9 Best Flooring Companies of 2026

Founded in 1999 and based in Vancouver, BuildDirect is an online flooring retailer that's spent over two decades quietly becoming one of the best in the business. Whether you're updating a single room or managing flooring for multiple properties, BuildDirect stands out with its fast shipping, responsive service, and a selection that keeps growing. From homeowners tackling DIY projects to seasoned professionals juggling deadlines, this flooring store makes it easy to get what you need - quickly, affordably, and with confidence.

Huge selection, with something for (almost) everyone

BuildDirect carries a wide range of flooring types, including hardwood, laminate, vinyl, carpet, and tile, plus outdoor decking and more. You won't find niche options like horse stall mats or dance tiles here, but for 99% of flooring shoppers, the catalog will have more than enough to work with. Not sure what'll look best in your space? Samples are free, and they typically arrive in 1-2 business days via FedEx. Just click on "Order Free Sample" and you're good to go.

Virtual tools and real help

If you've ever tried shopping for flooring online and felt overwhelmed, BuildDirect feels like a breath of fresh air. Their website is intuitive and full of genuinely helpful information, including product videos and installation guides. You'll also see the virtual room design tool featured on many product pages, and it's not just a gimmick - customers say the visuals closely match how the floors look in person. And if you've got questions? There's no pushy sales pitch here. BuildDirect's reps will walk you through your options at your pace, whether you're ready to order today or still months out from your project. Just be aware that, when it comes to installation, you'll need to find someone on your own if DIY isn't your idea of a good time; BuildDirect doesn't make that connection for you.

Easy to find what you need - at prices that shouldn't scare you

As an apples-to-apples comparison across all of the flooring stores on our list, we looked for a top trending style: Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP). How did BuildDirect do? There were 269 options to choose from (though we did chuckle when we realized that they seem to call it "affluent" instead of "luxury" on some styles), ranging in price from roughly $2 to $6 per square foot - we say "roughly" because even when we asked the site to sort from high-to-low and low-to-high, we still got the flooring in a random order.

Tons of details

One of BuildDirect's most popular styles in this category is the "Affluent Wood-Look" in 7 different color choices, averaging a near-perfect 4.9 stars across 50+ reviews (and on sale for 31% off at the time of our visit). There are tons of details on this (and every other) flooring style, from the click-lock installation to the fact that it has a pre-attached pad to reduce noise and make footsteps quieter. There's even a video to help you see what it could look like and highlighting all of the most important features. And, back to pricing: everyday delivery costs start at $149 at BuildDirect, but we regularly spotted free shipping promos (so keep your eyes peeled).

PRO program that actually delivers

BuildDirect goes above and beyond for pros with its free-to-join PRO Rewards Program. You'll get unlimited free samples, dedicated project support, custom quotes, and net 30 payment terms, plus up to 5% back in rewards depending on your order volume. You don't need to hit huge minimums just to start getting perks - and even at the entry level, you'll have access to a support concierge to help manage your orders. If you're a contractor, landlord, or designer, this program is a no-brainer.

A better return window than almost anyone

One of the biggest things that sets BuildDirect apart is its 6-month, worry-free return policy. That's a major leap beyond the typical 30-day window you'll find with most competitors. As long as your flooring is in resellable condition and still in the original packaging, you can send it back for a refund - even if you only want to return part of your order (in unopened boxes, of course). Just keep in mind that clearance, custom, special, and container orders don't qualify. Still, that kind of flexibility is almost unheard of in the flooring space and adds serious peace of mind to your purchase, even if you do have to cover the costs of the return shipping.

Customers are loving it

BuildDirect holds an "A+" rating with the Better Business Bureau, with fewer than a dozen complaints on file - a great reputation compared to some flooring companies. It also earns 4 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, with more than 600 reviews and counting. Shoppers regularly call out how helpful and responsive the company is. It's clear that BuildDirect takes care of its customers - not just when things go right, but also when they go wrong.

Our new #1 pick for flooring

Whether you're shopping for a single room or sourcing flooring for a full-scale renovation, BuildDirect delivers a standout experience from start to finish. Their combination of fast, free samples, intuitive shopping tools, and a generous 6-month return window sets them apart in an industry that often makes things harder than they need to be. Add in strong customer service, a well-regarded PRO program, and a growing catalog of quality flooring, and it's easy to see why BuildDirect earns our highest recommendation. This is the kind of flooring store that puts your project - and your satisfaction - first.

On the Build Direct website

Lowe's is a household name in home improvement, with more than 1,700 stores across the US and a massive online catalog to match. Founded in 1946, the company has grown into one of the largest retailers in the country, offering everything from paint and power tools to appliances and flooring. Whether you're a DIYer tackling a weekend project or a contractor managing large-scale renovations, Lowe's aims to be a one-stop shop with competitive pricing, well-known brands, and convenient services like in-store pickup, home delivery, and professional installation.

