With all the different materials and styles to choose from, getting a new floor installed should be an exciting process. But so many choices—real linoleum (the safer, natural kind that existed before synthetics), vinyl flooring, laminates, cork or rubber flooring, and a multitude of carpet styles and colors—can make the experience feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to consult with experts who can help you decide exactly what you want and then install it.
Do some preliminary research before you decide on a flooring company. “Make sure the company is licensed,” says Gail Corridan, co-owner of Linoleum Larry’s, Inc. in San Francisco. “The license ensures it’s at least bonded, but you also want to make sure it has adequate liability insurance. It’s surprising how few times residential customers ask these questions.” Contractors who do commercial or city work are required by law to have a substantial minimum coverage.
It’s also perfectly reasonable to ask a company for a list of references. Personal referrals from friends, neighbors and relatives carry a lot of weight, too. Often, if they’ve had a good experience with a contractor, so will you.
Whether you’re looking for a general contractor or someone who specializes in flooring, it’s always a good idea to interview more than one candidate. “It’s important to hire someone with whom you think you’ll have a good relationship,” says Mrs. Corridan. Choose someone you feel you can trust, so you can be sure you’re getting an excellent service and product.
Advantages of linoleum flooring
Linoleum is a tough, durable, natural product that’s warm and quiet when walked on. It’s offered in many different colors and designs, which makes it very versatile. It’s also hypoallergenic, antibacterial and antistatic, so it’s a good choice for home, office or medical facilities. The natural materials in linoleum make it stain resistant, fire retardant and relatively easy to maintain.
Disadvantages of linoleum flooring
Linoleum is susceptible to moisture and can require more maintenance than vinyl flooring. In addition, linoleum can be more expensive than vinyl, and is sometimes manufactured with chemical agents that can affect indoor air quality. Linoleum floors are affected by direct sunlight, and color can fade as a result of prolonged exposure. Most linoleum floors require glue-down installation and aren’t usually recommended for DIY-installers.
