Popular Types of Flooring
Whether you're looking for something bold and lively or subtle and elegant, 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 maple, walnut, oak, 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 restore its finish every few years. Since it's susceptible to water damage, it's also not suitable for bathrooms, basements, or laundry rooms.
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood gives you the aesthetic of hardwood without the demand for regular maintenance. They use a plywood base 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 once. That said, its lower propensity to warp could still make it a worthy 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 resilience against scratches and simplifies cleaning. However, it chips easily and is susceptible to moisture damage.
Vinyl Flooring
Maintenance with vinyl floors is as simple as it gets. You can purchase them in luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or luxury vinyl tile (LVT) styles, with each option equally strong. They also come at a budget-friendly price point, somewhere between laminate and engineered wood.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas. It provides years of life with little need for maintenance, and is available in many materials, colors, and patterns. However, it might not work well for living rooms and bedrooms since it's cooler and more slippery to walk on. Pricing fluctuates between styles, with porcelain carrying a higher price tag than ceramic.
Stone Flooring
Granite, travertine, sandstone, and marble 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 linseed oil and cork and can last for many years if cared for 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 areas with excess moisture like kitchens and bathrooms.
Carpet
Of all flooring options, carpet is one of the most affordable. It lends a homey feel to a room and muffles noise effectively. Unlike hard floors, carpet gets rid of 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 retains stains, dampness, smells, and pollen, making it less suitable for allergy sufferers.
How to Choose a Beaumont Flooring Company
Choosing a floor covering provider is just as critical as choosing a design. To ensure you get the most value, consider each of 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), Trustpilot, Google, and Yelp. Even the best flooring installers will have both positive and negative reviews. Look for how a business handles complaints and interacts with others. If it strives for a satisfactory resolution and acts in good faith, that's an encouraging sign. However, if it's dismissive or has a high negative-to-positive review ratio, it's wise to avoid working with it.
Portfolio and References
A trusted flooring company will be excited 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 former customers. Once you have their contact information, get in touch and ask about their experiences.
Specialization and Services
Look for a provider that specializes in the type of flooring you're interested in. For example, a crew might be experienced with carpet but not tile. 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, material, and color choices, you can also look for installers with design teams.
Cost
Cost is vital 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 ease the process.
Warranties and Guarantees
Flooring services typically come with two warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the materials. The second covers the installers' workmanship. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you pick, warranty protection could be limited to a fixed term. In other instances, it continues 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 work to last longer than needed. Get an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Communicate your expectations clearly and secure any guarantees in writing.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring in Beaumont
What are the best flooring installation prices?
See our guides to how much each flooring type typically costs:
What are some of the most popular types of flooring in Beaumont?
Do Beaumont flooring companies need to be licensed?
How do I decide which flooring material is right?
Other questions to consider are the following:
- Does the room see a lot of moisture or foot traffic?
- What style best compliments my walls, furniture, and millwork?
- What are the long-term benefits of choosing one material over another?
What are the telltale signs I need to replace my floor?
- 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.