Every kind of flooring you could need - plus all the extras

When it comes to flooring, you'll find everything you need at Lowe's (which probably won't surprise you). Right on the main Flooring page, you'll see everything from basic vinyl and hardwood to the tools you'll need for a successful installation (like surface preparation, underlayment, and more). Not sure what you're looking for? Scroll down on that same page and see some basic features of each flooring type: vinyl is easy to install and wear-resistant, for example, while hardwood is refinishable and good for home value.

Lowe's selection and pricing is hard to beat

To make a fair comparison across all of the flooring stores we evaluated, we looked for one of today's most trending types: Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank. That was easy to find by going to the Vinyl Section and clicking directly on the icon for Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring, but of course you could type any kind of flooring you're looking for in the search bar as well. We were shown a jaw-dropping 649 results in that category alone. The most affordable option in Waterproof LVP was Armstrong Flooring's Pro Mark 6-mil/6"W/36"L in 7 different color choices for just $1.20/sq.ft., and with a solid customer rating average of 4.4 stars across 60 reviews. Even more of a best-seller - while still being affordable - was Style Selections' 12-mil/7"W/48"L in 4 color choices for $1.99/sq.ft. and with an average of 4.3 stars spanning more than 2,400 reviews. On the higher end, Lowe's carried NewAge Products' Stone Composite in Natural Oak for $6.19/sq.ft. or in Forest Oak for $5.99/sq.ft.

Tells you everything you need to know upfront

One thing we love about shopping for flooring at Lowe's is how easy they make it to see information at a glance. You'll see which flooring has samples available for $2.99, if it's available for pickup at a location near you (just make sure that you have your preferred store set at the top of the site) and how many are in stock, and whether or not you can get free delivery - on most items, there are weight restrictions and you have to order at least $45 in total, but many of the flooring choices we looked at were designated as "free delivery" regardless of order total, which is a big plus.

Help is at your fingertips

Once you've selected a flooring type you're interested in, you'll get even more help. Need to calculate how much your project will require? There's a tool for that. Have a question about the flooring? Mylow stands at the ready; it's Lowe's AI bot that can generate answers (but you can also click on the live chat if you'd prefer human input).

The visualizer will be your new best friend

Better yet, Lowe's has a "see it in your space" tool that lets you visualize exactly how the flooring you're thinking of will actually look. All you have to do is upload a photo and you're good to go. (And, if you're working on a whole-room upgrade, you can do the same with wall treatments too).

Pro installation is just a few clicks away

What if you're not sure you can handle putting in a whole room of hardwood or carpet, for instance? No worries. Click where it says "Get It Installed" to get started. A background-checked, insured and (where necessary) licensed professional will reach out to set an appointment; he or she will come and take measurements, help you select the materials you want to purchase, and get a quote generated for the total cost (which will also come with financing options). If you accept the quote and schedule your installation, the installer will deliver your materials and get your new flooring put in - and even take away any old materials or debris.

Customer-centric policies abound

Continuing the "customer friendly" trend, Lowe's gives you a low price guarantee. If you find a lower price somewhere else, just reach out and they'll match it (though some exclusions may apply). And, from what we can see, you can take advantage of free returns on your flooring as well: if it's new and unused, you should have the same 90-day window as any other items purchased from Lowe's, but we can't guarantee that they'll offer return shipping at no cost if your flooring order was heavy (as most flooring is). You may want to plan on returning it to your nearest Lowe's, or reach out to double-check before you place your order if that would be a deal-breaker for you.

Not all customers have been happy with the installers

The only thing stopping Lowe's from earning our absolute highest rating is the fact that some customers have been really unhappy with their installation partners. You could get someone who does a totally fantastic job, but that hasn't been the case for everyone. It's a part of your purchase that may warrant some extra verification: you should do your own research when you're scheduled with the proposed installer for the measurement-taking and see what people in your area have said about the company. In the end, you may be better off ordering your flooring on your own and then working with the contractor of your choice to get it put in.

An obviously good choice for buying flooring

Fortunately, in all other respects, Lowe's is an excellent choice for buying flooring online. You've got tons of tools at your fingertips, making it pretty simple to see what kind of flooring will look the best in your space, get your measurements taken, find answers to questions, and have your order delivered right where you need it. We highly recommend you check out Lowe's if a flooring project is on your to-do list.

On the Lowe's website

Home Depot is one of the most recognizable names in home improvement - and when it comes to flooring, that big-box experience can really work in your favor. Whether you're planning a major renovation or just want to refresh a single room, there's something reassuring about browsing a wide range of in-stock options, getting samples, and having the choice to get your online order delivered or visit a store near you to pick it up. And because Home Depot stocks so many top brands, styles, and materials, it's an excellent place to shop if you're looking for variety and flexibility without the boutique price tag.

