5 Best Flooring Companies in Lancaster, OH

Popular Types of Flooring

Flooring varies greatly in price and design. Here's what to know about each type.

Hardwood Flooring

Homebuyers across Lancaster seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from oak and maple to cherry and walnut. However, it's one of the most expensive flooring materials and requires consistent maintenance. At a minimum, you'll need to use specialty cleaning products regularly and restore its finish every few years. Since it's susceptible to water damage, it's also not suitable for laundry rooms, basements, or bathrooms.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood gives you the charm of hardwood without the demand for regular maintenance. They use a plywood foundation with a layer of real hardwood on top – ultimately saving you money. Despite the lower retail cost, it might sound more hollow to walk on, and the slender hardwood layer can only be refinished one time. That said, its lower propensity to warp could still make it a worthy 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 chips easily and is susceptible to moisture damage.

Vinyl Flooring

Maintenance with vinyl floors is uncomplicated. You can purchase them in luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or luxury vinyl tile (LVT) styles, with each option equally strong. They also come at a reasonable 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 easy to clean. As such, it's perfect for areas prone to moisture like kitchens and bathrooms. 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, marble, and sandstone 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 proper maintenance, linoleum floors can endure for years. It is a cost-effective choice with various possibilities 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. 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 comfortable and is great for absorbing 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 odors, moisture, and stains, which isn't ideal for pet owners or allergy sufferers.

How to Choose a Lancaster 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 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, Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Even the most reliable flooring installers will have both positive and negative reviews. Look for how a provider deals with complaints and interacts with others. If it strives for a satisfactory resolution and acts in good faith, that's an encouraging sign. However, if it's argumentative or has a high negative-to-positive review ratio, it's best 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 examine the crew's craftsmanship. 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. Equally important is a company'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 material, style, and color choices, you can also look for installers with design teams.

Cost

While price shouldn't be the most important factor when choosing a flooring provider, it's still important to find one that respects your budget. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies to compare rates. You can do this fully online or by requesting free in-home estimates.

Warranties and Guarantees

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

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 communicate your expectations clearly as the work progresses.