5 Best Flooring Companies in Durham, NC

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 shades including maple, oak, walnut, cherry, and more, it can fit any design without sacrificing durability. However, it's among the priciest of flooring materials and requires consistent maintenance. 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 laundry rooms, bathrooms, or basements.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood gives you the look and durability of hardwood without the extra maintenance. Typically, it consists of a layer of real hardwood fused with 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 resilience against scratches 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 plank (LVP) or luxury vinyl tile (LVT) styles, with each option equally resilient. They also come at a budget-friendly price point, somewhere between laminate and engineered wood.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is excellent for bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas. It offers years of life with little need for maintenance, and is available in many materials, patterns, and colors. 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

Stone floors are among the most waterproof available. You can choose from a variety of bold design options, including granite, sandstone, travertine, and marble. 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 persist for years. It is a cost-effective choice with numerous alternatives for customization. However, it can readily get dented or scratched and has been known to lose its original coloring when exposed to the sun's rays. The sun's rays also lead linoleum to fade over time, and it may not be suitable for moisture-prone spaces.

Carpet

Carpet is the most affordable flooring option. It can make a space feel more comfortable and is great for reducing sound. You don’t have to fret about scratches or dents, and the cushioning makes it a safer choice for young children. However, the fibrous material easily holds onto moisture, stains, and odors, which isn't ideal for allergy sufferers in Durham's perennially-high pollen levels.

How to Choose a Durham 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 Google, Trustpilot, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) 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 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 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 look over the crew's workmanship. It's also customary to ask for references from former customers. Once you have their contact information, get in touch and 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. 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 style, material, and color choices, you can also look for installers with design teams.

Cost

Cost is crucial to consider, but it should be less important than quality in your selection process. We recommend getting multiple different quotes for your flooring job to compare pricing and workmanship. Many companies offer on-site and online estimates to ease the process.

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 installers' workmanship. While a few manufacturers and contractors have lifetime warranties, most are still tied 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

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