Extensive flooring selection

Home Depot's inventory covers the full range of flooring types, including vinyl, laminate, hardwood, tile, carpet, and specialty flooring like gym tiles and garage solutions. You'll find big-name brands like Lifeproof, Pergo, TrafficMaster, and more - and since they regularly run promotions and price drops, there's a good chance you can score a deal. At the time of this review, their Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank (our comparison flooring used across all of the retailers on our list) came in more than 1,100 options, priced from $1.19 to $7.00+ per square foot, which is on par with or even better than some online-only stores. Also, all of the website tools make it quick and simple to find the exact flooring you have in mind: for the LVP we used as an example, it only took a few clicks to get there. We simply went to the Vinyl section, then to the Luxury Vinyl Plank area, and selected "Waterproof" (and not just Water Resistant) to get to all of the matching results. No matter which type of flooring you're looking for, make good use of those filters to quickly narrow down all of the options.

Benefits make it easy to get the right flooring here

We found the entire process really customer-friendly at Home Depot. From the $2.99 samples on offer for many flooring types, to the "Plan your project" tool that lets you enter your measurements (and allows for multiple areas/dimensions), there's no shortage of ways to get your purchase just right. And, on some of the options we liked, there were helpful "See This In My Room" and "View Virtual Sample" features. Best of all, on Home Depot's most popular flooring choices, there were tons of customer reviews and Questions & Answers that you can use to know how the style worked out in real life. For example, on Lifeproof's Sterling Oak 6mm 8.7"w x 48"l Click Lock Waterproof LVP, there were over 10,000 reviews (averaging an impressive 4. 6 stars out of 5) and more than 2,500 customer-submitted questions with answers.

Generous returns

Returns are refreshingly easy here. If you're within 90 days of purchase (or an impressive 365 days if your purchase was made with a Home Depot credit card), you can take your flooring back to any Home Depot location - no receipt required if they can look it up by your card or order info. Online orders can also be returned by mail, though you'll want to double-check the details for how to do that (and maybe reach out to Home Depot's customer service team to make sure it's fee-free). It's one of the most hassle-free return policies in the retail flooring space, especially when compared to online-only shops.

Some installation concerns

While Home Depot sells everything you need for DIY flooring installs (including a feature we really love: bundles with all of the extras you might need, from molding to underlayment), their installation services can be hit or miss. Some customers have reported issues with third-party contractors, from rushed or uneven work to communication breakdowns. If you're confident handling the install yourself (or hiring your own contractor), this won't be a dealbreaker - but if you're relying on full-service help through Home Depot, you may want to tread carefully and see if you can get the name of the installation company in your area prior to booking (so that you can check out their reputation).

A practical, affordable flooring choice

Home Depot is a smart pick for flooring if you want a wide selection, competitive pricing, and the convenience of local pickup and in-person support. Installation services might be a bit of a gamble, but the value here is hard to ignore. For DIYers and anyone who likes the option to see and touch products before buying, Home Depot is absolutely worth considering for your next flooring project.

On the Home Depot website

Wayfair is best known as a massive online marketplace for all things home, but it's also a surprisingly popular place to shop for flooring. From hardwood and laminate to tile, vinyl, and carpet tiles, Wayfair offers thousands of options for every style and budget - all available to ship directly to your door. Whether you're doing a full renovation or just updating a single room, Wayfair aims to make the flooring process as simple and affordable as possible.

Flooring for every style and budget

To compare all of the flooring stores on our list, we decided to look for one of the most trending styles today: Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank. Wayfair made that really easy to find: we went to the Vinyl Flooring section of the site, used the filters on the left side to indicate we only wanted to see waterproof options in luxury vinyl, and voila. There were still over 800 options to sort through (some of which weren't exactly what we had in mind, like Diamond Tread Shed Flooring Rolls), but it didn't take long to get to options like Shaw's De Soto and Hermes styles. On the high end as far as pricing goes, we saw several styles by Dundee Deco for the staggering price of $15.79/sq.ft.. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Wayfair was offering Nance Industries' American 6"x48"x2mm for just $1.09/sq.ft. (and an even lower $1. 04/sq. ft. price if you add at least 270 sq. ft. to your cart). In short, whatever your budget and your style, Wayfair is likely to have dozens (if not hundreds) of options to choose from.

Pay attention to what other Wayfair customers say

So, how can you narrow it down? We'd recommend looking at customer reviews. One of the advantages of buying flooring from a store as often-shopped as Wayfair is being able to get the perspectives of other shoppers, so why not take advantage? For example, in that Weatherproof Luxury Vinyl Plank category we looked at, one of Wayfair's most popular styles - which we found by sorting by "Recommended", hint hint - was MSI's Brushwood in 6"x48" in 14 colors to choose from, priced at $1.59/sq.ft. Across more than 200 reviews, it averaged an impressive 4.5 stars; our favorite review came from a restaurant owner who said that they installed this flooring and had absolutely zero issues since then (almost a year), and the non-skid finish made it super-safe for staff and customers. You can often find that kind of feedback when shopping on Wayfair - their customers don't hold back, and they often include photos of the flooring in use.

Lots of help - from samples to specialists

Not sure what you need? We get it, and so does Wayfair. You can order samples of most flooring for just $2.99, and they ship fast. Need help calculating how much to order? You'll see the tool on the site, and you can also reach out via live chat if you want help - their specialists can give you advice on how to take measurements, how to decide which kind of flooring will suit your space best, or which of the items on Wayfair's "Get Everything You Need" list (end cap molding, water-based adhesive, underlayment) is actually a necessity.

Installation available, but do your research

Better yet, if you really don't want to go the DIY route - for measuring or installing your flooring - you can get a free in-home consultation and measurement, which will also connect you with a pro for the installation (12 months payment- and interest-free or a 5% instant rebate, plus a 1-year labor warranty). Click where it says "Get Started" (under the "What We Offer" section below the "Add to Cart" button) and enter your information, so that Wayfair can match you with a licensed pro near you. However, we encourage you to still do your own due diligence with whoever Wayfair sends your way; we've seen some less-than-thrilled feedback from customers who weren't completely happy with the quality of the install, and who didn't have the easiest time in the world getting any kind of rectification from Wayfair (or from the contractor).

Enticing reasons to shop here include pro discounts and free delivery

There are a couple of extra perks to buying your flooring from Wayfair. First, shipping was free on most of the options we selected. And, it was surprisingly fast: for an order of that popular MSI LVP we priced out earlier, ordering on a Thursday had it to our doorstep on Tuesday. And, if you're a flooring professional (Handywoman? Contractor? Landlord?), you can enroll your business at no cost and get more savings on your flooring purchase. We like that.

Not the best if you need to make a return

But now, the downsides. While Wayfair offers 30-day returns on pretty much everything, the cost of sending back your flooring will be on you - and you can imagine how much that would be, given the weight of the product. In essence, you're not going to be returning your order even if you hate what you bought. And, while Wayfair does earn an "A+" and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, the retailer still gets over 2000 complaints a year filed with the BBB. However, given the millions of orders placed every year on this global e-commerce site, we're really not fazed by even that quantity of rants, especially when it's so easy to see which flooring has gotten rave reviews (complete with photos).

Definitely worth considering for your flooring

We've given Wayfair a renovated grade in our evaluation, moving up from a lackluster score to a "we'd shop here!" rating. You'll have a hard time finding a better selection, you've got options for no-cost in-home measurements (and affordable installation) in most areas of the US, and you can't beat the real-world feedback from previous Wayfair shoppers who got their flooring here. If you do the extra research on the contractor (if you go with their installers), you should be really thrilled with any flooring you purchase from Wayfair.

On the Wayfair website

Founded in 2004 and based in Gilbert, Arizona, Flooring Inc. is one of the most established online flooring retailers in the industry. Whether you're a homeowner, a DIY renovator, or a commercial buyer looking for bulk materials, Flooring Inc. aims to make the shopping process straightforward and informative. With an enormous product catalog, thoughtful buying guides, and responsive service, there's a lot to like here.

An unmatched selection of specialty flooring

If you can walk on it, Flooring Inc. probably sells it. Their catalog includes not just the usual suspects - like vinyl, hardwood, carpet, and laminate - but also niche flooring for garages, horse stalls, gyms, basketball courts, and kennels. You'll even find artificial turf and dance tiles. Few retailers on our list come close to the sheer variety offered here, and whether your project is a single-room refresh or a massive commercial install, there's a good chance you'll find what you need.

Shopping tools that actually help

Flooring Inc. strikes a nice balance between informative and accessible. The "Get Inspired & How-To" section (linked at the top of the site) includes detailed buying guides, how-to articles, and care instructions for each type of flooring. These aren't just marketing fluff either - they're easy to understand and clearly written, especially compared to the bare-bones "guides" on many rival sites. There's also a helpful square footage calculator on each product page, though it's fairly basic.

Navigation is a breeze, but prices can be a bit high

When we went to look for our comparison flooring (Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank), Flooring Inc. made it about as easy as it gets. All we had to do was go to the Vinyl Flooring category and click on the Waterproof section: no need to use filters or type anything in the search bar (though those are great options too). Pricing was a bit higher here than at some rival flooring stores: the lowest per-square-foot pricing we saw on Waterproof LVP was $3.89 for the Envee Tacky Back (and we're not sure that qualifies as "luxury"), and going all the way up to $10.49 for TruCor Prime XXL 10". Flooring Inc.'s best-seller in this category is the COREtec Pro Plus 7" Rigid Core, offered in 14 colors and with a cork underlayment (which will cost you extra with other options) for $4.65/sq.ft.

