Popular Types of Flooring
Whether you're looking for something elegant and subtle or bold and lively, 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 shades including oak, walnut, maple, cherry, and more, it can fit any design without sacrificing durability. 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 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 aesthetic of hardwood without the strict maintenance. They use a plywood base with a layer of real hardwood on top – ultimately saving you money. Despite the lower retail cost, it might feel more hollow to walk on, and the slender hardwood layer can only be refinished a single time. That said, its lower propensity to warp could still make it an intelligent 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 many different colors and styles. 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 longevity depending on the model you buy. Their price point sits comfortably between wood and laminate.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is another timeless-looking, robust option. Like vinyl, it requires minimal maintenance and is simple to clean. As such, it's an ideal choice for areas prone to moisture like bathrooms and kitchens. However, it might not work well for living rooms and bedrooms since it's colder 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. Despite its unique flair, it's not easy to clean, and long-term maintenance could be a bit more expensive.
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 dent or scratch, 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 cozy and is great for reducing sound. You don’t have to worry about 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 allergy sufferers in Arlington's perennially-high pollen levels.
How to Choose a Arlington Flooring Company
Choosing the right installer significantly affects your new floor's longevity. We recommend screening 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 Google, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Trustpilot to see what previous clients have to say. Every flooring contractor will have a mix of positive and negative feedback online. If a company resolves complaints in a constructive and satisfactory way, it's generally a good sign. However, if you find more negative reviews than positive ones, it's better to avoid working with it.
Portfolio and References
Most floor installers keep portfolios of their past projects. We recommend requesting a copy so you can look over the crew's workmanship. Portfolios might also include references from past customers. Request their contact information so you can discuss their experiences and thoughts about the company.
Specialization and Services
Look for a company that specializes in the type of flooring you're interested in. For example, a crew might be experienced with carpet but not stone. 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 companies with design teams.
Cost
While price shouldn't be the most important factor when choosing a flooring company, it's still important to find one that respects your budget. We recommend getting quotes from at least three 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 two warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the materials. The other covers the installation crew's workmanship. While a few 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
You don't want your flooring work to last longer than needed. Get an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Communicate your expectations clearly and get any guarantees in writing.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring in Arlington
How much will it cost to install a new floor in Arlington?
See our guides to how much each flooring type typically costs:
What are some of the most popular types of flooring in Arlington?
Do Arlington flooring companies need to be licensed?
Are there environmentally friendly flooring options in Arlington?
What are the signs it's time to replace my old flooring?
- Uncontrollable mildew or mold growth
- Holes, scratches, or dents
- Increasing space between tiles or planks
- Spots that feel loose or unstable
- Water damage
- Heightened squeakiness
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.