Best Flooring Companies

Flooring can make a huge difference in the atmosphere of your home, and a good floor can also improve your home’s overall value. To choose the right flooring for your space, start by evaluating each room — not every type of flooring is best for every type of room.

Hardwood

Hardwood brings warmth and natural beauty to a space, and it’s highly customizable. It comes in several different species and stains, with all kinds of features to choose from. However, it’s more expensive, typically costing around $6 to $25 per square foot.

Types of hardwood flooring

There are different grades of hardwood flooring, including:

• Clear hardwood: This is the highest grade of hardwood flooring. It tends to be the most uniform in size and appearance.
• Select and better hardwood: This hardwood has uniform color and few visible imperfections.
• No. 1 common hardwood: This option has a higher chance of showing imperfections and varies in board color and length.
• No. 2 common hardwood: This type of flooring has notable color variation and imperfections like knots and pinholes.
• Cabin-style hardwood: Cabin-style hardwood has a rough-hewn appearance with checking and unfilled knots and wormholes.
• Shorts: These have the highest concentration of color variation, imperfections and other visual characteristics.

Hardwood customization options

Here are some hardwood customization options to consider:

• Wood species: There’s a variety of tree species used to make hardwood flooring, including oak, walnut, ash and maple. Exotic woods like Brazilian cherry or teak, mahogany and tigerwood may be harder to find and more expensive.
• Plank size: Plank sizes used to be fairly straightforward, with most planks measuring either 2 to 3 inches wide, but current flooring trends lean toward wider planks of anywhere from 4 to 6 inches, depending on the style and size of the space.
• Grain pattern: The grain pattern is determined by the species of tree and the method used to saw it, such as plain sawn, quarter sawn, rift sawn or live sawn. Compare styles and availability with your flooring company before committing.

Engineered hardwood, which uses layers of hardwood and plywood, has the same look and finish as true hardwood floors, but its materials and installation typically cost less. However, it has a shorter life span, so hardwood is better if you want longevity and can afford the investment.

Best uses for hardwood

Hardwood floors can work well in almost every room, but they tend to be best in:

• Entryways
• Living rooms
• Dining rooms
• Bedrooms
• Offices

Although the risk of spills or nicks might deter you from installing hardwood floors in your kitchen, there are new sealants and finishes that can help repel water on wood.

Hardwood pros and cons

Some of the pros and cons of hardwood include:

What’s the best flooring for the money?

Although it’s expensive, hardwood flooring is a classic choice that can improve your home’s value. If you’re trying to sell your home or increase its overall worth, hardwood flooring is definitely worth considering.

Laminate

Plastic laminate is easy to install and comes in many different faux finishes and colors that resemble natural wood and stone. It’s also a more affordable alternative to hardwood or tile floors, only costing about $3 to $15 per square foot. However, it doesn’t have the long lifespan of other floor types because it’s prone to chipping.

Laminate flooring thickness

Laminate flooring is typically 8 or 12 millimeters thick, and both options have advantages and disadvantages. Decide which is best for you based on the following:

• Price: 8-millimeter laminate is more affordable.
• Durability: 12-millimeter laminate tends to be more durable.
• Feel: 12-millimeter laminate has a foot feel similar to hardwood floors.

Best uses for laminate

Laminate flooring is a great option for homes with:

• Pets
• Kids
• Frequent foot traffic

Since laminate is susceptible to moisture damage, it’s best to avoid it in moisture-prone areas, like laundry rooms and kitchens, unless you invest in a waterproof or water-resistant option.

Laminate pros and cons

Some of the pros and cons of laminate include:

Tile

Tile comes in many forms and styles, from natural stone options like marble and limestone to decorative styles like cement or glass tiles. Each type has benefits and common uses, and some tiles are better suited for certain spaces. Depending on the tile you get, you might spend $15 to $20 per square foot.

Types of tile

Some types of tile and their popular uses include:

• Cement tile: Cement tile is long-lasting and durable, as long as it’s properly installed and maintained, making it a great fit for small spaces like laundry rooms or entryways. Cement tile also typically features art or designs with Mission- or Moroccan-style influences.
• Ceramic tile: Ceramic tile is an affordable alternative to porcelain tile, but it isn’t as durable. It’s also more porous, so it’s not ideal to install it in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms or outdoor living areas.
• Glass tile: Glass tile comes in an array of colors and patterns, including classic subway styles and intricate mosaic designs. It has a light-reflecting effect, which can make a small room seem larger. It’s impervious to water, so it doesn’t stain, making it a good option for bathrooms. Glass tiles can be slippery, but using small tiles helps curb slipperiness.
• Natural stone tiles: Natural stone tiles are luxurious and fit a variety of spaces, from bathrooms to kitchens. Because they’re made of an all-natural material, they tend to be more expensive. Popular options include marble, limestone and slate.
• Porcelain tile: Porcelain tile is dense and less porous, so it’s popular for bathrooms. Many porcelain floor tiles are manufactured to mimic natural stone and wood, so it’s a durable alternative to flooring types that may not be suitable for high-moisture areas.

Best uses for tile

Tile is a great flooring option for almost any space thanks to its variety of materials and styles. It’s typically best for rooms like:

• Bathrooms
• Laundry rooms
• Entryways
• Kitchens

Tile pros and cons

Some of the pros and cons of tile include:

Carpeting

Carpet is one of the most popular flooring materials. Some retailers sell carpeting that can be used outdoors, and you can also buy carpet tiles, which let you mix colors and patterns to create a unique design. Carpet prices range widely, costing anywhere from $3 to $15 per square foot.