On a budget? You've got options

Flooring Inc.'s clearance and monthly deals section is worth a look, especially if you're shopping on a budget. Just be aware that returns are not allowed on clearance purchases, and availability can be hit or miss depending on how quickly items sell out. Also, look for flooring designated as "free shipping": it doesn't apply to every style they sell here, but it could make the difference between two similar options if one can be delivered at no cost. Finally, if you find the flooring you like at a lower price elsewhere, click on the Price Match Guarantee link at the top of the Flooring Inc. website. You'll fill out the information about where you saw the better deal, and Flooring Inc. will match it. Just don't forget to add installation costs into your mental budget: it's not a service offered here, so you'll either have to go the DIY route or hire someone on your own.

Up to 3 free samples

As you browse the site, you'll see "Order Free Sample" on just about every type of flooring you may be considering. Flooring Inc. gives you three for free, and you'll pay just $0.50 for any extras. We love it when online flooring retailers understand that how it looks on the screen may not be how it looks in person, so they make it easy (and cheap or free) to test it out in your actual home, office, or studio.

Returns within 30 days for biggest refund

How about returns? Flooring Inc. calls it a "money-back guarantee", and you've got 30 days to send back any unused, unopened product for a refund, minus shipping and a restocking fee if applicable. If it's been longer than 30 days, you can still make a return - just expect up to a 35% restocking fee. Exchanges are a little more forgiving, with a lower 10% restocking charge. Either way, though, you have to pay the cost of sending back your flooring, and that's going to be expensive no matter what - but that's common within the industry.

Perks for pros

If you're a professional installer or frequent buyer, you'll appreciate Flooring Inc.'s Pro Advantage program: it offers tiered discounts starting at $10,000 in annual purchases, with perks like unlimited free samples and concierge-level account support at the highest levels. It won't cost you anything to sign up, and you'll find that link at the bottom of the site under "Pro Advantage".

Reputation is still good, but not as stellar as it used to be

Flooring Inc. still gets all the love from the Better Business Bureau, with a perfect "A+" grade and accreditation. This flooring retailer receives about 30 complaints a year on the BBB site, and the "A+" means that the BBB thinks those issues are all getting a timely, appropriate response. However, we didn't find as much glowing praise for Flooring Inc. as we expected when we looked at other places where shoppers leave feedback. On Trustpilot, for example, all of the ratings left in the last 6 months were just 1 star: "never heard back", "they didn't deliver on time", and "impossible to reach anyone" were some of the complaints we saw more than once. While it's possible that Flooring Inc. doesn't invite people to leave feedback on Trustpilot, so that the only customers going there are ones who want to leave a rant and not a rave, it's still not a good thing to see the same "can't get a resolution from customer service" complaint coming up repeatedly and recently.

Good score for now, but keep an eye on reviews

The selection at Flooring, Inc. is one of the broadest around, coming from a company that specializes in flooring (instead of it just being one of many home improvement products in the inventory), and there are a lot of perks that you won't find with other retailers on our list. But, that decline in customer sentiment is something we're keeping an eye on, and you may want to peek over at Trustpilot before you place your order (especially if you've got a tight delivery deadline you need to meet, in order to keep your project on time).

On the Flooring Inc. website

Menards is a Midwest-based home improvement chain that's been around since 1958, offering everything from lumber to appliances - and yes, plenty of flooring. With more than 300 stores and a growing online presence, Menards has earned a loyal following among DIYers and budget-conscious shoppers alike.

Scroll to see full inventory (or you might miss it)

When you first land on Menards' Flooring & Rugs page, you might think that the only options are Tile & Stone, Area Rugs, Exercise & Gym Flooring, and Buying Guides to help you with your purchase. However, if you scroll down a bit, you'll see the full panorama of what's on offer here, from waterproof laminate and vinyl plank, to carpet, cork, and then some.

Most flooring is in the budget-friendly category

To look for our comparison flooring, the Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank, we had to get a bit into the filters (to select "waterproof" as one of them) and then scroll through until we found ones with "luxury" in the title: not the most intuitive process, but better than some rival stores who didn't even give us that much help. On the low end of the spectrum was Mohawk's SIMPLIFLEX 6"x36" in two colors, regularly priced at $0.79/sq.ft. and down to $0.70/sq.ft. with Menards' 11% rebate. On the opposite end of the price range, we spotted the Forbo Allura Flex Central 11"x59.1" luxury vinyl plank in three color choices; that was priced at $3.90/sq.ft. before rebate and $3.47/sq.ft. after the 11% was deducted.

