Popular Types of Flooring
Whether you're looking for something bold and lively or elegant and subtle, there's a floor for you. Discover the most essential details about each type to guide your decision making.
Hardwood Flooring
Homebuyers across The Woodlands seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from oak and maple to cherry and walnut. 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 wood cleaners. The more time you invest in maintenance, the longer your floors will last.
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood offers you the timeless look and resilience of hardwood without the extra maintenance. Typically, it uses a layer of real hardwood attached to a plywood substrate. While it's more resistant to warping versus true hardwood, it sounds more hollow to walk on and can't be refinished more than once.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate floors come in tile and wood finishes, but they all have a particle board base. A strong plastic coating gives them scratch resistance and simplifies cleaning. However, it's more susceptible to water damage and chipping.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring has superior moisture and fading resistance and is easy to maintain. Popular options include luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP), with both having equal strength 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 perfect for areas prone to moisture like kitchens and bathrooms. However, it requires intensive prep work before installation and can be cool and sleek to walk on. Pricing depends on the material you select, with porcelain being more expensive than ceramic.
Stone Flooring
Stone floors are among the most waterproof available. You can choose from a variety of bold design options, including marble, granite, travertine, and sandstone. 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 a cost-effective option with many design possibilities. However, the softer material is easier to damage, 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 cozy feel to a room and reduces 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 a good amount of 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 The Woodlands Flooring Company
Choosing the appropriate installer will impact 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, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Trustpilot to see what previous clients have to say. Even the most reliable 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 combative or has a high negative-to-positive review ratio, it's wise 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 look over the crew's workmanship. It's also good practice to ask for references from past customers. Once you have their contact information, reach out to ask about their experiences.
Specialization and Services
Look for an installer that specializes in the type of flooring you're interested in. For example, a crew might be experienced with carpet but not stone. An installer'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, companies can also offer hardwood refinishing or design advisory.
Cost
While price shouldn't be the most important factor when choosing a flooring company, it's still important to find one that matches your budget. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies to compare labor costs. You can do this fully online or by requesting complimentary on-site estimates.
Warranties and Guarantees
Flooring services typically come with two warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the product itself. The other covers the installation company's workmanship. While a few manufacturers and contractors have lifetime warranties, most are still restricted 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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The Woodlands Flooring FAQ
How much will it cost to install a new floor in The Woodlands?
Generally, flooring installation costs in The Woodlands fall within $0.60 to $4.00 per square foot. An estimate will factor in your space's size, the kind of floor you'd like, and the job's complexity. You can find the best price by requesting multiple estimates and comparing them side by side.
See our guides to how much each flooring type typically costs:
- How Much Does Vinyl Flooring Installation Cost?
- How Much Does Hardwood Flooring Cost?
- How Much Does Laminate Flooring Installation Cost?
What are some of the most popular types of flooring in The Woodlands?
According to local data, most The Woodlands homes use more than one flooring material. However, tile is ultimately the most popular choice.
What are the licensing laws for The Woodlands flooring companies?
While Texas doesn't require flooring companies to get a state license, many local communities still issue licenses of their own. We recommend contacting the The Woodlands city hall early in your search to learn about the relevant regulations. Even if a city doesn't require a license, you can still ask a company about its trade group memberships and accreditations, both of which can show experience and a good reputation in the industry.
Who is the largest flooring manufacturer?
As of 2023, Mohawk is the country's largest flooring manufacturer. They produce vinyl, carpet, laminate, and engineered wood coverings.
How long does it usually take to install a floor in The Woodlands?
A simple vinyl floor installation could take just a few days. Something more intricate, like tile, could require up to a week of work. Your installer will give you an estimated timeline based on the experience of the crew, your room's size, and the specific flooring type you've purchased.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.