How to Choose the Best Flooring Company | A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to upgrading or renovating your space, flooring can be a significant investment. 
Choosing the right flooring company is crucial because the quality of installation can affect the aesthetic appeal and durability of your flooring. However, there are so many flooring companies to choose from, many of which offer similar products and services, which can make it difficult to narrow down your options and choose the best flooring company for your needs. 

To help you choose the best flooring company, we’ve compiled a list of tips and insights based on flooring industry standards and your own budget considerations:

• Understand your flooring needs
• Verify company credentials and experience
• Ask for flooring samples and portfolios
• Inquire about flooring warranties and guarantees
• Request detailed flooring estimates
• Visit showrooms or request on-site consultations
• Evaluate customer service
• Read flooring company customer reviews

Understand your flooring needs

Before you start researching flooring company options, identify your specific needs. Ask yourself important questions, such as the following:

• What type of flooring do I want? (e.g., hardwood, laminate, vinyl, tile, carpet)
• What is my budget for the project?
• Is this for a residential or commercial space?
• Do I need additional services like removal of old flooring or subfloor repairs?

While the list of questions above isn’t comprehensive, knowing the answers to these questions can provide you with a place to start in finding the best flooring company based on your preferred flooring type and budget.

Verify company credentials and experience

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of flooring companies, it can be helpful to verify each company's credentials. Doing so can ensure a higher level of quality and expertise, resulting in greater peace of mind for you as a client, but also a higher level of service and installation quality.

Many flooring companies have certifications from flooring manufacturers or trade associations, which can indicate a higher level of expertise. Some common flooring certifications to look out for include the following:

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification — OSHA certification demonstrates that the company prioritizes safety and follows industry-standard safety protocols.
• National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) certification — Companies or installers with NWFA certification have specialized training in hardwood flooring installation, finishing, and maintenance.
• International Certified Flooring Installers Association (CFI) — CFI certification indicates the installer meets high standards for carpet, resilient flooring, ceramic tile, and hardwood installation.
• FloorScore certification — This certification ensures that flooring materials meet indoor air quality standards, which is essential for creating healthier indoor environments.
• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) — Flooring companies that offer LEED-certified products focus on sustainability and eco-friendly materials.
• Manufacturer certifications — Many flooring manufacturers offer specialized training and certification programs for installers to ensure their products are properly installed. Examples include certifications from Mohawk, Armstrong, and Shaw.

Beyond specific certifications and credentials, it can be important to confirm a company’s licensing and insurance — you’ll want to ensure that a company is licensed to operate in your area and carries insurance to protect against damages and accidents.

Ask for flooring samples and portfolios

A reputable flooring company should be able to provide samples of their products and a portfolio of completed projects. Viewing a company’s portfolio can provide you with the opportunity to assess the quality of the company’s materials, see examples of their work to ensure it aligns with your aesthetic and needs, and get inspiration for your project.

Inquire about flooring warranties and guarantees

Flooring is a significant investment — average total costs for new flooring can range anywhere from $1,000 to $8,000 or more. Flooring is typically priced out per square foot installed; thus, your flooring costs will be dependent on the size of your space and the type of flooring that you’d like to install.

Because new flooring can carry a high price tag, it’s important to inquire about a flooring company’s warranties or guarantees; both of which can provide crucial protection for your flooring investment and overall peace of mind.

Many flooring companies will offer material warranties and installation guarantees, providing important protection for flooring materials as well as any issues that may arise from improper installation. Most material warranties are offered by flooring manufacturers that are partnered with flooring companies that specialize in installation work.

When comparing flooring company warranties and guarantees, you may want to consider some of the following factors that can affect the scope of coverage:

• Warranty length — Warranty periods vary depending on the product and company. Look for warranties that offer coverage for at least 10–20 years on materials and 1–2 years on installation services.
• Transferable warranties — Some warranties can be transferred to new homeowners if you sell your property. This feature can add value to your home and attract potential buyers.
• Exclusions and limitations — Understand the exclusions in the warranty. For example, damages caused by improper maintenance, heavy furniture, or excessive moisture might not be covered.
• Maintenance requirements — Many warranties require regular maintenance or specific cleaning methods to remain valid. Ensure you follow these guidelines to avoid voiding your coverage.