Tools to help you measure and decide

We were thrilled to see that Menards not only offers sample swatches on most flooring choices in the inventory, but they're also really affordable at just $2.99 (even on the spendier kinds like that Forbo Allura we priced out). You'll find that link right below the color choices on each product's main page. Below that, you'll have access to a handy calculator to figure out how much you need to order: it's extra-helpful by offering the ability to enter dimensions for several areas (maybe your room is L-shaped, so you'll need to break it down into two squares or rectangles, for example) or the overall square footage, and Menards specifies that they automatically add 10% to account for error, cuts, spillage, and so on.

Design and visualization tools are excellent

The next helpful tool Menards offers is the AR+, powered by Roomvo. Upload a picture of the room and see how the flooring you're considering will look, easy breezy. Not every flooring type gives you that preview, so look for the AR+ icon among the product images. You may have to click more than once to get the tool to start up, just FYI. Want to get even more tech-y with your flooring order? If you have a Menards near you, try out the Design & Buy tool. We're not entirely sure why it requires a brick-and-mortar store in the vicinity, but you can enter basic room lengths and widths or draw out measurements (including door openings and so forth) in the "full design" tool. Love that.

Website has a few glitches

The first place we hit a snag was clicking on the "View Delivery Options" button. Menards offers free shipping to store for DIY pickup, but what about customers who don't have a location near them? We entered a zip code in Florida, and it got stuck on "retrieving options". We had to add the flooring to our cart, enter our email address to check out as a guest, put in our billing address and shipping address - all to find out that we'd get free standard ground shipping with an estimated arrival date about two weeks later. That was good news.

Some aspects of customer service may be problematic

There were a few other minor downsides with ordering flooring from Menards. First off, there wasn't any option for professional installation that we could see; that was a surprise, given that most of Menards' big-box home improvement rivals (and even some smaller online-only shops) make it possible to connect with a pro if you're not confident about DIY. Another "meh" factor was that while you can return your online flooring order to a Menards location, it's up to the individual store to determine if they'll accept it. And if there's not a Menards by you? They don't really go into detail, but we can imagine that you'd be on the hook for the return shipping fees, which could get expensive fast. But, you'll have 90 days to make returns; we'd recommend that you double-check with your local store (or with Menards' customer service team) prior to making your purchase if you think it might be a possibility. And, that's the final "huh?" factor of shopping online at Menards: the only way to reach customer service is by email. Again, that's probably not an issue if you've got a Menards just down the highway, but it could make your life more difficult if you're ordering your flooring online here.

Company reputation is good

Fortunately, Menards has a decent reputation. Although we'd love to see reviews on the individual flooring products, we're happy to report that the Better Business Bureau gives this retailer an "A-", and the downgrade is for failing to respond to just four complaints. Given the volume of business that this home improvement store does in any given year, that's pretty impressive that only four were overlooked. In other places we looked, Menards has its fair share of complaints, but most of them seem to be from shoppers who had a problem with something (or someone) in-store, and nothing related to flooring.

Not a bad option for flooring

We're happy to give Menards a boost in our rating since our previous evaluation. The design tools are helpful, it's fairly easy to find the flooring you're looking for, and who can be mad about no-cost delivery even when there's no Menards nearby? You'll still want to check out the higher-ranked flooring stores on our list, especially if installation is a must-have, but Menards now ranks as an option to explore for your next project.

On the Menards website

Founded in 1994, FastFloors is a longtime flooring retailer that operates entirely online, offering everything from hardwood and tile to rubber and bamboo. With nearly three decades in the business, they've positioned themselves as a low-key, no-frills alternative to the flashier brands in the space. But, is it the right place to buy your flooring? We'd say no - and here's our explanation why.

Shopping this flooring site isn't intuitive

For starters, navigating the website is cumbersome, and that's being polite. When we went to search for our comparison flooring - Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank - our first click on the category took us to a list of brands we could shop. Not exactly useful if you don't have a favorite flooring manufacturer on the tip of your tongue. When we clicked a second time, we got to the right kind of flooring - but with thumbnail images of over 27,000 options and no easy way to find the specific LVP we were thinking of, we would have quickly decided to shop elsewhere if we were an everyday customer. FastFloors will likely be appealing to you if you know exactly what you want for installation type, manufacturer, shade, style, and so on (some of the filters they offer), but not if you're a total novice looking for help to find the right flooring for your project.

"Call for price"? Why?

Trying to cut to the chase, we entered "luxury vinyl plank" and (gratefully) came up with just 56 options at FastFloors. We'd love to be able to tell you the full price range, but the website only lets you sort by "relevance", and many of the options were listed as "call for price". However, some of the styles had pricing of $2.77/sq.ft., which is pretty high compared with many rival flooring retailers we evaluated.

Not much information or help making measurements

So, let's say you've jumped through all of those hoops and you see some flooring you love. Don't expect a ton of information when you click on it - gone are the days when FastFloors used to offer buying guides and other tools. Instead, you'll get the barest details with the installation type, warranty period, and so on. And, you'll need to know how many square feet you need or the number of boxes; there's nothing to help you measure, but at least if you've done that, FastFloors will automatically calculate the number of boxes (if you enter 150 sq. ft., it'll probably be about 7 boxes).

