Help! What Type of Metro Boston Flooring Installation Should I Choose?

Floors are obviously a critical part of the structure of any building, so they need to perform well and provide long-term value. But because they take up so much visual space in every room of your house, appearance is also really important. If you are considering a new Metro Boston flooring installation, the style you choose will have a major impact on the design aesthetic of your home and can even impact your property value.

When it comes to a new flooring project in Metro Boston, one of the biggest questions is what type of material to pick. There's a huge variety of flooring installation options available, so choosing the perfect one for your home and the needs of your household can feel like a big challenge. But it's also really exciting—this is your opportunity to bring your own personal sense of taste into your home in a way that's more permanent and noticeable than furniture or home accessory choices.

Ready for a new residential or commercial flooring installation? Your local Metro Boston handyman team has some expert advice and information on choosing the ideal option for your building, whether it's a family home or a commercial property. Count on the service professionals at Mr. Handyman of Central - Eastern Norfolk County & South Shore for expert workmanship and customer service that goes above and beyond.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Flooring Installation in Metro Boston

If you've already started looking around online or in person at the flooring installation options available in the Metro Boston area, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed. There are just so many possibilities for material, color, texture, pattern and dozens of other factors. But you can actually narrow it down quite a bit to a manageable list of possibilities by asking yourself a few important questions, such as the ones listed here.

What is the Location and Purpose of My Flooring Installation?

This might seem laughably obvious—it's going on the floor and it will be used to stand on. But when you dig a little deeper into this question, it does begin to help steer you toward some options over others.

For example, is your installation going to be in a high-traffic area that is prone to moisture such as a kitchen, bathroom or mudroom? If so, you should avoid materials that are less durable and vulnerable to water damage like hardwood, and look at long-lasting, water-resistance choices such as ceramic tile or luxury vinyl planks.

Or, maybe you love the translucent beauty of glass tile—while it's far too delicate to be walked on, it is the perfect addition to a wall installation such as a backsplash. Considering where in your house the installation is going to be and the specific needs of that area is the first step towards finding a perfect match.

How Much Maintenance Am I Willing to Do?

Floors are made to be sturdy and last for a long time, but some of them are more durable and low-maintenance than others. You may be just fine with some additional maintenance work in exchange for a beautiful installation of your favorite material, but it's a good idea to be honest with yourself about whether you're up to the task of caring for some types.

For instance, natural stone tile such as slate or marble is stunningly gorgeous and pretty much screams “luxury,” but it can be vulnerable to chipping and staining. It also needs to be sealed every few months to keep it looking and functioning at its very best. On the other hand, materials such as ceramic or porcelain tile, or vinyl, may not have the same design cachet as natural stone, but they are extremely durable, virtually maintenance-free and come in a wide variety of style choices (including options that mimic the look of natural stone and hardwood quite convincingly).

Do I Need My Flooring Installation to Be Pet-Friendly?

If you have dogs, cats or other free-roaming pets with sharp nails, it pays to consider flooring options that aren't easily damaged by the click-clack of little claws and paws. Some materials such as hardwood and engineered wood are quite easily scratched up by a pet and it can be frustrating trying to keep your house in great shape when you're finding a new scratch or gouge every other day. Ceramic tile and laminate are better choices that can withstand damage from even the most overenthusiastic pets.

Are Allergies a Concern for My Flooring Installation?

If you or a member of your household suffer from indoor allergies such as dust or pet dander, it's best to cross carpet off your list of possibilities. It's very difficult to keep carpets clean enough to avoid triggering allergies, because dust, hair and all sorts of other substances get into the fibers and can't easily be vacuumed out. A hard, smooth, easy-to-clean material can actually significantly reduce allergy suffering because there's nowhere for allergens to hide.

Do I Want to Include In-Floor Heating?

Are you tired of putting your bare feet on ice-cold floors first thing in the morning (or at any time, really)? When you're getting a new Metro Boston flooring installation, it's the perfect time to think about adding an in-floor heating system. It warms up the floor, but it also helps to heat the entire room by providing heat distribution that rises evenly from the lowest point. If you do decide to go with under-floor heating, ceramic tile, porcelain tile or engineered wood are the best choices to go over top. They are thin and porous enough to allow for adequate heat transfer and won't be damaged by the added warmth.

Do I Need a New Installation, or Just Floor Repairs?

If you are thinking about replacing some old material that has suffered damage or is just looking rather worse for wear, you may be wondering if that's really necessary or if a few repairs would get it back to a normal appearance and function. In our professional experience, the old “repair versus replace” question comes down to the nature and extent of the damage.

