1. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Flooring Company
- Reputation: Look for companies with strong customer reviews and years of experience.
- Warranties: A one-year installation warranty is standard; avoid companies without guarantees.
- Consultations: Many companies offer in-home consultations to discuss flooring options.
2. Types of Flooring and Costs
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Hardwood
- Cost: $3 - $6/sq. ft. (before installation).
- Pros: Classic, customizable, long-lasting.
- Cons: Expensive, requires maintenance.
- Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and offices.
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Laminate
- Cost: $1 - $5/sq. ft. (before installation).
- Pros: Affordable, durable, good for DIY projects.
- Cons: Prone to chipping, less moisture-resistant.
- Best for: Homes with kids or pets, high-traffic areas.
-
Tile
- Cost: $3 - $6/sq. ft. (before installation).
- Pros: Durable, variety of materials (porcelain, ceramic, stone).
- Cons: Some require resealing, can stain.
- Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, and high-moisture areas.
-
Carpet
- Cost: $2 - $15/sq. ft. (before installation).
- Pros: Warm, absorbs noise, quick installation.
- Cons: Stains easily, traps allergens.
- Best for: Bedrooms, closets, and living rooms.
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Vinyl
- Cost: $1 - $5/sq. ft. (before installation).
- Pros: Waterproof, low-maintenance, mimics wood or tile.
- Cons: Not eco-friendly, sensitive to sunlight.
- Best for: Kitchens, laundry rooms, and high-traffic areas.
3. Customization Options
- Design Tools: Some companies allow you to design floors online or in-store.
- Best Materials for Customization: Carpet tiles and ceramic/porcelain tiles are ideal for unique designs.
4. Installation Considerations
- Insurance and Bonding: Ensure installers are insured to protect against faulty work or injuries.
- Fees: Ask about charges for delivery, furniture moving, and disposal of old flooring.
- Warranties: Confirm what's covered and ensure you follow cleaning and maintenance guidelines.
5. Financing Options
- Specialty Credit Cards: Often include interest-free periods; ensure you pay off the balance in time.
- Loans: Offered through dealers or banks, typically requiring a small down payment.
- Terms: Read the fine print for interest rates and minimum purchase amounts.
6. Customer Insights
- Positives: Punctual service and speedy installations earn high ratings.
- Negatives: Complaints are often related to reliability issues and refund processes.
7. Pro Tip for Homeowners
- Hardwood and natural stone tiles offer the best resale value, while refinishing existing hardwood provides a 147% return on investment, according to the National Association of Realtors.
Choosing the right flooring company and material depends on your budget, room usage, and style preferences.
Top Flooring Companies
1. Mohawk Flooring
- History: Established in 1878, Mohawk is the world's largest flooring company.
- Products: Carpets, area rugs, hardwood, tile, laminate, and vinyl.
- Features:
- Family-friendly carpets resistant to stains and wear.
- Lifetime stain warranties on many carpets.
- Focus on environmental sustainability with recycled and renewable materials.
- Availability: Products sold through retail partners nationwide.
- Brands: Includes Pergo, Karastan, Daltile, and more.
2. Empire Today
- History: Founded in 1959, Empire Today is available in most U.S. states.
- Products: Carpet, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, tile, and even window treatments.
- Features:
- Offers outdoor carpeting for porches and patios.
- Financing options include 12-month interest-free or 48 months at 9.99%.
- Lifetime warranties on some products.
- Next-day installation options.
- Installation: Completed by independent contractors.
3. LL Flooring (Lumber Liquidators)
- History: Founded in 1993 with a focus on affordable, direct-from-mill flooring.
- Products: Hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and eco-friendly options like bamboo and cork.
- Features:
- Price-match guarantee within seven days of purchase.
- Environmentally conscious sourcing practices.
- Offers a blog with tips and ideas for flooring projects.
- Customer Support: Live chat for online inquiries.
4. HardwoodBargains.com
- History: Launched in 2008, focused on providing manufacturer-priced hardwood.
- Products: Solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, laminate, and vinyl.
- Features:
- Free FedEx-shipped samples.
- Personalized customer service with assigned specialists.
- Eco-friendly commitment by planting two trees for every one used.
- Custom flooring options for orders over 500 sq. ft.
5. Luna Flooring
- Products: Carpet, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and tile.
- Features:
- Love Your Floors Promise: Free replacement within 30 days if dissatisfied.
- 110% Low Price Guarantee: Refunds 110% of the difference if competitors beat their price.
- Free in-home consultations for viewing samples.
- Financing: Easy-to-use online application for financing options.
6. Pergo
- History: Developed plastic laminate flooring in 1979.
- Products: Laminate, solid hardwood, and engineered hardwood.
- Features:
- DIY-friendly installation options.
- Limited warranties (5 - 10 years depending on location).
- Available through major retailers like Home Depot and Lowe's.
7. Flooring America
- Structure: Nationwide chain of locally owned stores.
- Focus: Affordable, high-quality flooring for all budgets.
8. Mirage Floors
- Reputation: Award-winning Canadian manufacturer recognized for quality.
- Products: Hardwood floors in various species (e.g., maple, walnut, mahogany).
- Features:
- 35-year finish warranty.
- Online ordering of samples and maintenance products.
- Sustainable practices like wood and waste recycling.
9. Floors To Go
- History: Established in 1976 with locations nationwide.
- Products: Carpet, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, tile, and area rugs.
- Features:
- 60-day satisfaction guarantee: Free replacement including labor costs.
- Exclusive lifetime warranties for certain products.
10. Bella Cera Flooring
- Specialty: Eco-friendly hardwood flooring with handcrafted designs.
- Products: Solid and engineered hardwood, carpet, laminate, tile, and bamboo.
- Features:
- Environmentally conscious practices.
- Unique finishes developed with Valspar to enhance texture and color.
Pro Tips:
- Custom Options: Mohawk, Bella Cera, and HardwoodBargains.com stand out for offering unique finishes and designs.
- Best for Budget-Friendly Options: LL Flooring and Luna Flooring have competitive pricing and guarantees.
- Sustainability: Bella Cera and Mirage Floors lead in eco-friendly practices.
Choosing the right flooring company depends on your budget, design preferences, and need for warranties or eco-friendly materials.
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