5 Best Flooring Companies in Cranston, RI

Installing new flooring is a substantial job, and it's simple to get lost in all the plentiful design and material options. A local professional in Cranston can help you choose the right floor and install it to last. See which flooring companies in the Cranston, RI area offer the best selection, pricing, and service.

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

The appeal of hardwood floors stands the test of time. With options including walnut, oak, cherry, maple, and more, it can fit any design without sacrificing durability. 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 refinish the floor every few years. Since it's susceptible to water damage, it's also not suitable for bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood gives you the beauty of hardwood without the extra 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 thin hardwood layer can only be refinished a single time. That said, its lower propensity to warp could still make it a sound investment.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate floors come in wood and tile 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 excellent water and fading resistance and is easy to maintain. Popular options include luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT), with both having equal durability 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 another classy design that can last for years. Like vinyl, it requires minimal maintenance and is easy to clean. As such, it's an excellent choice for areas prone to moisture like bathrooms and kitchens. However, it might not work well for bedrooms and living rooms since it's cooler and more slippery to walk on. Pricing varies 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

With attentive maintenance, linoleum floors can last for decades. It is a budget-friendly choice with numerous possibilities for personalization. However, it can easily 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 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 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 considerable effort to keep clean, especially if you have pets. The fibrous material holds onto stains, dampness, and smells

How to Choose a Cranston Flooring Company

Choosing the proper installer will impact your new floor's longevity. 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. Check review sites like Trustpilot, Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see what previous clients have to say. Every flooring contractor will have a mix of compliments and criticism online. If a company addresses issues 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

A trusted flooring company will be happy to show you portfolios of its previous work. Take a good look at each listed project and ask questions as you have them. It's also customary to ask for references from past customers. Once you have their contact information, reach out 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 style, material, and color choices, you can also look for installers with design teams.

Cost

Cost is key 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 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. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you choose, warranty protection could be limited to a fixed term. Other times, it continues for the life of the floor. Ask an installer about its warranty terms, including extensions that could give you additional coverage.

Estimated Timeline

Time management is critical for a successful flooring job. Before you agree to work with a company, request an estimated timeline and inquire about what hurdles 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.

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