleum is made from linseed oil and cork and can last for decades if cared for 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 discolor with sunlight 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 reduces 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 The Bronx Flooring Company
Choosing a flooring company 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 first thing to note is whether a company is known for good service and high-quality work. Check review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, Google, and Yelp to see what previous clients have to say. Even the best flooring installers will have both positive and negative reviews. Look for how a business responds to complaints and interacts with others. If it strives for a satisfactory resolution and acts in good faith, that's a good sign. However, if it's combative 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 happy 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 former customers. Once you have their contact information, contact them 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. A company's service offerings can also make a difference. At the very least, you should choose a provider that will haul away your old flooring materials. However, installers 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 honors your budget. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies to compare labor costs. 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 product itself. The other covers the installation crew's workmanship. While some manufacturers and contractors have lifetime warranties, most are still restricted to a specific time period (often ten years.) If you'd like additional coverage, you might be able to pay extra for an extended warranty.
Estimated Timeline
Time management is key to a successful flooring job. Before you agree to work with a company, request an estimated timeline and inquire about what issues could impact the project. If a company promises to finish the job by a certain deadline, get that guarantee in writing and state your expectations clearly as the work progresses.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring in The Bronx
How much will it cost to install a new floor in The Bronx?
See our guides to how much each flooring type typically costs:
What's the most popular flooring material in The Bronx?
What are the licensing laws for The Bronx flooring companies?
Who is the largest flooring manufacturer?
If I'm replacing a kitchen floor, what material should I buy?
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