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
Homebuyers across Corpus Christi seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from maple and oak 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 durability and look of hardwood without the extra maintenance. Typically, it consists of a layer of real hardwood attached to a plywood substrate. Despite the lower retail cost, it might sound 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 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's more susceptible to water damage and chipping.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring has excellent water and fading resistance and requires minimal upkeep. Popular options include luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP), 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 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. Pricing varies between styles, with porcelain carrying a higher price tag than ceramic.
Stone Flooring
Stone floors are among the most waterproof available. You can choose from a variety of bold design options, including marble, sandstone, granite, and travertine. However, like hardwood, it can be expensive and difficult to clean.
Linoleum Flooring
Linoleum is made from cork and linseed oil and can last for decades 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 discolor with sun 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 homey feel to a room and reduces noise effectively. Unlike hard floors, carpet eliminates 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, smells, and pollen, making it less suitable for allergy sufferers.
How to Choose a Corpus Christi Flooring Company
Choosing a flooring company is just as influential 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. Check review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see what previous clients have to say. Every flooring contractor will have a mix of praise and criticism online. If a company resolves complaints 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 avoid working with it.
Portfolio and References
Most flooring companies keep portfolios of their past projects. We recommend requesting a copy so you can study the crew's craftsmanship. Portfolios might also include references from past customers. Don't hesitate to 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. A contractor's service offerings can also make a difference. At the very least, you should choose a provider that offers to dispose of your old flooring materials. However, businesses can also offer hardwood refinishing or design consultations.
Cost
Cost is vital to consider, but it should be less important than quality in your decision-making 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 floor itself. The other covers the installation crew's workmanship. While some 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. Request an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Express your expectations clearly and get any guarantees in writing.
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Flooring Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring in Corpus Christi
How much will it cost to install a new floor in Corpus Christi?
See our guides to how much each flooring type typically costs: