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Hardwood flooring is a popular option for many homeowners as it is easy to maintain for a long period, so they can enjoy the look and feel of their floors for years to come before having to think about repairs or updates. Hardwood flooring is also available in diverse styles, colors, and textures, providing customers with various options to suit their preferences. Although handy DIYers may be able to tackle hardwood flooring projects to save on installation costs, it’s always better (and safer) to leave any work pertaining to the home’s semipermanent infrastructure to a professional installation company. This list of the best hardwood flooring installation companies can help homeowners better understand what to look for in a professional wood floor installation service to find the right option for their home.
- BEST OVERALL: Empire Today
- RUNNER-UP: LL Flooring
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: National Floors Direct
- BEST FOR FINANCING: The Home Depot
- BEST FOR REPAIRS: Mr. Handyman
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Hardwood Flooring Installation Companies
It’s important for homeowners to take the time to learn more about hardwood flooring companies and what they have to offer before deciding on which of the best flooring companies to hire for their home improvement project. Customers will want to consider the company’s service area, the type of hardwood it carries, scheduling modes, and more.
Service Area
The service area of a hardwood flooring company depends heavily on the number of locations the company has statewide or nationwide. Most major hardwood flooring installation companies have a wide service area to service customers across the U.S. Before looking at the products offered by a flooring installation company, it’s a good idea for homeowners to find out where the company operates. It can be frustrating to find the ideal flooring material at a certain company, only to find out later that it doesn’t service the customer’s area. Most companies will have a ZIP code locator tool on their website so customers can quickly determine if their home is within the service area. But if the company website doesn’t provide this information, homeowners can also call and ask a customer service representative to confirm whether they offer service in the homeowner’s area. For instance, when comparing National Floors Direct vs. Empire Today, customers may find that they will need to call National Floors Direct to see if flooring installation is available in their location. Meanwhile, Empire Today’s service locations can be easily found on its website.
Types of Hardwood Flooring Available
Flooring installation companies typically carry several popular types of hardwood, including solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, bamboo, and hybrid flooring, in addition to cork, which is a soft wood. A plank of solid hardwood is wood all the way through. Comparatively, engineered wood is a thin layer of hardwood over a piece of plywood. Solid hardwood can be refinished over and over. In contrast, engineered hardwood can only be refinished a limited number of times (sometimes only once) before the top layer of hardwood is worn away. But engineered hardwood is often less expensive and easier to install than solid hardwood without compromising looks. Bamboo and cork flooring are more eco-friendly options. Hybrid flooring is more akin to laminate or vinyl plank flooring, and it’s an excellent choice for affordability, durability, and water resistance. Still, those looking for the most affordable and durable material will want to consider flooring from the best laminate flooring installers.
Not every company carries every type of hardwood flooring. For example, if a customer is set on bamboo flooring, they’ll want to prioritize their search by looking for companies that sell and install bamboo flooring. Some installation companies do not carry flooring products at all, and homeowners will need to purchase the materials from a third party.
In-Home Shopping Option
Deciding on hardwood with the right look for a home seems like it should be a simple process, but flooring materials may look different under harsh store lighting or on a computer screen than in the home. With this in mind, many wood flooring installation companies provide in-home shopping services. The customer books an appointment with a flooring specialist to meet at the home and look over a wide range of product samples.
This service makes it easier to see exactly how different products will look with a home’s lighting and with the existing aesthetic. Additionally, the flooring expert can use this time to take measurements and may be able to provide an estimate at the end of the appointment. For customers who don’t have the time for an in-home appointment to review flooring options, some companies will allow the customer to order free samples that they can then consider at their leisure. Ordering samples also allows customers to see different flooring options at different times of day, which may sway their opinion one way or another.
Estimate Scheduling Convenience
Knowing the cost of the materials and labor isn’t just important; it’s also necessary before a customer can proceed with a flooring service. For this reason, many wood floor installation services offer in-home shopping services where a customer can pick the flooring material they want from a range of samples. The flooring expert will then take measurements to create a tailored estimate for the customer’s home.
However, if a customer decides on the flooring product in-store, they will likely need to book an appointment to have a flooring installation professional visit their home and take measurements to create this estimate. Although some companies may provide a basic estimate based on the material and approximate room size, this price could increase or decrease significantly depending on the actual dimensions of the room. Customers will want to ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs and flooring services so they can be certain there aren’t any hidden fees.