When you choose a flooring company, make sure you get written documentation of all warranty and guarantee details. Doing so can ensure transparency and offers you protection in case of future disputes.

Request detailed flooring estimates

Before committing to a flooring company, it’s recommended to ask for detailed written estimates from at least three other companies, allowing you to compare material costs, labor charges, and project timelines. You may also want to inquire about additional costs or fees associated with services like old flooring removal or subfloor preparation, as these factors may not be included in an initial estimate, which could skew one company’s costs to appear lower than those of another company.

Many flooring companies make it easy to request a free estimate online. In most cases, you’ll be required to fill out a form on a respective company’s website, providing some basic contact information and details about your flooring project. Typically, you’d then be contacted by a company representative to discuss your project further, including estimated costs.

Visit showrooms or request on-site consultations

If possible, you may want to visit a company’s showroom to see and feel their flooring products in person. Alternatively, some flooring companies offer on-site consultations where they bring samples to your location. This can help you visualize how different flooring options will look in your space. In addition, viewing samples can give you a better idea of product quality, as flooring materials may look different online than they do in person.

Evaluate customer service

Good communication and customer service can be crucial in a successful experience with a flooring company. During initial interactions with a company, such as during a consultation, take note of how responsive and helpful company representatives are. Consider whether or not company representatives are answering your questions thoroughly, if they’re providing clear and transparent information, and if they’re showing interest in your needs.

A company that prioritizes customer satisfaction will likely continue that level of service throughout a flooring installation project.

Read flooring company customer reviews

Last but certainly not least, read customer reviews of flooring companies that you’re interested in. Reviews can provide helpful insight into the quality of a flooring company’s work, professionalism, punctuality, and ability to handle challenges or issues.

Based on verified customer reviews, the top three flooring companies on BestCompany.com include the following:

Express Flooring

Express Flooring is a premier flooring company that serves customers in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. The company specializes in carpet, hardwood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), laminate, and tile flooring options. Express Flooring offers next-day flooring installations backed by a free lifetime installation warranty.

On BestCompany.com, 100 percent of Express Flooring reviews are four or five stars; however, it’s important to note that the company’s current review count is limited and may not reflect the experience of the majority of customers. That being said, satisfied Express Flooring customers frequently highlight the following about their experience with the company:

• Professional and responsive staff
• Fast and effective flooring installations
• Very careful with furniture and other belongings during flooring installation

Learn more about Express Flooring

Armstrong Flooring

Armstrong Flooring is part of the Armstrong brand, a global manufacturer that specializes in flooring, ceiling, and wall materials. Armstrong products are available from a variety of lenders throughout the United States. 

On BestCompany.com, 86 percent of Armstrong Flooring reviews are four or five stars; however, it’s important to note that the company’s current review count is limited and may not reflect the experience of the majority of customers. That being said, satisfied Armstrong Flooring customers frequently highlight the following about their experience with the company:

• Aesthetically pleasing and durable flooring materials
• Affordable flooring options
• User-friendly website that allows customers to view materials and locate them at nearby vendors

Learn more about Armstrong Flooring

Empire Today

Empire Today is a flooring company headquartered in Illinois. The company offers a variety of flooring options (carpet, vinyl, hardwood, and more) at affordable prices. The company offers a low-price guarantee, ensuring that it will beat the price of any competitor within 30 days of placing an order.

On BestCompany.com, 72 percent of Empire Today reviews are four or five stars; however, it’s important to note that the company’s current review count is limited and may not reflect the experience of the majority of customers. That being said, satisfied Empire Today customers frequently highlight the following about their experience with the company:

• Wide variety of high-quality flooring products
• Affordable pricing when compared to other flooring companies
• Fast and professional installation work

Learn more about Empire Today

The final word

Considering all the tips and insights outlined above can help you narrow down flooring company choices. But it can also be important to trust your own gut throughout the research process. If a company seems pushy, dismissive, or unprofessional, it’s better to move on to another option. A trustworthy flooring company will make you feel confident and comfortable about your decision.

Choosing the best flooring company requires a balance of research, careful consideration, and trusting your instincts. By understanding your needs, verifying credentials, and prioritizing customer service, you can ensure a successful flooring project that enhances your space for years to come.