What Is a Specialized Surfaces Flooring Contractor?

A specialized surfaces flooring contractor is a highly skilled professional who works with high-end, complex, and non-standard flooring materials. Unlike a general contractor, their expertise is focused on challenging hard surface applications like natural stone, custom hardwood designs, and polished concrete, which all require unique installation methods.

If your project involves luxury products like a marble bathroom, a travertine floor, or reclaimed wood flooring, hiring a specialist is essential. This guide covers what these pros do and how to find a good one.

What Are Specialized Surfaces?

These are premium flooring materials that require more than just a standard installation. They fall into three main categories.

Custom and Exotic Hardwoods

This goes beyond a basic hardwood floor installation. A specialist handles custom hardwood designs (like herringbone), reclaimed wood flooring, exotic wood species, and FSC-certified sustainable hardwood. They are masters of engineered wood flooring and solid wood. This goes beyond a basic hardwood floor installation, which is a skill set all its own.

Natural Stone

This includes travertine tile, marble, limestone, and quarry tile. A specialist understands that natural stone surface installation is a form of artistry, whether for a floor or a luxury shower. They are experts in ceramic tile and porcelain tile as well.

Concrete Flooring

A specialist can turn a simple concrete slab into a high-design feature. This includes stained, sealed, and polished concrete, epoxy floors for a seamless look, and concrete floor cleaning service and restoration.

Why You Need to Hire a Specialized Surfaces Flooring Contractor 

Commercial clients often hire specialists, and homeowners should too. These materials are expensive, and a botched installation is a costly, heartbreaking mistake.

A specialized surface flooring contractor understands:

• Material Quirks: They know a travertine floor is porous and must be sealed, often after being filled with an acrylic filler. They know how to handle a natural stone surface to prevent scratches and achieve a perfect satin finish.

• Complex Prep: Tile installations for porcelain tile or stone require a perfectly level, rigid subfloor to prevent cracks. A specialist will not cut corners on prep.

• Specialized Repairs: They are equipped to handle water damage restoration for hardwood floors or fix cracks in a travertine floor.

The Natural Stone Institute provides guides for homeowners, but they always recommend using a professional installer to protect your investment.

What to Look for in a Specialized Surfaces Flooring Contractor

When vetting a specialized surface flooring contractor, look for these key indicators.

1. A Focused Portfolio

Look at their past work. Do you see kitchen transformations and bathroom renovations featuring the exact material you want? Look for custom stone work, not just basic ceramic tile.

2. Verifiable Reputation

Don't just trust a generic online marketplace. Check for BBB accreditation. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a reliable resource for checking marketplace trust and a contractor's history.

3. Deep Knowledge

During the estimate, ask them about the process. If they're installing FSC-certified sustainable hardwood, ask about their sourcing. If they're installing polished concrete, ask about their grinding and sealing process.

FAQs About Specialized Surfaces

What is a travertine floor?

A travertine floor is a natural stone tile known for its beautiful, porous texture. The small pits are often filled with an acrylic filler and then honed to a smooth satin finish. It's a luxury product that must be sealed to prevent staining.

Is reclaimed wood flooring a good choice?

Yes, it's a fantastic, eco-friendly option. It's often sourced from old barns or factories, meaning the wood is from old-growth trees and is extremely hard and durable. The U.S. Forest Service supports the use of sustainable and reclaimed wood in building.

Is polished concrete just for commercial flooring?

No, stained, sealed and polished concrete is very popular in modern residential design. It provides a clean, seamless, and highly durable surface. It's also a great option for people with allergies, as it doesn't trap dust like carpet.

Find Your Specialized Surfaces Flooring Contractor with Ease

Your home's flooring materials are a foundation of your interior design. Don't risk a premium material like natural stone or engineered hardwood with a generalist. A specialized surface flooring contractor has the deep expertise to ensure a timely job and a beautiful result.

Mr. Remodel can help you connect with top-tier, licensed, reviewed, and reliable professionals from our vast network. Our service is quick and easy and provides you with no-obligation quotes, so you can compare experts with no pressure.

Get your free, no-obligation estimate from a flooring specialist today.