Installation Timeline
Having a home that’s in a state of continual unrest for an undefined period is difficult for any customer, so any home renovation project will need to have a projected timeline. When booking, a homeowner will want to speak to the customer service representative to get a basic idea of the installation timeline. If the customer service representative doesn’t have a definitive answer, the homeowner can ask to speak to one of the installers to find out this information.
Typically, the timeline for installing hardwood flooring is longer than for other flooring types because hardwood requires about 3 to 5 days to acclimate to the home’s temperature and humidity level before it can be installed. After this acclimation period, the hardwood floor contractors can get to work removing the trim, molding, and old flooring before preparing the subfloor, laying the underlayment, and installing the first row of hardwood floor. Customers can expect an average installation timeline of 7 to 10 days for the whole project, depending on the size of the home.
Pricing and Financing
The average cost to hire a hardwood flooring installation company ranges from approximately $2,480 to $7,030, which is a relatively large chunk of change, so it’s important for homeowners to get an estimate before the work begins. Customers can research various flooring companies and look into each company’s pricing and financing options. According to David Goodell, founder of WoodWorking Clarity, “The type of hardwood floor should not affect the installation cost. This is usually a sales gimmick by installers that might want to charge extra for more exotic woods because they realize the owner has deep pockets. The only time [a higher cost is warranted] is if the buyer makes specific requests.”
Customers can also speak to the customer service staff to ask questions about any services that are unclear or hidden fees and set up an in-home appointment to get an accurate estimate. This estimate will help customers decide whether they can afford to go ahead with the flooring renovation or if they will need to pursue financing options to pay for the work.
Warranty
Another important factor for homeowners to speak to the customer service staff about is whether the materials and labor are covered under warranty. Most flooring material comes with a manufacturer warranty that guarantees the quality of the material for a specific period of time. However, this warranty does not cover any issues with the actual installation, so if the floor buckles or peels due to faulty installation work, the product warranty will not cover the cost of repairs.
Many flooring installation companies offer labor warranties, and some companies even have service plans covering damages that would fall outside of a standard warranty. It’s also a good idea for homeowners to find out if the flooring installation company has liability insurance or a surety bond to protect the customer’s property and investment if something should go wrong during the installation process.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Service Area | Types of Hardwood Flooring Available | Estimate Scheduling | In-Home Shopping | Warranty | |
| Empire Today | 26 states and Washington, D.C. | WhisperHOME, solid, engineered | Online, phone | Yes | 1-year installation warranty |
| LL Flooring | 47 states and Washington, D.C. | Solid, engineered, bamboo, cork, hybrid, unfinished | Online, phone | No consultation | Not specified |
| National Floors Direct | Not specified | Solid, engineered | Online, phone | Yes | Not specified |
| The Home Depot | 50 states and Washington, D.C. | Solid, engineered | Online, phone | No | Not specified |
| Mr. Handyman | 38 states and Washington, D.C. | None | Online, phone, app | No | 1-year satisfaction guarantee |
Our Top Picks
This list of the best hardwood flooring installation companies was selected based on product selection, service area, installation timeline, scheduling convenience, and overall quality.
Best Overall
Empire Today
Why It Made the Cut: Empire Today stands out with its exclusive hardwood flooring features, comprehensive service plans, and all-inclusive price estimates. The company’s visualization tool also allows customers to ensure they’re choosing the most suitable flooring for their home.
One of the most important factors for many prospective customers is having a firm understanding of the overall cost of their hardwood flooring installation project. Empire Today recognizes this need and provides customers with an all-inclusive price estimate that includes moving furniture, removal and hauling away of old flooring, new floors, padding or underlayment, thresholds, trim, professional installation, and final cleanup. However, customers will need to speak with a representative to receive details about cost, as prices are not readily available on the company’s website.
Empire Today is well known for offering a wide selection of products, which is why it is also one of the best tile flooring installation companies and best vinyl plank flooring companies. In terms of wood flooring, the company offers a range of solid and engineered hardwood flooring options, including the exclusive WhisperHOME product line designed to reduce sound and increase temperature retention. However, customers looking for solid hardwood may not find too many exotic or unique options available through Empire Today. Customers can use Empire Today’s impressive visualizer tool to get an idea of what different flooring options will look like in their space, helping them make a more informed decision about their flooring material and color before scheduling installation. Empire Today’s 5-year service plans cover damage well beyond the 1-year installation warranty, including stains, scratches, dings, and warping, making the plan a great option for families with kids or pets.
- Learn more with our Empire Today review.