If you're only dealing with a relatively minor issue like a chipped tile or a hardwood floor with a couple damaged planks, professional repairs are all you need to get your room looking brand-new again. But if the damage is extensive or severe, like gouges across a whole vinyl floor or numerous cracked and broken tiles, replacing the entire flooring installation is probably going to be less expensive and more effective. Want to know more about repair options? Here are some of the problems you can solve with floor repair services in Metro Boston.

What Style of Flooring Installation Will Work Best In My Home?

Some people think of floors as basically “design neutral,” meaning they don't affect the overall style of the room. Admittedly, a basic hardwood or beige tile can fit into many different design schemes. There are, however, some very distinctive flooring installation choices out there, and some of them can definitely clash with the existing style and décor in your Metro Boston home.

Even one material like hardwood has so many different possibilities. Depending on the type of wood, the color and how it is treated, it can seem rustic and old-fashioned or modern and sophisticated, or fit into dozens of other design categories. On your list of potential options, prioritize the materials that will complement and enhance your current interior design.

Does My Choice Come With a Warranty and Guarantee?

When you are purchasing material for a new installation, check to see if your purchase is covered by a decent warranty. You want to make sure you can get it replaced easily in the unlikely event you happen to get a defective product. Material damage can occur during installation, so it's also a good idea to hire a service professional who is experienced and guarantees their workmanship. At Mr. Handyman of Central - Eastern Norfolk County and South Shore, we only hire the best Metro Boston has to offer, so we're confident our team will get your flooring installation completed correctly and efficiently. That's why we guarantee our workmanship with the Done Right Promise—if it's not done right, we'll make it right. You're in good hands with our team of reliable Metro Boston handyman professionals.

Flooring Installation Materials You Can Choose From in Metro Boston

You may think you know exactly what material you want, but it makes sense to investigate all the possible options as each type has its own pros and cons. Some of the possibilities for flooring installation include:

Tile: ceramic, porcelain, quarry, mosaic, etc.
Carpet
Vinyl
Stone: slate, granite, marble, travertine, etc.
Hardwood: oak, cherry, maple, walnut, or hickory
Engineered wood
Laminate
Linoleum

How Do I Stay on Budget With Metro Boston Flooring Installation?

If you need flooring installation in Metro Boston and you're working with a limited budget, you can keep your expenses manageable by cutting back on your material costs. Don't get us wrong, this isn't about choosing an inferior product—of course you want to use high-quality materials that will stand the test of time. But if you are thinking about getting an expensive luxury material like natural stone or exotic hardwood, you can save a considerable amount of money by going with a less expensive (but still attractive and high-performing) alternative. It is usually possible to get the look and style you want without straining your bank account.

What Type of Metro Boston Flooring Installation is Least Expensive?

It can really pay off to look around a bit for a sale or discount, because you never know what you may be able to find at a reduced price. That being said, vinyl sheeting is generally going to be the least costly choice for properties in Metro Boston. It tends to have an industrial look, so it can be well worth the small increase in price to go with luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or luxury vinyl planks (LVP) instead. The only difference between the two is the shape of the pieces. They are extremely long-lasting and low-maintenance, and they are typically made to mimic the look of hardwood planks or natural stone tiles. In fact, they are often indistinguishable from natural materials, so they don't sacrifice the design aesthetic of your home.

What Needs to Be Done Before Metro Boston Flooring Installation Service?

After you schedule your flooring installation and before the day of service, there are a few things that need to be taken care of in the room that is getting a new floor surface. Naturally the furniture needs to be moved out of the room, but there are other considerations that many homeowners don't know about. Here's a checklist of what needs to be done prior to Metro Boston flooring installation:

Remove delicate, breakable items from the room, such as framed photos, paintings and glass-fronted cabinet doors
Remove low-hanging curtains that come within a couple feet of the floor and may get in the way
Clear out closets and other storage areas off the main room
Confirm who will be removing furniture and appliances
Make sure the new surface height will allow doors to swing open and shut freely
Clean floors or subfloors
On the day of service, set your thermostat to the recommended installation temperature for your chosen material

You should also speak with your handyman company beforehand and confirm that they will be removing the old surface prior to installation.

Mr. Handyman is Your Local Metro Boston Flooring Installation Expert!

Whether you're in Quincy, Braintree or another part of the Metro Boston area, you can get the experienced, professional services you need for your residence or commercial property from the flooring installation team at Mr. Handyman of Central - Eastern Norfolk County & South Shore.

Pick up the phone and contact us today at 508-465-2092 to schedule an appointment at a convenient time, or to chat with our knowledgeable customer service staff about our reliable Metro Boston handyman services.