Popular Types of Flooring
There's a flooring material for every design preference and price point. In this section, we'll break down the most common types.
Hardwood Flooring
Homebuyers across Gresham 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 significant upkeep. 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 extra 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 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 scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and available in a variety of different colors and styles. However, it's more susceptible to water damage and chipping.
Vinyl Flooring
Maintenance with vinyl floors is uncomplicated. You can purchase them in luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) 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 classy design that can endure for years. Like vinyl, it requires minimal maintenance and is easy to clean. As such, it's perfect for moisture-prone spaces like bathrooms and kitchens. However, it might not work well for living rooms and bedrooms since it's cooler and more slippery to walk on. The cost differs between styles, with ceramic less expensive than porcelain.
Stone Flooring
Granite, marble, travertine, 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
Linoleum is made from cork and linseed oil and can endure for many years if maintained properly. It’s a cost-effective option with many design possibilities. However, the softer material is easier to damage, and it's known to fade with sun exposure. It’s also not suitable for moisture-prone spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.
Carpet
Carpet is the most affordable flooring option. It can make a space feel more comfortable and is great for muffling 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 stains, moisture, and odors, which isn't ideal for pet owners or people with allergies.
How to Choose a Gresham Flooring Company
Choosing the right installer makes all the difference for your new floor's quality. We recommend evaluating 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. You can learn more about previous clients' experiences from review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google, Yelp, and Trustpilot. Even the most reliable flooring installers will have both positive and negative reviews. Look for how a company responds to complaints and interacts with others. If it works toward 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 wise to avoid working with it.
Portfolio and References
A reputable flooring company will be eager to show you portfolios of its previous work. Closely inspect 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
Look for a business that specializes in the type of flooring you're interested in. For example, a crew might be experienced with carpet but not hardwood. A contractor's service offerings can also make a difference. At the very least, you should choose a provider that will dispose of your old flooring materials. However, providers can also offer hardwood refinishing or design assistance.
Cost
While price 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 three to five companies to compare prices. You can do this fully online or by requesting complimentary on-site estimates.
Warranties and Guarantees
Flooring services typically come with two warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the product itself. The second backs the installation company's workmanship. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you select, warranty protection could be limited to a fixed term. In other instances, it lasts for the life of the floor. Ask a company 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. Request 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 Gresham
How much will it cost to install a new floor in Gresham?
See our guides to how much each flooring type typically costs:
What are some of the most popular types of flooring in Gresham?
What are the licensing laws for Gresham flooring companies?
What flooring manufacturer is the largest?
How long does it usually take to install a floor in Gresham?
- The model and material of floor
- The size of your space
- Your installer's experience
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.