5 Best Flooring Companies in Hickory, NC

Installing new flooring is a major job, and it's easy to get lost in all the many design and material options. A local specialist in Hickory can help you choose the right floor and install it to last. See which flooring companies in the Hickory, NC area offer the best service, selection, and pricing.

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

The appeal of hardwood floors stands the test of time. With options including maple, walnut, oak, 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 bathrooms, basements, or laundry rooms.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood provides you the look and durability of hardwood without the extra maintenance. Typically, it uses a layer of real hardwood bonded over a plywood substrate. Despite the lower retail cost, it might sound more hollow to walk on, and the slender 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 is another budget-friendly 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 many different styles and colors. However, it chips easily and is susceptible to moisture damage.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring has excellent water 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. The cost of installing vinyl flooring sits comfortably between wood and laminate.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is a great choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas. It provides years of life with little need for maintenance, and is available in many patterns, colors, and materials. However, it might not work well for bedrooms and living rooms since it's cooler and less grippy 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 sandstone, granite, travertine, and marble. However, like hardwood, it can be expensive and difficult to clean.

Linoleum Flooring

With attentive maintenance, linoleum floors can endure for decades. It is an affordable choice with various alternatives for adaptation. 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 might not work well for moisture-prone spaces.

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 removes concerns about scratches or dents, and the extra padding is much safer for young children. However, carpet requires considerable effort to keep clean, especially if you have pets. The fibrous material holds onto stains, dampness, smells, and pollen, making it less suitable for allergy sufferers.

How to Choose a Hickory Flooring Company

Choosing the appropriate installer will impact your new floor's quality. 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. Check review sites like Yelp, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google to see what previous clients have to say. Every flooring installer will have a mix of compliments and criticism online. If a company resolves complaints in a constructive and satisfactory way, it's generally a good sign. However, if you find more outright complaints than compliments, it's better to steer clear.

Portfolio and References

A reputable flooring company will be eager 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 previous customers. Once you have their contact information, get in touch and ask about their experiences.

Specialization and Services

Look for a provider that specializes in the type of flooring you're interested in. For example, a crew might be experienced with carpet but not hardwood. Equally important is an installer'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 contractors with design teams.

Cost

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

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. While some 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 project to last longer than necessary. Request an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Express your expectations clearly and get any guarantees in writing.

Other Flooring Resources

• Best Flooring for Kitchens
• Best Laminate Flooring
• What Is the Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors?

Sources

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics