Services Offered by Flooring Companies
Flooring companies offer numerous services, from new installations to repairs and maintenance. Below is what you can expect from flooring contractors.
Flooring Installation
A local contractor can help you install a new floor in your home. A more generalized contractor may be the best choice if you’re still deciding on the materials you want. However, you’re better off with a specialist if you want something specific. Some flooring companies may specialize in installing certain materials. For example, stretching carpet is a substantially different process from laying hardwood.
Flooring Repair
Flooring contractors have varying levels of experience with repairing different flooring materials. Most good flooring contractors will be able to make repairs to subfloors, baseboards, and joists.
Flooring Maintenance
Every flooring material needs some maintenance. Laminate may need resealing or plank replacement, tiles may need regrouting, and hardwood floors will eventually need polishing and refinishing. Good flooring contractors will help you understand what you need to do to maintain your floors after installation.
Flooring Removal and Disposal
Tearing up and removing flooring materials can sometimes be a do-it-yourself (DIY) job, but if you’re having your flooring professionally replaced, you can have the contractors do this for you. You won’t have to worry about damaging your subfloor or transporting large rolls of old carpet to the dump after a professional installation.
Factors To Consider When Choosing a Flooring Company
Consider the following factors when comparing local flooring contractors:
- Cost: We recommend getting quotes from at least three flooring installers to get a better idea of the price range in your area. Be wary of companies that charge much less than average, as this could mean they’re likely to do subpar work.
- Expertise: Ask about a company’s years of experience and what training its installers receive. Make sure an installer has experience with the particular type of flooring you want.
- Licensing: Some states require contractors to have a flooring license to install or repair floors. See if your state is one of these and ask for proof of up-to-date licensure. All contractors should also be insured and bonded.
- Reputation and reviews: Ask friends and family for recommendations. You can search the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website for well-reviewed flooring contractors near you. You can see more customer reviews on reputable sites like Trustpilot or Google Reviews.
- Warranties: Flooring material manufacturers typically offer warranties on their products, and many flooring installers offer guarantees on their workmanship. Always be sure to get guarantees or warranties in writing.
How Much Does Flooring Cost?
New flooring costs anywhere from $1.50–$30 per square foot, but the final price will depend on your chosen materials.* Some materials, such as vinyl and laminate, are DIY-friendly, but others, such as hardwood and stone, require professional installation. Here are some common materials, their benefits and drawbacks, and installation cost per square foot.
- Carpet ($3–$22): Carpet comes in many fibers, textures, and styles and tends to last for about 15 years. Some drawbacks are that it requires regular cleaning and can cause problems for people with respiratory issues.
- Hardwood flooring ($4–$29): Hardwood floors can last 100 years or more and have a high resale value if properly installed and maintained. Unfortunately, they’re expensive to install, prone to scratches, and require refinishing every 5–10 years.
- Laminate flooring ($1.70–$17): Laminate flooring typically has a core of compressed wood fibers layered between a sealed wear layer and underlayment. Laminate is inexpensive and can last up to 30 years, but it’s difficult to repair and susceptible to water damage.
- Linoleum flooring ($1.50–$20): True linoleum is somewhat rare, but it’s still available in a limited range of colors and designs. It can last up to 40 years but often yellows or develops a patina as it ages.
- Stone flooring ($7–$27): Natural stone, such as travertine, sandstone, and marble, can be used as flooring. These options are highly durable and can last a lifetime, but they may need special cleaning and sealing and are expensive to install.
- Tile flooring ($3–$30): Ceramic flooring tile is versatile, highly water-resistant, and easy to clean. These floors can last a lifetime if cared for properly. However, the grout between tiles can be a weak point, so you'll need to regrout and reseal the tiles occasionally.
- Vinyl flooring ($1.50–$20): Made of multiple layers of synthetic materials, including PVC and a printed image, vinyl can mimic the look of many other flooring at a substantially lower price point. The trade-off is life span, as vinyl flooring only lasts 10–20 years.
Expert Tips By
This Old House empowers homeowners with the knowledge and tools they need to tackle various projects and navigate the complexities of homeownership.
FAQ's About Flooring Companies Near Me
How long does it take to install flooring?
Most contractors can replace a few floors in a small to medium-sized home in one to three days, but bigger homes with more rooms can take up to two weeks. The type of flooring you choose affects how long your installation takes.
When should you replace your flooring?
How often you need to replace your floors depends on the type of flooring. Carpet and vinyl need replacing every 15 years, but hardwood and natural stone can last 100 years or more.
Can I install flooring myself?
It depends on the flooring. Vinyl tiles and planks will be the easiest to install yourself, and laminate and linoleum are also DIY-friendly. Professionals should install most other flooring options.
What kind of flooring should I choose?
The best type of flooring for your home will depend on your budget, your willingness to perform maintenance tasks, and what you most want from a flooring material.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
Best Flooring Companies Across the U.S.
- New York City, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Brooklyn, NY
- Queens, NY
- Houston, TX
- Manhattan, NY
- Phoenix, AZ
- Philadelphia, PA
- The Bronx, NY
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Dallas, TX
- San Jose, CA
- Austin, TX
- Jacksonville, FL
- Fort Worth, TX
- Columbus, OH
- Indianapolis, IN
- Charlotte, NC
- San Francisco, CA
- Hempstead, NY
- Louisville, KY
- Seattle, WA
- Denver, CO
- Nashville, TN
- Oklahoma City, OK
- El Paso, TX
- Washington, DC
- Boston, MA
- Las Vegas, NV
- Portland, OR
- Detroit, MI
- Memphis, TN
- Baltimore, MD
- Milwaukee, WI
- Albuquerque, NM
- Fresno, CA
- Tucson, AZ
- Sacramento, CA
- Mesa, AZ
- Kansas City, MO
- Atlanta, GA
- Brookhaven, NY
- Omaha, NE
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Staten Island, NY
- Raleigh, NC
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Long Beach, CA
- Miami, FL
- Oakland, CA
- Minneapolis, MN
- Tulsa, OK
- Bakersfield, CA
- Wichita, KS
- Arlington, TX
- Tampa, FL
- Aurora, CO
- New Orleans, LA
- Cleveland, OH
- Anaheim, CA
- Islip, NY
- Stockton, CA
- Henderson, NV
- Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Corpus Christi, TX
- Riverside, CA
- Orlando, FL
- Santa Ana, CA
- Cincinnati, OH
- Newark, NJ
- St. Paul, MN
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Irvine, CA
- Oyster Bay, NY
- Greensboro, NC
- St. Louis, MO
- Lincoln, NE
- Durham, NC
- Plano, TX
- Jersey City, NJ
- Chandler, AZ
- Buffalo, NY
- Chula Vista, CA
- Gilbert, AZ
- North Las Vegas, NV
- Reno, NV
- Toledo, OH
- Madison, WI
- Fort Wayne, IN
- Lubbock, TX
- St. Petersburg, FL
- Laredo, TX
- Irving, TX
- Chesapeake, VA
- Winston-Salem, NC
- Glendale, AZ
- Scottsdale, AZ
- Garland, TX