Carpet quality

Use the following factors to determine carpet quality:

• Face weight: This is the weight of the carpet pile per square yard, measured in ounces.
• Density: The density is how close the fibers are stitched into the carpet backing.
• Type of fiber: This is the natural or synthetic fiber that’s used in the carpet’s construction.
• Fiber twist: This is the number of times the fiber strands are twisted together.
• Style: Common styles include Berber, frieze, saxony and cut-and-loop.

Fabric twist is a better indicator of carpeting quality than weight. Uncut carpet piles are good for high-traffic areas and resist stains well.

Carpet material

Nylon is the most durable indoor carpet material, which means it withstands general use and cleaning better than other options on the market. However, nylon is also susceptible to staining. Be sure to find out if your nylon carpet includes a stain-resistant treatment before buying.

Best uses for carpet

Carpet is a great flooring choice for:

• Bedrooms
• Closets
• Living rooms
• Offices

Carpet pros and cons

Some of the pros and cons of carpet include:

Vinyl flooring

Vinyl flooring is waterproof and comes in a variety of looks, styles and forms. There are even scratch-resistant varieties, making it ideal for heavy-traffic rooms. It has a long life span of up to 25 years if it’s properly cared for. Most vinyl flooring costs between $2 and $15 per square foot.

Types of vinyl flooring

Vinyl flooring comes in a wide variety of styles, sizes and forms.

• Styles: Vinyl flooring can come in wood and tile lookalikes like luxury vinyl tile (LVT), luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and sheet vinyl.
• Size: Vinyl flooring thickness generally ranges from 2 to 8 millimeters. The thicker your vinyl floors are, the more expensive they’ll be.
• Forms: Vinyl flooring can be purchased in a variety of forms, including sheets, planks and tiles.

Best uses for vinyl flooring

Because it’s waterproof and easy to clean, vinyl flooring is great for:

• Laundry rooms
• Kitchens
• Game rooms
• Living rooms
• High foot traffic areas

Vinyl pros and cons

Some of the pros and cons of vinyl include:

Certain flooring may fit your aesthetic more than others, but choosing flooring isn’t just a matter of taste and style — you’ll also have to consider costs and financing options.

While some flooring and carpet companies specialize in discount products, others position themselves in the upscale market. When determining your budget, be sure to understand all pricing considerations.

• Seasonal sales: Smart shoppers can take advantage of seasonal sales to purchase materials for less.
• Measurements: Carpet is traditionally priced by the square yard, but many retailers now advertise square-foot prices. When shopping, make sure all products are priced with the same square-area calculation.
• Resale value: If properly maintained, solid hardwood floors typically add more to a home’s resale value than any other type of flooring.
• Energy bills: Most flooring won’t dramatically affect your energy costs. Carpeting has more insulation value if installed over dense polyurethane foam padding, while stone and tile feel cool in the summer and can hold and radiate heat in the winter if installed over a radiant-heat system.

» CALCULATE: Home remodeling ROI: Costs vs. value

2. Compare flooring material options

Some manufacturers make just one or two types of flooring, while others offer a broader range of products. And although there are retailers who focus on one product category, most stores sell and install virtually every type of flooring.

Some of the most common types of flooring include:

• Hardwood: You can sand and refinish solid hardwood floors so they don't have to be replaced. Engineered hardwoods are easier to install and come in more wood species and colors.
• Ceramic, porcelain and stone tile: These materials are durable and waterproof when properly installed. They’re popular in bathrooms, kitchens and foyers.
• Carpet: Carpeting offers soundproofing, insulation, affordability and warmth, and it’s quick and easy to install.

Should you customize your flooring?

You can design your own floors or hire a company to design them for you. Dealers can customize flooring using photos, sketches and artwork provided by homeowners. You can also use online tools to help you design the style, color and pattern.

Note that certain flooring materials, like carpet tiles and ceramic and porcelain tiles, are more customizable than other options.

3. Take home flooring samples

Flooring samples let you see the color, thickness, construction and quality of the flooring before purchasing it. When evaluating samples, consider the following:

• Price: Flooring samples are usually free from many companies, while others may charge anywhere from $3 to $20 per sample or sample kit.
• Availability: Most retailers have flooring samples on hand for you to take home, while manufacturers and online sellers will ship samples to you.
• Analysis: You should consider texture, style and color when comparing samples. You can also test them to see how easily they scratch, dent and stain.

Several companies offer free flooring installation, while others subcontract the job to third parties. Never assume a seller will take care of the flooring installation. Get it in writing and ask about the following:

• Insurance: Installers should be insured and bonded to show homeowners they meet minimum standards and have coverage in the case of a faulty installation or worker injury. Being bonded offers protection if an installer fails to finish the job.
• Fees: Be sure to ask if there are any additional charges for delivery, moving furniture, furniture removal and disposal of old flooring.
• Warranty: Many installations come with warranties, which provide varying coverage levels for various lengths of time. A homeowner might risk voiding their warranty if they alter the flooring after installation or improperly maintain it.

5. Decide if you should finance

Dealers frequently offer financing through specialty credit cards. Others provide financing through loans, either their own or through local banks. Here’s what you should factor in when considering financing options:

• Interest-free offers: Interest-free offers are a good idea if you know you can pay off the bill before the term expires. If you can’t, expect high interest charges.
• Interest rates: Local flooring and carpet companies often charge higher interest rates than national companies, so read the loan terms carefully.
• Requirements: Loans typically require a down payment ranging from 1% to 10% and a minimum purchase amount. Store credit cards tend to require minimum purchase amounts but no down payments.

» MORE: How to choose a home remodeling contractor