By Timothy Dale and Sabrina Serani and Jeff Keleher | Updated Nov 14, 2023 4:05 AM
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Replacing the floor in a home is a project some experienced DIYers are equipped to handle. Still, for those who don’t have the skill—or, more realistically, time—to take on this renovation project, it’s better to hire one of the best flooring contractors to get the job done. While it’s possible to find some results by searching “best flooring installers near me,” settling on one of these options without any further research could leave a homeowner with low-quality flooring or poor installation.
Instead, it’s recommended for homeowners to thoroughly research the best flooring companies in the area to find out more about the quality of service, pricing, flooring options, and installation process. Homeowners can review the top choices below, then use the information in this article to come to their own conclusions about the best flooring company for their next home renovation project.
Customers can quickly find how many options they have nearby with a simple internet search for “best flooring companies near me” or even “best flooring stores near me.” While flooring stores may not offer installation services, they can provide customers with more flooring options for a renovation project. However, it’s essential for a customer to know what to consider when looking for a floor company, whether they’re seeking a laminate flooring company for the home’s interior or an epoxy flooring company for the garage. Weighing each factor can help customers compare each company—National Floors Direct vs. Empire Today, for instance—more precisely and make a more informed decision about their flooring needs.
Whether a customer decides to head to the best flooring center in the area or prefers to find options online, it’s wise to have at least a basic understanding of the most common flooring materials.
The service area refers to the geographic location within which the flooring company operates. Looking up “best flooring installation near me” can help customers find nearby flooring contractors, though it’s still important for them to research the companies to determine the quality of the work, installation process, flooring options, and pricing.
Suppose a customer is thinking about taking on the project themselves. In that case, it’s recommended that they visit the best flooring store in the area to find suitable materials and discuss the renovation project with trained professionals before proceeding. Conversely, suppose a customer prefers working with an experienced, knowledgeable installation company that can complete the project quickly and effectively. In that case, it’s important for them to check the company’s website or speak to the customer support staff to find out the service area. Customers will want to keep in mind that even if the home falls outside of the service area, the company may still be able to complete the work, though the customer may incur a travel fee on top of the installation price. Customers can avoid hidden costs by asking questions when receiving an estimate.
Customers who want to look at a wide variety of flooring options in person may also want to consider the location of physical stores. While many flooring companies offer nationwide service via deliver-to-home options, their brick-and-mortar showrooms may only be available in certain states or metropolitan areas.
Many contractors can be hired to complete work around the home without the need for an initial on-site visit, such as electricians coming to repair a wire or appliance technicians replacing a dryer motor. However, most floor companies will require an in-home estimate as the first step in the installation process, so there will be multiple appointments and visits to complete this project.
The reason for this in-home estimate is that pictures and measurements can only tell so much about a home, and floor installation companies need to be able to see and plan for every unique angle, curve, and hidden nook in the room. This service is typically provided free to the customer. However, some companies charge a fee for the on-site estimate, so it’s important for the customer to ask questions and find out the exact details before agreeing to anything.
One of the more convenient options offered by some of the top flooring companies is in-home shopping. If a customer doesn’t want to go to the store or have flooring samples sent to their home through the mail, then in-home shopping is an excellent way of picking out materials and discussing costs. An experienced flooring installation professional comes to the home with a wide assortment of samples, allowing the customer to see the materials in person and understand how each option would look in their home. This service will typically be included with the installation estimate, but if a customer is concerned about hidden costs, they can ask the customer service representative about any additional charges while booking the appointment.
To avoid unforeseen costs and fees, it’s recommended that customers ask for a detailed price breakdown when scheduling an estimate. While the company won’t be able to provide customers with the exact cost at this point, customers can use this opportunity to identify any add-ons they aren’t comfortable with, such as a fee for the flooring estimate appointment.
If the customer decides to proceed with the company, the next step is to schedule an in-home estimate, which will further clarify the cost they can expect to pay for the flooring installation. Customers will want to keep in mind that the type of flooring also impacts the price, so those looking to save on this project may want to consider opting for vinyl or laminate. Additional factors affecting the price include old flooring removal, stairs, and even moving furniture. Given all these potential expenses, even the most affordable flooring company can be relatively expensive to hire for installation jobs.
Financing may be an option, depending on the flooring company. This payment method will ultimately cost more, but the payments are made over an extended period, which may be more manageable for some individuals. Customers can also opt for third-party financing, such as one of the best home improvement loans, or consider one of the best home equity loans.
One of the best ways for a customer to ensure that they won’t regret their new flooring installation is to find an experienced, reputable flooring company to provide the materials and complete the installation. These companies employ trained flooring installation experts who get the job done quickly and effectively—though mistakes can still happen. With this in mind, many manufacturers warranty the material, while installation companies provide warranties on the installation.
When looking for the best company to install flooring, homeowners may want to take into account the length of the installation warranty, if available. A customer can invest in their peace of mind by choosing a top flooring installation company with a comprehensive warranty instead of relying on the cheapest flooring company they can find and taking a risk without a warranty to back up the decision. When scheduling an in-home estimate, customers will want to ask about the warranty to clarify the terms and period.
