5 Best Flooring Companies in Norfolk, VA

Popular Types of Flooring

There's a flooring material for every design preference and price point. In this section, we'll break down the most common types.

Hardwood Flooring

Homebuyers across Norfolk seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from cherry and walnut to maple and oak. 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 basements, laundry rooms, or bathrooms.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood provides you the resilience and timeless design of hardwood without the extra maintenance. Typically, it uses a layer of real hardwood fused with 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 easy to clean, scratch-resistant, and available in many different styles and colors. However, it's more susceptible to water damage and chipping.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring has excellent water 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 long-lasting nature depending on the model you buy. Their price point sits comfortably between wood and laminate.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is another classy design that can last for years. Like vinyl, it requires minimal maintenance and is easy to clean. As such, it's an ideal choice for moisture-prone spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. However, it requires intensive prep work before installation and can be cool and slippery to walk on. Pricing relies on the material you pick, 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 granite, sandstone, travertine, and marble. 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 many years if cared for properly. It’s a cost-effective option with many design possibilities. However, the softer material is easier to dent or scratch, and it's known to fade 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 absorbs 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 retains stains, dampness, smells, and pollen, making it less suitable for allergy sufferers.

How to Choose a Norfolk Flooring Company

Choosing the proper installer makes all the difference for your new floor's quality. 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 the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google, Trustpilot, and Yelp 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 strives for 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 advisable to avoid working with it.

Portfolio and References

Most floor installers keep portfolios of their previous work. We recommend requesting a copy so you can examine the crew's craftsmanship. It's also good practice to ask for references from past customers. Once you have their contact information, get in touch and 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 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 companies with design teams.

Cost

While cost shouldn't be the most important factor when choosing a flooring installer, it's still important to find one that matches your budget. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies to compare prices. You can do this fully online or by requesting free in-home 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 crew's workmanship. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you select, 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

Time management is key to a successful flooring job. Before you sign a contract, request an estimated timeline and inquire about what hurdles could impact the project. If a company promises to finish the job by a certain deadline, get that guarantee in writing and convey your expectations clearly as the work progresses.