Popular Types of Flooring
Whether you're looking for something subtle and elegant 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 options including cherry, walnut, oak, maple, and more, it can fit any design without sacrificing durability. Despite its allure, 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 gives you the beauty of hardwood without the strict maintenance. They use a plywood substrate with a layer of real hardwood on top – ultimately cutting your costs. While it's more resistant to warping versus true hardwood, it can sound 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
Maintenance with vinyl floors is as simple as it gets. You can purchase them in luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) styles, with each option equally durable. They also come at an affordable price point, somewhere between laminate and engineered wood.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is excellent for kitchens, bathrooms, and other moisture-prone areas. It offers years of life with minimal maintenance needs, and is available in many materials, patterns, and colors. However, it requires intensive prep work before installation and can be cool and sleek to walk on. Pricing depends on the material you choose, 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, sandstone, travertine, and granite. 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 damage, and it's known to fade with sunlight 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 homey and is great for reducing sound. You don’t have to fret about scratches or dents, and the cushioning makes it a safer choice for kids. However, the fibrous material easily retains stains, moisture, and odors, which isn't ideal for pet owners or allergy sufferers.
How to Choose a West Jordan 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 most crucial thing to research about any flooring company is its reputation. Check review sites like Google, Yelp, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see what previous clients have to say. Every flooring provider 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 outright complaints than compliments, it's better to avoid working with it.
Portfolio and References
Most flooring companies keep portfolios of their previous work. We recommend requesting a copy so you can study the crew's handiwork. It's also good practice to ask for references from former customers. Once you have their contact information, contact them to ask about their experiences.
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 a provider'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 matches your budget. We recommend getting quotes from three to five companies to compare labor costs. You can do this fully online or by requesting free in-home estimates.
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. While some 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
Time management is critical for a successful flooring job. Before you agree to work with a company, ask for an estimated timeline and inquire about what delays could impact the project. If a company commits to finishing the job by a certain deadline, get that guarantee in writing and convey your expectations clearly as the work progresses.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring in West Jordan
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 West Jordan?
What are the licensing laws for West Jordan flooring companies?
Could I save money by buying flooring online?
How do I choose the right flooring material for my space?
Other questions to consider include:
- 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?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.