Delivery time estimate may require a phone call too

Pay attention on that same page, because it's where you'll find the ever-important "check delivery time" link. FastFloors will require you to enter your name, zip code, email, phone number, and "time to buy" (from 2 weeks to 6 months, whatever that means). But (and isn't there always a "but" here?), when we did exactly that, we were taken back to the product page and given the flooring store's toll-free number in the "delivery time" section of the page. Only once we added the flooring to our cart were we given a "calculate square footage" tool, a link for suggesting accessories, and (*drum roll*) a shipping estimate. On 7 boxes of luxury vinyl plank, we were given an estimated delivery price of $189, which was on par with some of the flooring stores on our list.

Returns are going to be difficult and expensive

As you might have guessed, there's no option for installation with FastFloors, so you'll be on your own there. You're also on your own, so to speak, if you want to return fewer than 4 boxes of product: the minimum required to get a refund. Those boxes have to be factory sealed, they have to be returned within 30 days (at your cost), and you'll have a restocking fee of 10-30% deducted. Feels like they're trying to make you say "why bother", doesn't it?

Customer service and responses are hit or miss

FastFloors does respond to complaints - eventually - but you may not like how they handle them. The company had a "not rated" status with the Better Business Bureau when we checked, which isn't automatically a positive or a negative. But, dive into recent complaints to the BBB and in other places online and you'll see the same issues cropping up again and again: wrong colors sent, poor communication, long response times, and missing or incomplete orders. Even worse, FastFloors often responds to public criticism defensively or dismissively, rather than taking real accountability.

Still not a flooring retailer you're going to love

At best, FastFloors is a company that operates like a small shop stretched thin - helpful when they have time, but prone to making mistakes they can't always afford to fix. At worst, you're stuck with a damaged order, minimal support, and no recourse unless you escalate through your payment provider. If you really know what you're doing - maybe you're a contractor or house flipper who has no problems taking measurements and ordering the right amount of bamboo or berber - you might be curious enough to get a quote here. For the vast majority of the rest of us, FastFloors will be an aggravating experience, and we recommend shopping for flooring with a higher-ranked retailer on our list.

On the Fast Floors website

You've probably seen an Empire Today commercial at some point - complete with the catchy jingle and the promise of shop-at-home convenience. The company's mobile showroom model sounds great in theory: they bring the flooring to your house, help you choose the right product, and install it all for you. But look past the cheerful ads, and you'll find an experience that's anything but smooth. From vague pricing to high-pressure sales tactics and unreliable installations, keep reading to see how Empire Today's reputation raises more red flags than confidence.

Convenient shopping...

Empire Today sets itself apart by skipping the showroom altogether. Instead, you book a free in-home consultation, and a representative shows up with flooring samples (including carpet, vinyl plank, hardwood, tile, and laminate) to help you choose. You can also download their room visualizer app to preview products in your space prior to your appointment, which is a nice digital touch. The idea is to give you a stress-free, personalized experience - right down to offering next-day installation on in-stock materials (more on that later).

...but no transparency

But, that convenience comes at a cost - literally. Empire Today doesn't list any pricing online. That means you won't get even a ballpark idea of what you'll pay unless you schedule a home visit. And that's where many customers run into problems. Review after review describes sales appointments that feel more like pressure cookers, with reps pushing limited-time discounts, upsells, and "special deals" that may not be all they seem. Without published prices, it's easy for costs to balloon - and hard for customers to tell if they're getting a fair deal. Even when they advertise tempting promos like 40% off (what they were offering at the time of our most recent visit), how do you even know what you're saving 40% from? From what we can tell, with or without discounts, you can expect to pay more than average when you buy your flooring from Empire Today (even if you take them up on their financing).

Third-party contractors install your flooring (with mixed results)

The company advertises professional installation services, but here's the catch: the installers aren't actually Empire employees. They're third-party contractors, and reviews suggest that quality control varies widely depending on who you get. Some customers report excellent results, while others say their installers arrived late, rushed the job, or botched the install entirely. It's also worth noting that the workmanship warranty only covers installation issues - not wear and tear or product defects - and getting Empire to honor it can be difficult. If there's a problem, the company chooses the inspector who evaluates your claim, and not all issues are covered.

