Popular Types of Flooring
Whether you're looking for something elegant and subtle or lively and bold, 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 cherry, maple, oak, walnut, and more, it can fit any design without sacrificing durability. 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 laundry rooms, basements, or bathrooms.
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood gives you the beauty of hardwood without the demand for regular maintenance. They use a plywood substrate with a layer of real hardwood on top – ultimately cutting your costs. Despite the lower retail cost, it might feel 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 a good 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 defense against scratches and simplifies cleaning. However, it chips easily and is susceptible to moisture damage.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring has superior moisture and fading resistance and requires minimal upkeep. Popular options include luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP), with both having equal durability and longevity depending on the model you buy. Vinyl flooring installation cost sits comfortably between wood and laminate.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is ideal 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 requires intensive prep work before installation and can be cool and sleek to walk on. Pricing depends on the material you select, with porcelain being more expensive than ceramic.
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 attentive maintenance, linoleum floors can endure for decades. It is an affordable choice with numerous alternatives for customization. However, it can easily become damaged and has been known to fade when exposed to the sun's rays. Direct sunlight also leads linoleum to fade 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 cozy and is great for muffling sound. You don’t have to worry about scratches or dents, and the cushioning makes it a safer choice for kids. However, the fibrous material easily retains moisture, stains, and odors, which isn't ideal for pet owners or allergy sufferers.
How to Choose a Liberty Flooring Company
Choosing the right installer will impact your new floor's quality. We recommend assessing different companies using the following criteria.
Reputation and Reviews
The most crucial thing to research about any flooring company is its reputation. You can learn more about previous clients' experiences from review sites like Google, Trustpilot, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Even the best flooring installers will have both positive and negative reviews. Look for how a company deals with 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 dismissive or has a high negative-to-positive review ratio, it's advisable to avoid working with it.
Portfolio and References
A trusted flooring company will be happy to show you portfolios of its previous work. Carefully scrutinize each listed project and ask questions as you have them. It's also customary to ask for references from previous 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 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 style, color, and material 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 three to five different quotes for your flooring job to compare pricing and workmanship. Many companies offer on-site and online estimates to simplify the process.
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 installation company's 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
You don't want your flooring project to last longer than needed. Get an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Express your expectations clearly and get any guarantees in writing.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring in Liberty
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