The 5 Best Flooring Companies of July 2024

When floors are worse for wear and a homeowner gets the urge to update the home’s appearance, they can turn to one of the best flooring companies.

Best Overall

The Best Flooring Companies Option Empire Today

Empire Today

Best for Hardwood

The Best Flooring Company Option: LL Flooring

LL Flooring

Best for Carpeting

The Best Flooring Company Option: Luna

Luna

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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.

  1. BEST OVERALL: Empire Today
  2. RUNNER-UP: LL Flooring
  3. BEST FOR CARPETING: Luna
  4. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: National Floors Direct
  5. ALSO CONSIDER: The Home Depot
The Best Flooring Company Options
Photo: istockphoto.com

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Flooring Company for You

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.

Types of Flooring Available

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.

  • Carpet is a good choice for customers concerned about insulation because it protects against the transmission of heat and sound. However, carpet typically requires more maintenance than other flooring materials, and it can be difficult to clean, especially if customers have pets that shed. Customers who are set on carpet for the home will want to look into one of the best carpet installation companies to find a reliable installer.
  • Hardwood is one of the most popular options for home flooring renovations. It looks good for years, and hardwood is also highly durable and relatively easy to clean. The drawback of this material is that it isn’t the best for the kitchen, bathroom, or other areas where water is a common concern because the wood can swell and warp. However, some of the best hardwood flooring installation companies offer products that are specially manufactured to be less affected by moisture. For customers interested in wood flooring, companies that specialize in this type of material may be the best fit.
  • Vinyl flooring is cost-effective and water-resistant. The best vinyl plank flooring brands come with various design choices and can look like hardwood or tile, so customers can truly customize their homes without breaking the bank. Vinyl isn’t as durable as hardwood flooring, which means it may not last as long, potentially leading to a higher cost over time.
  • Laminate flooring is a scratch-resistant option similar to vinyl that comes in many different designs and styles for a custom appearance. Laminate flooring is another relatively affordable material, though it is susceptible to water damage, which often leads to the material coming loose or peeling.
  • Tile is the most effective flooring material for the bathroom and kitchen because it’s durable, long-lasting, and waterproof. Customers can also install tiles in other areas of the home, though it’s important for homeowners to note that tile is one of the most expensive flooring options.

Service Area 

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.

Even if a customer is thinking about taking on the project themselves, 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, if a customer prefers working with an experienced, knowledgeable installation company that can complete the project quickly and effectively, they’ll want to check the company’s website or speak to the customer support staff to find out the service area. 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 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.

Estimate Scheduling Convenience

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 to know how much flooring is needed. This service is typically provided free to the customer. However, some companies charge a fee for the on-site estimate, so it’s important to ask questions and find out the exact details before agreeing to anything.

In-Home Shopping Option

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 the customer can ask the customer service representative about any additional charges while booking the appointment.

Pricing and Financing

To avoid unforeseen costs and fees, it’s recommended that customers ask for a detailed price breakdown when scheduling an estimate. This will allow them to compare carpet vs. hardwood costs and other factors that will affect their budget. 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. Once the customer has received estimates, they can compare them—for example, they might compare Empire Today prices vs. Home Depot costs to see which one best fits their budget.

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 (such as one from U.S. Bank or Flagstar Bank) or a home equity line of credit from one of the best HELOC lenders (like Bank of America).

Warranty

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 falling for a common flooring scam, such as choosing 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.

Customer Support

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 needs to 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.

At-a-Glance Comparison

Service AreaTypes of Flooring AvailableEstimate SchedulingIn-Home ShoppingNext-Day InstallationWarranty
Empire Today26 states and Washington, D.C.Carpet, laminate, vinyl, hardwood, tileOnline, phoneYesFor in-stock flooring1-year installation warranty
LL Flooring47 states and Washington, D.C.Carpet, hybrid, vinyl, hardwood, laminate, tileOnline, phoneNo consultationNot available1-year installation warranty
Luna27 states and Washington, D.C.Carpet, laminate, vinyl, hardwood, tileOnline, phoneYesFor in-stock flooring1-year installation warranty
National Floors DirectNot specifiedCarpet, laminate, vinyl, hardwood, tileOnline, phoneYesAt select locationsNot specified
The Home Depot50 states and Washington, D.C.Carpet, laminate, vinyl, hardwood, tile, garage, gymOnline, phoneVaries by storeNot availableLifetime labor warranty on carpet installations

Our Top Picks

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.

Best Overall

Empire Today

Why It Made the Cut: Empire Today has a wide selection of flooring from hardwood to tile to carpet, plus a transparent pricing model to help customers budget for their new floor.

Empire Today offers a wide range of floor materials for customers to choose from, including carpet, laminate, vinyl, hardwood, and tile. The company’s hardwood floor selection is somewhat limited, with no options for exotic hardwoods. However, customers can still choose from among several types of solid and engineered hardwood, including oak, maple, hickory, and birch. Empire Today also offers an exclusive sound-dampening and temperature-retaining hardwood floor option called WhisperHOME: The company claims it’s the quietest wood flooring in the world and is almost as quiet as carpet.