Specs
- Service area: 26 states and Washington, D.C.
- Types of hardwood flooring available: WhisperHOME, solid, engineered
- Estimate scheduling: Online, phone
- In-home shopping: Yes
- Warranty: 1-year installation warranty
Pros
- Transparent, all-inclusive price estimate
- Exclusive sound-dampening and temperature-retaining hardwood flooring available
- Relatively long 5-year service plan available
- Highly detailed and realistic room-visualizer tool
Cons
- Relatively limited selection of solid hardwood flooring
- Limited pricing information online
Runner-Up
LL Flooring
Why It Made the Cut: LL Flooring has an impressive variety of flooring options and provides up to four free samples as well as an augmented-reality visualizer tool to help customers feel confident about their flooring choices.
LL Flooring boasts a wide selection of wood flooring options, including solid wood, engineered wood, bamboo, cork, and more. Those interested in more exotic types of wood flooring may find that LL Flooring has the right materials and color options to suit their needs. Customers looking for hands-on assistance with the selection process may want to note that the company doesn’t offer in-home consultation options. However, LL Flooring makes up for this limitation by providing customers with an augmented-reality visualizer tool. The tool allows customers to view a wide range of floor options in their homes without needing an in-home shopping appointment. This makes finding the right hardwood flooring option easier and less disruptive before scheduling an installation appointment.
If the augmented-reality visualizer tool isn’t enough, customers can also order up to four free samples or a curated free sample kit to get a better look at the flooring in the proper lighting. Additional samples are available, though customers are required to pay a fee for these materials. Customers can book an appointment online or by phone, and those who live near an LL Flooring showroom can also visit a location in person.
- Learn more with our LL Flooring review.
Specs
- Service area: 47 states and Washington, D.C.
- Types of hardwood flooring available: Solid, engineered, bamboo, cork, hybrid, unfinished
- Estimate scheduling: Online, phone
- In-home shopping: No consultation
- 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
Cons
- Somewhat restrictive in-home shopping
Best Bang for the Buck
National Floors Direct
Why It Made the Cut: By keeping prices low, providing discounts for online booking, and offering to beat written estimates from competitors, National Floors Direct makes new flooring affordable for many prospective customers.
The cost of new hardwood floors throughout the home is enough to prevent many people from investing in this renovation project. National Floors Direct aims to help customers afford an upgrade in their homes with a $150 online booking discount, and there are no additional charges to move furniture or install premium underlayment. In addition, the company will beat any competitor’s legitimate written estimate by 15 percent for comparable flooring products. As a result, homeowners may find that they can get the best deal on hardwood flooring installation with National Floors Direct. The company does not mention warranty information, so it’s recommended for shoppers to speak to a customer service representative to get clear details on service and warranty coverage before booking.
National Floors Direct also does not outline its service area on its website, so potential customers will need to contact the company directly to find out if flooring installation services are available in their area. For those who do fall within the company’s service area, however, National Floors Direct offers in-home shopping, and customers can book an in-home shopping or estimate appointment online or by phone.
Specs
- Service area: Not specified
- Types of hardwood flooring available: Solid, engineered
- Estimate scheduling: Online, phone
- In-home shopping: Yes
- Warranty: Not specified
Pros
- Installation cost guaranteed to be 15 percent lower than competitors’ costs
- $150 discount available for online booking
- No additional charges for furniture moving or premium underlayment
Cons
- Service area not disclosed
- No installation warranty information readily available
Best for Financing
The Home Depot
Why It Made the Cut: With a wide variety of flooring products, plenty of financing options, and more than 2,300 locations, The Home Depot is fully equipped to provide reliable flooring installation services nationwide.
The Home Depot delivers quality solid- and engineered-wood flooring options to customers across the country. While the company is known for its large, warehouse-style home improvement stores, The Home Depot home services department focuses on home renovation services, like hardwood flooring installation.
The company has a far-reaching service area with more than 2,300 locations across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., so customers may be able to schedule hardwood flooring installation projects no matter where they live in the U.S. However, the company does not have an in-home shopping option, which can make it difficult to decide on the right hardwood flooring product for a particular room. It’s also worth noting that The Home Depot charges a $50 fee for in-home measurements, but this amount is deducted from the overall cost of the installation if the customer proceeds with The Home Depot for their hardwood flooring project. Finally, The Home Depot’s flooring installation costs are made more manageable thanks to the flexible financing options such as company credit cards and loans. Customers who might otherwise struggle to budget for a large renovation project may be able to afford hardwood flooring installation by taking advantage of these financing offers.
