Popular Types of Flooring
Flooring varies greatly in price and design. Here's what to know about each type.
Hardwood Flooring
Homebuyers across Midwest City 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. Despite its allure, hardwood comes with a higher price tag. You also need to stick to a consistent refinishing schedule every few years, filling in the gaps with specialty wood cleaners. The more time you invest in maintenance, the longer your floors will last.
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. 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 good investment.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate is another more affordable flooring option, consisting of a particleboard base, wood or tile finish, and protective plastic coating. It's easy to clean, scratch-resistant, and available in countless different colors and styles. However, it's more susceptible to water damage and chipping.
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 strength and long-lasting nature depending on the model you buy. The price for installing vinyl flooring sits comfortably between wood and laminate.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is excellent for bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas. It provides years of life with minimal maintenance needs, and is available in many patterns, materials, and colors. However, it requires intensive prep work before installation and can be cold and smooth to walk on. Pricing depends on the material you select, with porcelain being more expensive than ceramic.
Stone Flooring
Stone floors are among the most waterproof available. You can choose from a variety of bold design options, including granite, travertine, sandstone, and marble. However, like hardwood, it can be expensive and difficult to clean.
Linoleum Flooring
With proper maintenance, linoleum floors can endure for decades. It is a budget-friendly choice with various possibilities for personalization. However, it can easily get dented or scratched and has been known to lose its original coloring when exposed to sunlight. The sun's rays also lead linoleum to fade over time, and it may not be suitable for damp locations.
Carpet
Of all flooring options, carpet is one of the most affordable. It lends a cozy feel to a room and muffles 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 time and effort to keep clean, especially if you have pets. The fibrous material grips stains, dampness, and smells
How to Choose a Midwest City Flooring Company
Choosing the appropriate installer will impact your new floor's quality. We recommend assessing 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 the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, Yelp, and Google to see what previous clients have to say. Every flooring contractor will have a mix of praise and criticism online. If a company handles negative feedback in an amicable and satisfactory way, it's generally a good sign. However, if you find more negative reviews than positive ones, it's better to steer clear.
Portfolio and References
Most flooring contractors keep portfolios of their previous work. We recommend requesting a copy so you can study the crew's craftsmanship. Portfolios might also include references from past customers. Ask for their contact information so you can discuss their interactions and thoughts about the company.
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 material, color, and style choices, you can also look for companies with design teams.
Cost
While cost shouldn't be the most important factor when choosing a flooring provider, it's still important to find one that matches 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 a pair of warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the materials. The second covers the installation company's 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
Time management is essential for a successful flooring job. Before you sign a contract, request an estimated timeline and inquire about what delays could impact the project. If a company guarantees it'll finish the job by a certain deadline, get that guarantee in writing and convey your expectations clearly as the work progresses.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring in Midwest City
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