When it comes to proprietary materials, Empire Today also offers a product called HOME Fresh Carpet, which the company claims is the world’s first and only 100 percent hypoallergenic and odor-neutralizing carpet. HOME Fresh Carpet is designed to help keep the air in the home fresh and is resistant to mold and mildew. In addition to this unique carpet material, Empire Today has a wide selection of carpets for customers to choose from, including berber, plush, frieze, and low-profile patterns, making it more likely customers will find the right carpeting for their preferences. This large selection makes Empire Today one of the best places to buy carpet.

When a customer requests a quote from Empire Today, they’ll receive a price estimate that includes the cost of the flooring materials, installation, furniture moving, old flooring removal and disposal, and cleanup. This transparent pricing model makes it easier for customers to budget for their new flooring installation. And customers who want their floors completed ASAP will be happy to know that Empire Today offers next-day installation on in-stock carpet and flooring styles in select areas. Once the flooring installation is complete, Empire offers a 5-year service plan that provides additional coverage above what’s included in the standard warranty. This service plan gives customers added peace of mind that damage to their floor will be fixed quickly and at no extra cost.

Specs 

  • Service area: 26 states and Washington, D.C.
  • Types of flooring available: Carpet, laminate, vinyl, hardwood, tile
  • Estimate scheduling: Online, phone
  • In-home shopping: Yes
  • Next-day installation: For in-stock flooring
  • Warranty: 1-year installation warranty

Pros

  • Next-day installation possible
  • Wide selection of carpet textures and styles
  • Exclusive sound-dampening and temperature-retaining hardwood flooring available
  • Relatively long 5-year service plan available
  • Transparent, all-inclusive price estimate

Cons

  • Relatively limited selection of solid hardwood flooring

Runner-Up

LL Flooring

Why It Made the Cut: Customers looking for high-quality hardwood floors can turn to LL Flooring for its exhaustive selection, helpful visualizer tool, and damage-resistant flooring options.

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 within LL Flooring’s lineup. 

LL Flooring boasts a wide variety of hardwood flooring options for customers to choose from, including solid and engineered hardwood, bamboo, cork, unfinished hardwood, and hybrid wood. This large selection means customers have a strong chance of finding their perfect hardwood floor within LL Flooring’s collection. Customers can also utilize LL Flooring’s highly detailed augmented-reality visualizer tool to see what each type of floor would look like in their home. This tool helps make up for LL FLooring’s somewhat restrictive in-home shopping. LL Flooring doesn’t give customers the option of having a representative come to their home to give them a consultation, which some customers may find limiting. However, customers are able to order free samples online or in-store that they can bring home to see what looks best with their home’s lighting and decor.

LL Flooring offers a proprietary hybrid flooring line called Duravana. The flooring is waterproof, dent-resistant, and scratch-resistant, which makes it much more durable than traditional hardwood floors. Duravana is also eco-friendly and is manufactured from responsibly managed forests and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Eco-conscious customers looking for a floor that can hold up to heavy foot traffic will likely find a floor in the Duravana lineup that matches their preferences.

Specs 

  • Service area: 47 states and Washington, D.C.
  • Types of flooring available: Carpet, hybrid, vinyl, hardwood, laminate, tile
  • Estimate scheduling: Online, phone
  • In-home shopping: No consultation
  • Next-day installation: Not available
  • Warranty: 1-year installation warranty

Pros

  • Wide range of hardwood flooring options available
  • Highly detailed augmented-reality visualizer tool
  • Free samples available online and in-store
  • Exclusive damage-resistant hybrid flooring available

Cons

  • Somewhat restrictive in-home shopping

Best for Carpeting

Luna

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, laminate, hardwood, vinyl, and tile floor options.

Customers who want to replace aging carpet with fresh new carpet will want to consider Luna. The company has a wide selection of carpet textures and styles, including indoor, outdoor, frieze, and berber carpet, and it also sells carpet from several different brands. This wide selection gives customers more options to choose from, making it more likely they will find a carpet that works with their home decor and their budget.

Luna’s main website doesn’t provide much information about the specific flooring options available, so customers may need to visit a physical showroom to see what their options are. However, once a customer finds their ideal carpet, they may be able to get next-day installation, provided the flooring they choose is in stock. This service is limited to certain areas, so customers will want to ask a Luna representative if next-day installation is an option for them.

Where Luna really stands out is with its 110 percent low-price guarantee. If a customer can provide a written estimate from a competitor at a lower price point, Luna will refund the customer 110 percent of the difference. This guarantee can help assure customers they’re getting the best price on their new flooring. Another perk is that Luna offers a 50-month service plan that provides additional coverage for repairs and replacements once the 1-year warranty expires. Customers may feel more at ease with this plan in place since they won’t be liable for fixing any scratches, dents, tears, stains, cracks, rippling, or warping for more than 4 years.

