Popular Types of Flooring
Flooring varies greatly in price and design. Here's what to know about each type.
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. Despite its charm, 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 cleaners. The more time you invest in maintenance, the longer your floors will last.
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood gives you the charm of hardwood without the demand for regular 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 thin hardwood layer can only be refinished one 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 requires minimal upkeep. 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. 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 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 less grippy to walk on. Pricing varies between styles, with porcelain carrying a higher price tag than ceramic.
Stone Flooring
Granite, sandstone, travertine, 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 decades if maintained properly. It’s an economical option with many design possibilities. However, the softer material is easier to dent or scratch, and it's known to discolor with sunlight exposure. It’s also not suitable for moisture-prone spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.
Carpet
Of all flooring options, carpet is one of the most affordable. It lends a comfortable feel to a room and reduces 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 retains stains, dampness, smells, and pollen, making it less suitable for allergy sufferers.
How to Choose a Carrollton Flooring Company
Choosing a floor installer is just as significant 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 deals with 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 dismissive or has a high negative-to-positive review ratio, it's advisable to avoid working with it.
Portfolio and References
Most flooring contractors keep portfolios of their proudest projects. We recommend requesting a copy so you can inspect the crew's craftsmanship. Portfolios might also include references from past customers. Request 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 installers with design teams.
Cost
Cost is important to consider, but it should be less important than quality in your decision-making process. We recommend getting multiple 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
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 coverage could be limited to a fixed term. In other instances, it lasts for the life of the floor. Ask an installer about its warranty terms, including extensions that could give you a few more years of coverage.
Estimated Timeline
You don't want your flooring work to last longer than necessary. Request an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Express your expectations clearly and secure any guarantees in writing.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring in Carrollton
What are the best flooring installation prices?
See our guides to how much each flooring type typically costs:
What's the most popular flooring material in Carrollton?
What are the licensing laws for Carrollton flooring companies?
What flooring manufacturer is the largest?
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.