If there is one factor any successful company needs, it is reliable customer support. Experienced, knowledgeable customer support staff can provide clear, concise answers to questions about price, warranties, scheduling, service area, and even material options. These high-quality professionals really make a company stand out, but when customer support is lacking, it’s a potential indication that the company prioritizes job completion over customer satisfaction.
However, customer support isn’t limited to customer service representatives. Anyone from the company who interacts with the customer in any way should be focused on providing top-quality customer service that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. Customer support actually tends to matter more when the worker is in the customer’s own home. Not many people will be interested in choosing a flooring company if the on-site professionals cannot provide the same level of service as the customer service representatives.
This list of the best flooring installation companies was selected because the companies offer outstanding installation knowledge, experience, customer support, and overall quality. These companies are a great place to start the search for reliable flooring contractors.
Why It Made the Cut: Empire Today can cater to virtually any customer’s desires with its wide selection of flooring types, from hardwood to tile to carpet, to create the ideal home aesthetic.
One of the best parts about renovating a home is the sense of freedom, fun, and excitement in changing the look and feel of the home. Empire Today helps make this dream a reality with a variety of flooring types, colors, and designs, allowing customers to choose the floor they really want instead of settling for what is available. Customers may want to be aware the solid hardwood options may be somewhat limited, but there’s an exhaustive selection of laminate, vinyl, carpet, and tile. Empire Today also has its proprietary WhisperHOME wood flooring, which it purports to be the quietest and warmest wood flooring on the market. This flooring company offers next-day installation for eligible flooring types and in-home shopping to make the entire process more accessible and convenient.
Customers can schedule an in-home estimate online or over the phone. After installation, Empire Today offers a service plan covering damages beyond the warranty, such as stains, snags, scratches, dings, and warping. This is an especially attractive service for high-traffic homes with kids and pets. Up-front pricing includes an estimate for moving furniture, removing old flooring, new flooring, padding or underlayment, thresholds, trim, installation, and cleanup, so customers can be sure about how much they are paying before the job begins.
Why It Made the Cut: Customers looking for high-quality hardwood floors can turn to LL Flooring for its exhaustive selection and reputation in the industry.
Lumber Liquidators underwent a name change in 2020 and became LL Flooring. But as its former name suggests, LL Flooring is a top hardwood flooring company, and it’s also one of the best vinyl plank flooring installers and best laminate flooring installers. Customers will find a wide range of quality hybrid, vinyl, hardwood, laminate, and tile flooring. One option that may be of particular interest to those looking for eco-friendly flooring is the company’s exclusive Duravana hybrid flooring line. Duravana flooring uses wood from certified responsibly managed forests and is both highly durable and water-resistant. While in-home shopping isn’t available, customers can visit LL Flooring showrooms in 47 states or order up to four free samples online.
Customers can also take advantage of the augmented reality visualizer tool, available on LL Flooring’s website, to see what new flooring would look like in their homes. Customers can book an in-home estimate online or over the phone. For those looking for one of the best hardwood floor installers, LL Flooring is well worth considering.
Why It Made the Cut: Those looking for flooring can take advantage of Luna’s 110 percent low-price guarantee and next-day installation on a wide variety of budget and luxury carpet (and laminate, hardwood, vinyl, and tile) options.
Luna is a leading flooring company based online that specializes in carpet, although it also sells laminate, vinyl, hardwood, and tile. One of its standout features is its 110 percent low-price guarantee, which ensures that Luna will beat any competitor’s price or refund 110 percent of the difference. The company also offers next-day installation if the flooring material is currently in stock, and a service plan to cover damage, such as stains and warping, that goes beyond the warranty. While these impressive features help Luna stand out, the true value of hiring this flooring company is in the wide selection of signature carpet options, including stain-resistant carpeting that’s ideal for homes with pets and young kids.
Most of the available flooring options don’t have pictures online, but luckily, Luna’s in-home shopping allows customers to see all of Luna’s options in person. Customers can book appointments over the phone or call with additional questions about the in-home shopping service or 2-year installation warranty.
Why It Made the Cut: There’s no need to sacrifice flooring or installation quality for a better price with the money-saving solutions National Floors Direct offers.
National Floors Direct offers a wide selection of flooring options at affordable prices, and the company guarantees that its installation prices will be 15 percent lower than that of competitors. For customers who live in the northeastern U.S., National Floors Direct offers next-day installation as long as the flooring materials are currently in stock. Customers who are outside of this area but still have a National Floors Direct location nearby can still take advantage of the in-home shopping and estimate process to discuss the best options for the home with an experienced flooring installation professional.
The benefits to customers continue with a $150 discount for booking online. The company mentions explicitly that customers are not charged extra for premium underlayment or if the installers need to move furniture, which can also save even more cash on a potentially pricey new floor installation. Between the booking discount, installation cost guarantee, and other cost-saving opportunities, National Floors Direct may be a very affordable flooring option for homeowners.
Why It Made the Cut: With over 2,300 locations, The Home Depot is a home improvement mainstay that can conveniently provide flooring installation services nationwide with a lifetime warranty.
As one of the most popular home renovation and home improvement stores, The Home Depot is well known and heavily frequented across the U.S.—and it’s also a great choice for flooring installation. The company boasts over 2,300 locations nationwide, ensuring that almost every customer falls within the service area for at least one store. The company does not offer in-home shopping options and charges customers a $50 fee for in-home measurements. However, this fee is deducted if customers book an installation with The Home Depot.
The Home Depot offers a wide selection of carpet, laminate, vinyl, hardwood, tile, garage flooring, and gym flooring, as well as a lifetime labor warranty. Customers can also order flooring samples online for $1 each, or they can get free samples sent to their homes when they schedule an in-home estimate.
Empire Today is a top choice for customers looking for a wide range of options to customize the appearance of their home. If a customer has already decided on a hardwood floor for the home, then LL Flooring’s stock of hybrid and natural hardwood flooring is another excellent option.
To put together a list of the best carpet, tile, laminate, vinyl, and hardwood flooring companies, it was essential to start the search with companies that had a nationwide presence in order to choose flooring contractors that could serve a majority of customers. We considered companies’ service area limitations, estimate scheduling, pricing, financing, warranties, and installation processes.
The best flooring companies stand out from competitors by providing a wide selection of styles, transparent pricing, and in-home shopping that streamlines the installation process. Similarly, extra perks like price-match guarantees also helped companies stand out from competitors. However, one of these factors alone was not enough to help a company make the list, and the featured companies strike a balance between all of the important factors.
It’s important for customers to take their time deciding on whether or not to hire a flooring company for a flooring renovation project. Ripping out the old floors and installing new ones takes time, which means customers need to be prepared for the work area to be essentially unlivable for at least a few days. If new flooring isn’t in the budget, homeowners can consider one of the best hardwood floor refinishing companies or professional floor cleaning to improve the appearance of the existing floors.
Another factor to consider is whether this is a project a homeowner can tackle on their own. While installing tile, hardwood, and carpet may be too difficult for many DIYers, laminate and vinyl are much easier to work with and relatively inexpensive materials, so if a homeowner makes a few mistakes, it won’t cost a lot to fix. Homeowners who want to DIY this project will still want to be aware of the preparation and time required, and it often may make more sense to hire a professional to alleviate the burden of the job.
In most cases, flooring companies stock or source a wide range of flooring options to choose from, so the total price of the installation will fluctuate based on the type of flooring material chosen.
Similarly, customers can expect some differences between the labor and flooring installation costs offered by each company, so they’ll want to shop around for the most attractive offer. Customers will want to keep in mind that not all costs are up front. For example, one company may include old flooring removal in its quote, while another does not. Additionally, flooring installation companies may have to factor in the cost to replace subfloor or sagging floor repair cost if these are necessary steps before installing new floors.
The difference between hiring one of the best flooring companies to complete the work at a customer’s home or a customer trying to manage it on their own can be substantial. Once a customer has decided on the material and how they want the floor to look, experienced installers bring the project to life. Pros work quickly to install the new floor, but they also take the time to prevent any issues with the installation. However, if problems do happen, reputable flooring companies typically guarantee the work, so a customer isn’t left to pay for repairs to a brand-new floor. Top flooring companies can offer a host of other perks and benefits that make them the best places to buy flooring:
Homeowners won’t want to make a hasty decision after a 5-minute search for the “best flooring company near me.” It’s best to read the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the best flooring companies and flooring material to ensure the choice is well-informed.
Cost is a key consideration to keep in mind when customers are deciding on the material and the best flooring company to complete the work. On average, the cost to lay flooring in a house ranges from about $1,500 to $4,500. Homeowners may want to note that flooring prices tend to be higher in the spring due to increased demand, so the best time to buy flooring from a budget standpoint is either from late December through February or mid-May to June.
When it comes to choosing the best flooring material for a condo, customers need to consider the appearance, function, and soundproofing qualities. With this in mind, even the best laminate flooring isn’t very good for soundproofing, but laminate can be a quick, inexpensive material to refinish the floors before a sale or update the condo without breaking the bank.
Changing the flooring in a condo isn’t usually a problem, though condo owners may want to check with their condo association and building management to ensure that they are approved to proceed with the renovation, as there can be building-specific restrictions.
The best flooring material depends on the location. For instance, a hardwood floor is reliable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing, but it still isn’t recommended to install hardwood in the bathroom where it can become saturated with water, causing the wood to swell and warp. Ceramic tile is a moisture-resistant, durable option for bathrooms or kitchens, but it isn’t the best flooring for dogs and other pets because the slick surface often leads to slips and falls. Consider the pros and cons of each type of flooring before making a final decision about the best floor for the bathroom, kitchen, living room, dining room, den, basement, or bedroom.
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