Specs 

  • Service area: 27 states and Washington, D.C.
  • Types of flooring available: Carpet, laminate, vinyl, hardwood, tile
  • Estimate scheduling: Online, phone
  • In-home shopping: Yes
  • Next-day installation: For in-stock flooring
  • Warranty: 1-year installation warranty

Pros

  • Wide selection of carpet textures and styles
  • Next-day installation possible
  • 110 percent low-price guarantee
  • Relatively long 50-month service plan available

Cons

  • Flooring options not readily visible online

Best Bang for the Buck

National Floors Direct

Why It Made the Cut: National Floors Direct has a price-match guarantee plus a discount for booking online, making it an affordable option for those looking for new flooring installation.

Customers working with a limited budget will appreciate the price-match guarantee National Floors Direct offers, which promises to offer customers prices that are 15 percent lower than those offered by competitors. Those who are shopping around and comparing quotes can use this guarantee to ensure they’re getting the lowest price on their flooring installation. Before getting an estimate from National Floors Direct, customers will want to check and make sure the company offers services in their area. The company’s website doesn’t list the states in which it operates, making it somewhat difficult for customers to determine whether this company is an option for them.

Those who book flooring installation online with National Floors Direct will receive a generous $150 discount on their flooring project, which can help decrease the overall cost of installation. Additionally, National Floors Direct provides several free amenities with its installation services. Customers won’t have to pay extra to have furniture moved or flooring underlayment installed, which can help them keep their costs down.

Specs 

  • Service area: Not specified
  • Types of flooring available: Carpet, laminate, vinyl, hardwood, tile
  • Estimate scheduling: Online, phone
  • In-home shopping: Yes
  • Next-day installation: At select locations
  • Warranty: Not specified

Pros

  • Installation cost guaranteed to be 15 percent lower than competitors’ costs
  • Generous $150 discount available for online booking
  • No additional charges for furniture moving or premium underlayment

Cons

  • Service area not disclosed

Also Consider

The Home Depot

Why It Made the Cut: With more than 2,300 locations across the country, The Home Depot is a home improvement mainstay. It offers wood floor installation services nationwide, as well as installing carpet, tile, and other flooring materials, and it provides a lifetime warranty on labor.

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 more than 2,300 locations nationwide, ensuring that almost every customer falls within the service area for at least one store. That’s a good thing because the company doesn’t offer in-home consultations in all of its locations, so customers may need to visit a store to see what’s available. In locations where in-home consultations aren’t offered, The Home Depot charges customers a $50 fee for in-home measurements. However, this fee is deducted from the total cost of installation if customers book with The Home Depot. In addition, when available, in-home consultations are completely free and provided by “Concierge Flooring Specialists” who will create a floor plan, help customers select the right products, and produce an itemized quote.

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 on carpet installations. The warranty covers seams, restretching, and stairwork, so customers can rest assured that these issues will be covered free of charge. Customers can also order flooring samples online for a small cost, or they can get free samples sent to their homes when they schedule an in-home estimate.

Specs 

  • Service area: 50 states and Washington, D.C.
  • Types of flooring available: Carpet, laminate, vinyl, hardwood, tile, garage, gym
  • Estimate scheduling: Online, phone
  • In-home shopping: Varies by store
  • Next-day installation: Not available
  • Warranty: Lifetime labor warranty on carpet installations

Pros

  • Nationwide availability with more than 2,300 locations
  • Lifetime labor warranty on carpet installations

Cons

  • In-home consultation not available in all locations

Our Verdict

Empire Today is a top choice for customers looking for a wide range of options to customize the appearance of their home. For those who specifically want hardwood flooring, LL Flooring is another excellent option thanks to its impressive selection of hybrid and natural hardwood flooring.

How We Chose the Best Flooring Companies

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.

Before You Hire One of the Best Flooring Companies

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. However, homeowners will want to be aware of the main signs it’s time to replace flooring so they can budget accordingly.

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. 

Cost of Hiring One of the Best Flooring Companies

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 may 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 Advantages of Using One of the Best Flooring Companies

When homeowners are wondering where to buy flooring, they’ll be faced with numerous options. 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:

  • Next-day installation available, often depending on stock availability, so customers can enjoy their new flooring without delay;
  • Lengthy warranties on installation and labor to protect customers in the event there’s a problem with their flooring; and
  • Wide range of flooring options—including company-exclusive brands that reduce sound, retain warmth, or use eco-friendly materials—to meet the needs of homeowners everywhere.

FAQs

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.

Q. How much does it cost to lay flooring in a house?

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 $1,520 to $4,710. 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. Homeowners on a fixed budget will want to look for the cheapest places to buy flooring—but they’ll also want to ensure that the flooring they choose is high quality.

Q. Is laminate flooring good for condos?

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.

Q. Can you change the flooring in a condo?

Getting new flooring installed 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.

Q. What is the best flooring material?

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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Timothy Dale

Contributing Writer

Timothy Dale is a home improvement writer who has been in the industry for several years. In his work for BobVila.com, he has written a number of how-to articles related to yard maintenance, vehicle repair, and home renovation, not to mention a wide variety of buying guides and articles on DIY projects. He always ensures readers get the information they need to tackle their next project.

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