Lowe's vs Wayfair

Continued from above...

Following the many supply chain issues of the pandemic, lumber (and building materials more generally) can be more expensive than ever. If you're going to be spending the money to renovate your home, or require bulk flooring for your business or a specific project, then you want to be sure as to not only the quality of the product, but the support you'll receive as a customer.

Though vinyl seems to be all the rage these days - many of us are familiar with the "landlord special” of flat white paint and lowest-cost gray vinyl - the best flooring companies today offer multiple potential installations for your home, from glossy laminate to luxurious hardwoods, tile, and even specialty floors such as high-impact gym floors and cork.

While shipping is important for all online retailers, it is especially important for flooring, as costs can often balloon simply due to the weight of materials you order. Many large retailers offer on-site pick-up or store delivery, and that can help you save a significant amount if you have the space to haul your order from the store to your home or renovation site. In short, be sure to check shipping costs for each supplier before you order, and also keep in mind that if shipping is advertised as "free”, they may be more than making up for it in the actual cost of the boards.

Convenience is another standout feature of online flooring companies. You can browse and purchase flooring materials from the comfort of your own home, eliminating the need for time-consuming visits to traditional stores. This convenience is particularly advantageous for individuals with busy schedules or those who may not have easy access to local flooring retailers.

Moreover, online flooring companies often offer competitive pricing. Lower overhead costs compared to traditional brick-and-mortar stores enable them to provide cost-effective options to customers. Additionally, many online retailers frequently feature discounts, promotions, or bundle deals that can result in significant savings for buyers.

One specific thing to watch out for when buying flooring online is this: some less-than-reputable retailers will disguise high-pressure sales pitches as informative "consultations” to get you to order overpriced materials. In short, an ounce of research is worth a pound down the line.

So, what can you use to decide which online flooring retailer is going to be your best bet? There are a lot of them out there, and it can get overwhelming quickly. Here are some criteria that can make the experience a little more worry-free:

• Variety: The more types of flooring a retailer carries, the more likely you are to find what you've got in mind. Look for a store that has multiple options of the flooring type you're considering, spanning several brands and color choices.
• Installation: Many major flooring retailers offer installation, but keep in mind this installation can vary in terms of quality. If you aren't installing the flooring yourself, take some time to look into who the retailer contracts to do the work and see if there's any customer feedback there.
• Educational materials: The best retailers on our list offer how-to guides and educational materials on almost every element of flooring. If you are buying and/or looking to install yourself and don't know where to start, the free buying and care guides provided can be an excellent resource.
• Returns: It's no surprise that things can go wrong with flooring. It can get left in a warehouse too long and warp/crack, it can come with manufacturing defects in the boards, or maybe they don't even ship you the right materials. Be sure you know your retailer's return policy before you click the "place order” button. If you might need to take advantage of returns and have a large order, inspect your boards on delivery, and be sure to note any defects when signing the proof of delivery form. Doing so will help you take advantage of your return in the long run.

Flooring can be a significant expense for your business or home renovation, so it pays to find a good, reliable supplier who works with you when something goes wrong. Top Consumer Reviews has done the legwork to find the most reputable flooring retailers out there today, and we're confident that this research will be helpful as you decide where to spend your hard-earned cash on new flooring!