Specs
- Service area: 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- Types of hardwood flooring available: Solid, engineered
- Estimate scheduling: Online, phone
- In-home shopping: No
- Warranty: Not specified
Pros
- Nationwide availability with more than 2,300 locations
- Various project financing options available
Cons
- $50 fee for in-home measurements
- No in-home shopping option
Best for Repairs
Mr. Handyman
Why It Made the Cut: The experienced installation professionals at Mr. Handyman assess the existing floor, repair what can be fixed, and replace what can’t. The company even offers convenient booking through the Neighborly app.
Not every hardwood floor needs to be replaced just because it has some scratches, dents, or dings. Mr. Handyman makes a point of employing industry professionals with an average of 10 years of experience to help customers assess their existing floor. If the current floor is still in decent condition, the installation professional may suggest minor repairs to fix the floor instead of pressing for a floor replacement. After all, the cost to refinish hardwood floors is significantly lower than ripping them out and starting from scratch.
Mr. Handyman is an installation, repair, and refinishing company, so it does not sell hardwood floors. Customers will need to purchase the flooring material from a third party, which could delay the installation timeline. It’s also worth noting that Mr. Handyman is a franchise service, so the services and prices offered by various locations may be inconsistent. Scheduling can be handled over the phone, online, or through the Neighborly app, depending on a customer’s preference. Managing their flooring installation project through the mobile app may be especially convenient, as customers can check on the status of their job at any time. Customers can also speak directly with customer service representatives to find out any pertinent information about the installation process, including the 1-year satisfaction guarantee.
Specs
- Service area: 38 states and Washington, D.C.
- Types of hardwood flooring available: None
- Estimate scheduling: Online, phone, app
- In-home shopping: No
- Warranty: 1-year satisfaction guarantee
Pros
- Flooring repair and replacement services available
- Knowledgeable hardwood flooring installation professionals with an average of 10 years’ experience
- Convenient booking via Neighborly app
Cons
- Separate flooring purchase required
- Prices and additional services may vary by location and franchise
Our Verdict
With transparent, all-inclusive price estimates and comprehensive service plans, Empire Today is an ideal flooring option, especially for customers who may be concerned about hidden fees and shoddy work. For individuals who want to see a wide range of flooring options without booking an in-home appointment, LL Flooring is the right choice with its augmented-reality visualizer tool and the option to order up to four free samples.
How We Chose the Best Hardwood Flooring Installation Companies
Selecting the top hardwood flooring installation companies required extensive research into a wide range of installers, product offerings, warranties, and operational standards in order to narrow down the choices to the top five. The best hardwood floor installation companies were selected based on several important factors, including service area, flooring options, transparent pricing, and warranties, as well as extra features that help serve the customer better.
The quality of a flooring company really only matters to a customer if the company services the area where the customer lives, so it was necessary to choose companies with a strong nationwide presence. It was also important for companies to have a wide variety of hardwood flooring types or exclusive product lines, though this wasn’t necessary for selection. Other factors, like price-match offers, in-home shopping, and a high level of industry expertise were also considered during the final selection of the best hardwood flooring installation companies.
Before You Hire One of the Best Hardwood Flooring Installation Companies
Jumping into a hardwood flooring project without properly researching installation companies isn’t a good idea. There can be factors that a customer hasn’t considered, like hidden costs or the installation timeline. Before hiring a hardwood floor installer, customers will want to check with customer service representatives to find out if the installers are properly insured and if there is a labor, material, or service warranty that helps to protect the customer’s investment.
It’s also recommended to request an up-front price estimate breakdown so that the customer knows exactly what they are paying for and what services are included in the overall price. Customers will want to make sure that the company carries or can source the flooring material that they want for the home. Customers can also inquire about a basic timeline for the installation and get a definitive answer on whether the installers will clean up after the installation or if this task is left to the customer to handle. Depending on the condition of their floors, homeowners may also want to consider refinishing existing hardwood floors rather than replacing them entirely. The best hardwood floor refinishing companies may be a more affordable option in those situations.
Cost of Hiring One of the Best Hardwood Flooring Installation Companies
“How much to install hardwood floors?” is the first concern for many homeowners considering replacing carpet with hardwood or updating aging wood floors. Having a budget for a flooring project is one of the best ways to avoid overpaying for a new floor. Before comparing Empire Today costs vs. Home Depot or another installer, a homeowner needs to have an idea of the average cost of hardwood floors in order to make a reasonable budget. The cost to install hardwood floors will range from about $2,481 to $7,026, depending on the size of the project and the type of hardwood flooring material selected. Hardwood flooring costs for materials can range from inexpensive options at just $6 per square foot to expensive products that can exceed $25 per square foot. When comparing solid wood vs. engineered wood costs, for instance, customers may find that solid hardwood tends to be more expensive.
