5 Best Flooring Companies in Fond du Lac, WI

If you're one of the many Fond du Lac families with kids, you might be considering a new floor that can resist spills and stand up to after-school activities. With a reliable builder by your side, you'll feel more confident choosing the right design. Begin your flooring company search with these Fond du Lac, WI providers.

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

The appeal of hardwood floors stands the test of time. With options including oak, walnut, maple, cherry, and more, it can fit any design without sacrificing durability. 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 refinish the floor 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 offers you the resilience and timeless design of hardwood without the extra maintenance. Typically, it consists of 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 slender hardwood layer can only be refinished one time. That said, its lower propensity to warp could still make it a sound investment.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate floors come in wood and tile finishes, but they all have a particle board base. A strong plastic coating gives them resilience against scratches and simplifies cleaning. However, it chips easily and is susceptible to moisture damage.

Vinyl Flooring

Maintenance with vinyl floors is a breeze. You can purchase them in luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or luxury vinyl tile (LVT) styles, with each option equally long-lasting. They also come at a budget-friendly price point, somewhere between laminate and engineered wood.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and other moisture-prone areas. It provides years of life with low upkeep requirements, and is available in many patterns, colors, and materials. However, it might not work well for living rooms and bedrooms since it's cooler and less grippy to walk on. The cost differs between styles, with porcelain carrying a higher price tag than ceramic.

Stone Flooring

Granite, marble, sandstone, and travertine aren't just for the outdoors. Inside, they can give you a bold look and unparalleled water resistance. 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 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 a good amount of effort to keep clean, especially if you have pets. The fibrous material holds onto stains, dampness, smells, and allergens.

How to Choose a Fond du Lac Flooring Company

Choosing the right installer makes all the difference for your new floor's longevity. We recommend assessing different companies using 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 Google, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp. Every flooring contractor will have a mix of positive and negative feedback online. If a company addresses issues 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 floor installers keep portfolios of their proudest projects. We recommend requesting a copy so you can examine 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 tile. An installer's service offerings can also make a difference. At the very least, you should choose a provider that will haul away your old flooring materials. However, installers can also offer hardwood refinishing or design consultations.

Cost

While price shouldn't be the most important factor when choosing a flooring provider, it's still important to find one that honors your budget. We recommend getting quotes from at least three companies to compare prices. 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. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you select, warranty coverage could be limited to a fixed term. Other times, it continues 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 project to last longer than expected. Get an estimated timeline up-front and ask about potential delays. Communicate your expectations clearly and secure any guarantees in writing.

Other Flooring Resources

• Best Flooring for Kitchens
• Best Laminate Flooring
• What Is the Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors?

Sources

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics