Flooring can be a room’s staple, so choosing the right one is crucial to a household’s style and durability. Choosing the best flooring for your home requires careful consideration of your needs, the types of flooring available and trusted flooring companies.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Floor
Here are several things to consider while browsing flooring options or making a final decision.
Room
The room and its purpose matter greatly. For instance, bathrooms need water-resistant floors because of the frequent water usage. Basement floors also need to be moisture-resistant since most moisture in homes is found in the basement. Alternatively, comfortable, soft flooring is preferable for bedrooms because you sleep and relax there.
Budget
Determining what kind of flooring you can afford is also essential. When browsing for floors, create a strict budget and stick to it. This might limit the options and avoid unnecessary stress. Some flooring companies provide special rates for members or credit card holders, so ask about financing options.
Installation
Depending on the type of flooring, professional or DIY installation may be required. Some floors are challenging to install without a hired professional, while others can be installed by the homeowner with the proper tools and knowledge. Traditional hardwood floors usually require professional help, whereas homeowners can apply stick-on flooring.
Maintenance
Some floors require more maintenance than others. Solid floors are typically mopped or swept, while carpet requires vacuuming. Consider how much maintenance you, as a homeowner, are willing to dedicate to the flooring. While lower maintenance flooring can initially be more expensive, less expensive flooring could require more upkeep over time.
Sun Exposure
Sunlight and UV exposure can impact flooring. Observe how much sun an area receives to determine whether fading will be a concern. Hardwood, laminate and vinyl flooring are more prone to fading or discoloration without proper care.
Lifestyle
Consider your lifestyle when looking for flooring. If you have children or pets, you may opt for more durable floors that can withstand messes or other unforeseen issues. Pet owners should choose floors equipped to handle shedding or accidents, and households with many residents need floors to withstand constant foot traffic.
Sustainability
Some customers value environmentally friendly flooring made of renewable or recyclable materials, which can limit a home’s environmental footprint. Sustainable flooring can offer longevity and durability.
Best Places to Buy Flooring
Beyond knowing what kind of floor you want, it is also important to choose a reliable provider. Below are some of the best places to check out.
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District Floor Depot
District Floor Depot is a family-owned provider of quality hardwood flooring. They offer full-service installation, including sanding, refinishing, jobsite delivery, special financing for qualified buyers, and consultations. The flooring is marketed as high-quality, affordable and easily accessible.
Many types of wood can be chosen, including bamboo, cork, and reclaimed wood. Customers who sign up for their ProCenter membership receive exclusive deals, tips and special pricing.
| Key Features |
| Full-service installation |
| ProCenter membership |
| Many style choices |
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Lumber Liquidators
Lumber Liquidators boasts 28 years of flooring experience and offers about 350 floors to suit different styles and budgets. Some perks of working with this provider include flooring experts to consult with, professional installation, and in-home measurements.
Lumber Liquidators offers laminate, unfinished hardwood, waterproof vinyl, hybrid resilient with a pad, prefinished engineered hardwood, and prefinished solid hardwood. Customers who sign up for a credit card can receive additional special financing toward floor purchases.
| Key Features |
| 350 floor options |
| Special financing with a credit card |
| Daily sales |
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The Home Depot
The Home Depot is another vendor of good flooring. It can provide installation services and offers a wide selection. Their wood floors all have a solid top layer and a manufactured core.
Customers can search for flooring by room online to see what types of floors the Home Depot offers for each room in the house, including flooring for a garage. Choose from vinyl, laminate, hybrid resilient, tile, hardwood, carpet and more.
| Key Features |
| Manufactured core in hardwood floors |
| Wide selection of floors |
| Nationwide chain |
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Lowe’s
Lowe’s is another national chain that is committed to helping homeowners choose flooring for any room in their house. When choosing a new floor, customers can browse checklists, tips, and inspiration photos from Lowe’s.
Lowe’s offers many name brands and different types of floors, including vinyl, hybrid resilient, laminate, tile, hardwood and carpet.
| Key Features |
| Array of customer resources |
| Name-brand availability |
| Flexible scheduling |
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Empire Today
Empire Today offers free in-home estimates that include any additional fees, so customers are not shocked by hidden costs. The company also offers flexible scheduling and monthly payment plans for customer convenience.
Empire Today can install many flooring styles — such as wood-look, stone-look or carpet — to match your home’s style.
| Key Features |
| Free in-home estimates |
| Flexible scheduling |
| All-inclusive pricing |
Methodology
This list of companies was chosen after researching their floor offerings and similar lists to compare rankings. A provider’s installation, inventory, pricing and other key features contributing to the overall customer experience and satisfaction were carefully considered. This vetting process ensures recommendations based on a holistic understanding of each provider’s strengths and offerings.
Find Your Perfect Floor
The floor in a space is often the first thing guests notice when stepping into a room, whether it is traditional oak hardwood or plush carpet. Determine the right floor based on style, durability and other needs. Spend some time evaluating the best flooring companies and request quotes to get started.