Costs to move furniture, clean up, or take measurements may or may not be included in the overall price. For those wondering how much it is to add hardwood floors to their home given all the related costs and fees, it’s recommended to request a price estimate breakdown before hiring a company.
The Advantages of Using One of the Best Hardwood Flooring Installation Companies
There are many reasons to hire a professional hardwood flooring installation company, but the most obvious is that expert flooring installers know what they are doing. These expert individuals work in the flooring industry every day, giving them a high level of knowledge and experience that helps them complete flooring installations quickly, efficiently, and with a quality that may elude the average DIYer.
While a DIY job may be acceptable for the current residents of the home, prospective home buyers will often be willing to make a higher offer for homes with a professional-quality hardwood flooring installation. Additionally, there are a large number of hardwood flooring companies that provide warranties on the labor and materials, as well as some companies that go a step further by offering a service warranty that covers damages or problems that would generally fall outside of a standard warranty.
- Professional hardwood floor installers can complete the work quickly and with fewer errors than most DIYers.
- A high-quality hardwood floor can increase the value of the home, so professional results matter.
- Many hardwood floor installation companies offer labor, material, and service warranties.
FAQs
Customers won’t want to settle for the first hardwood floor installation company they come across. Before choosing from among the top flooring companies and installing flooring, homeowners will want to consider the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions—how to install flooring, for instance.
In order to find a top-quality hardwood flooring expert, it’s necessary for a customer to research potential options to determine the best hardwood flooring installers available in their area. Customers can look for hardwood flooring companies that offer the services or features they are looking for, like virtual consultations or flexible warranty plans. Top options include Empire Today, LL Flooring, National Floors Direct, Mr. Handyman, and The Home Depot flooring installation.
It’s recommended to wait at least 6 hours before walking on a new hardwood floor in socks and 24 hours before walking on the floors with shoes. Ideally, homeowners are advised to wait a full 48 hours before moving the furniture back into position and about a week before putting carpets or area rugs in place. This allows homeowners to spot any problems with the new hardwood floor installation.
It’s hard to spot mistakes or problems with floor installations if a homeowner doesn’t know enough about how to install hardwood floors, so it’s important that they take some time to understand the basic process before looking for wood floor companies to complete the work.
The process begins by removing existing baseboards, trim, and the old flooring. The new hardwood should be allowed about 3 to 5 days to acclimate to the home’s environment before the installers begin laying the first boards into position. The starting point will usually be along an exterior wall because these walls are more likely to be square than existing interior walls.
Installers will leave a ¾-inch expansion gap around the perimeter of the room, then lay out the floorboards to ensure that there is a good variation in the boards’ color and length. With the flooring laid out, the installers begin moving the boards into place and fastening them to the subfloor with a pneumatic nail gun. The last few boards are generally nailed in manually to avoid uneven nail holes or shifting floorboards. Any holes are filled with wood putty, and the baseboards and trim are replaced. Finally, professional installers will typically clean up the area and provide details on when the homeowner can walk on the floor or replace furniture.
An experienced DIYer could install a hardwood floor, but this doesn’t mean that it’s an easy renovation task to complete. The best engineered wood flooring is easier to work with than solid hardwood flooring because it is lighter and more flexible, and it can be nailed or glued down. If a homeowner prefers hardwood flooring to engineered wood, then they will need to use a flooring nailer to install the new hardwood. The hardwood may need to be sanded and finished, depending on the product. With that in mind, it may be better to consider hardwood flooring services rather than tackle these jobs as DIY projects.
The length of time it takes to fully install a new hardwood floor depends heavily on the size of the project and the type of hardwood floor. Hardwood first needs to acclimate to a home’s conditions before it can be installed. Some hardwood flooring products can acclimate to the home within 3 to 5 days, while other options may require up to a week to fully acclimate before they can be installed.
Larger projects will generally take longer to complete than smaller projects. If a homeowner is installing hardwood floors throughout the entire home, they can expect the installation work to take about 3 to 5 days to complete, while a single room may only take 1 to 3 days to finish. On average, the entire process takes 7 to 10 days.