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5 Best Flooring Companies in Wauwatosa, WI
The best flooring company in Wauwatosa is Floor Coverings International.
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- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
Captivating, time-honored neighborhoods define Wauwatosa, and residents strive to preserve the community's history. Whether you're restoring original hardwood floors or replacing aging carpet, a nearby flooring installer can help you get the job done. Begin your flooring company search with these Wauwatosa, WI providers.
5 Best Flooring Companies in Wauwatosa
Brands are algorithmically curated from a database of local service providers near you. We require a minimum number of Google reviews and average ratings for provider inclusion.
Floor Coverings International
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 265 reviews
LL Flooring
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 133 reviews
Install Carpet LLC
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 16 reviews
FLOOR360
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 67 reviews
Stu's Flooring
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 61 reviews
Facts about Wauwatosa
- Average Max Temperature:53°F
- Average Min Temperature:41°F
- Average Daily Precipitation:0.09”
- Median Home Size:1,497 sqft
- Homeownership Rate:49%
- Most Popular Flooring Type:Hardwood
Popular Types of Flooring
Flooring varies greatly in price and design. Here's what to know about each type.
Hardwood Flooring
Homebuyers across Wauwatosa seek out hardwood flooring for its beauty and durability. It's available in several varieties to accommodate different designs, from oak and maple to walnut and cherry. However, it's among the priciest of 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 bathrooms, basements, or laundry rooms.
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 feel more hollow to walk on, and the slender 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 budget-friendly 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 chips easily and is susceptible to moisture damage.
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 strength and longevity depending on the model you buy. Vinyl flooring installation cost sits comfortably between wood and laminate.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is another timeless-looking, robust option. Like vinyl, it requires minimal maintenance and is easy to clean. As such, it's perfect 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 depends on the material you choose, with porcelain being more expensive than ceramic.
Stone Flooring
Granite, sandstone, travertine, and marble aren't just for the outdoors. Inside, they can give you a bold look and unparalleled water resistance. Despite its unique flair, it's not easy to clean, and long-term maintenance could be a bit more expensive.
Linoleum Flooring
With proper maintenance, linoleum floors can endure for years. It is an affordable choice with many alternatives for personalization. However, it can easily become damaged and has been known to lose its original coloring when exposed to direct sunlight. Direct sunlight also leads linoleum to lose color over time, and it might not work well for damp locations.
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 gets rid of concerns about scratches or dents, and the extra padding is much safer for young children. However, carpet requires time and effort to keep clean, especially if you have pets. The fibrous material grips stains, dampness, smells, and allergens.
How to Choose a Wauwatosa Flooring Company
Choosing the right installer will impact 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 Yelp, Trustpilot, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see what previous clients have to say. Even the best flooring installers will have both positive and negative reviews. Look for how a business responds to 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 argumentative 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 previous work. We recommend requesting a copy so you can examine the crew's workmanship. Portfolios might also include references from past customers. Request their contact information so you can discuss their interactions and thoughts about the company.
Specialization and Services
Look for a provider that specializes in the type of flooring you're interested in. For example, a crew might be experienced with carpet but not stone. A contractor's service offerings can also make a difference. At the very least, you should choose a provider that offers to haul away your old flooring materials. However, installers can also offer hardwood refinishing or design consultations.
Cost
While cost shouldn't be the most important factor when choosing a flooring company, it's still important to find one that respects 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
Flooring services typically come with a pair of warranties. The first one, issued by the manufacturer, covers the product itself. The second backs the installation company's workmanship. Depending on the installer and flooring brand you pick, warranty coverage could be limited to a fixed term. In other instances, it continues for the life of the floor. Ask an installer about its warranty terms, including extensions that could give you longer coverage.
Estimated Timeline
Time management is critical for 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 guarantees it'll finish the job by a certain deadline, get that guarantee in writing and communicate your expectations clearly as the work progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions about Flooring in Wauwatosa
Generally, flooring replacement costs in Wauwatosa range from $0.60 to $4.00 per square foot. An estimate will factor in your space's size, the style of floor you'd like, and the job's complexity. You can discover the best price by requesting multiple estimates and comparing them side by side.
According to local data, the majority of Wauwatosa homes use more than one flooring material. However, hardwood is ultimately the most popular choice.
In Wisconsin, flooring companies must be certified Dwelling Contractors. This credential, issued by the Department of Safety and Professional Services, shows that a business is financially responsible, holds a surety bond, and carries liability insurance as required by law. Each crew member must also hold a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier license demonstrating sufficient knowledge and experience.
If you're updating a kitchen floor, we suggest choosing a moisture-resistant option like vinyl or tile.
Here are a few signs it's time to replace your old flooring:
- Uncontrollable mildew or mold growth
- Holes, scratches, or dents
- Increasing space between tiles or planks
- Spots that feel loose or unstable
- Water damage
- Heightened squeakiness