Reputation matters - and this one isn't great

Empire Today may have an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau based on how quickly they respond to complaints, and we were glad to see that their review average at the BBB went up to a respectable 3.19 out of 5 stars from more than 2,000 ratings. However, when we looked at other places where customers leave feedback for Empire Today, we felt a little... swindled. Empire Today claims that they have tens of thousands of 5-star reviews on Google, but we found just over 3,000 total there (many of which were anonymous). And, on another third-party platform, we did find an abundance of 5-star reviews - but they all seemed to have been requested and left after the sales experience, not after an actual purchase and installation. Looking at post-purchase reviews? You'll see a lot of unhappy homeowners, and the complaints are consistent: bait-and-switch pricing, hard sells, shoddy installs, and disappointing follow-up support. While their website offers an easy-to-navigate breakdown of product warranties and installation guarantees, many customers say those policies were exaggerated during the sales pitch - or not honored when they tried to use them. That kind of disconnect between sales and service is exactly what gives the brand such a questionable reputation.

Convenience is the only positive here

Empire Today makes big promises and leans heavily on its in-home sales model to close the deal. But unless you're prepared to push back on pressure tactics and double-check every part of your estimate, you could end up overpaying for underwhelming results. Empire Today's wide product selection and convenience are appealing, but too many customer experiences point to a company that prioritizes sales over service. For more transparent pricing and reliable installation, you're better off going with a flooring retailer that puts customer trust first.

On the EmpireToday website

If you're drawn to Lumber Liquidators because of the low prices and recognizable name, you're not alone - but you'll want to proceed with caution. Formerly rebranded as LL Flooring from 2020 to 2024, the company has since returned to its original name. Unfortunately, the reputation that chased them into that rebrand hasn't gone away. While they offer nationwide retail locations, installation services, and a wide selection of flooring materials, that all comes with a big asterisk: serious quality concerns, unresolved customer complaints, and a long history of negative press still cloud the brand. Read on to see what we mean...

Wide product selection with some gaps

Lumber Liquidators stocks some of the main types of flooring you'd expect: hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and hybrid options. Tile, cork, and bamboo are noticeably absent, so if that's what you're after, you'll need to look elsewhere. One of the few semi-bright spots is their flooring sample program: you can still order your first sample at $15 and extras at $5 each, and those samples get refunded if and when you place your full flooring order here. (Good thing, because many rivals on our list offer free samples or only charge $2. 99 for them..).

Selection is weak, but pricing is decent

Since Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring is so popular at the moment, we used it as a comparison purchase across all of the flooring stores on our list. Lumber Liquidators had eight options to choose from, ranging in price from $1.34/sq.ft. for 3mm/7"wide/48" long in Marathon Oak or Sparta Oak, to $3.30/sq.ft. for 5mm/7"wide/48" long in Golden Acacia. They also offer an Extra Hot Deals section, with sales, special buys, and clearance flooring - but be aware that clearance items may come with limited or no warranty coverage, and they aren't eligible for returns. Finally, Lumber Liquidators offers a 30-day best price guarantee: if you find a lower price at a rival flooring store within a month of either getting a quote or making a purchase, they'll beat the quote or give you a refund of the difference.

Good amount of detail on each flooring option

We appreciate the detail that Lumber Liquidators offers on each type of flooring. You'll know before you buy exactly how much acclimation time it needs prior to install, the warranty period, the weight per box and pallet, and any recommended underlayment and/or seal tape on the seams.

Measurement options aren't impressive

But, we were a little underwhelmed by their tools for taking measurements. There is just a basic pop-up that asks for the length and width of the room "in feet or inces" (yes, they misspelled it), but at least you can choose to have that automatically populate into the product page, so that you get the right number of boxes for your project. Otherwise, if there's a Lumber Liquidators in your area, you can pay $49 for one of their associates to come and take measurements for you (and that's credited to your purchase when you order). Just enter your zip code on the In Home Measure page to see if the service is offered where you live.

Free in-store pickup or pay for delivery

Your options for in-store pickup, shipping, or local delivery will be displayed after you enter your name and address. When we added 7 boxes of our test case LVP to our cart, it defaulted to in-store pickup, but the nearest Lumber Liquidators was about an hour away from our test location. When we switched to shipping, we were quoted $138.07 for FedEx Home Delivery or $249 for local inside delivery.

Installation offered here

What about installation? That's separate from your flooring purchase, and it does require that you start with that In Home Measure service. Expect installation fees starting at $2.94/sq.ft., with your final cost determined after the professional measurement is done. All of the installers contracted by Lumber Liquidators are licensed (where required), bonded, and insured, plus background checked. Your installation will come with a 1-year warranty on labor, and your subfloor will be evaluated beforehand to determine the suitability of the install (flatness, moisture).

30-day returns plus restocking fees

And returns? You've got a 30-day window, as long as it's not a custom or clearance product and your flooring is in the original condition and packaging. You're on the hook for the cost of the return (so we recommend doing it in person at a brick-and-mortar Lumber Liquidators location), and you'll have a 25% restocking fee deducted. Also, your original shipping or delivery fees won't be refunded.

Continues to have a troubling reputation for quality and service

This brand's reputation is, frankly, among the worst in the industry. It's not just dated complaints, either. Customers are still reporting serious problems in reviews left within months of our evaluation: defective boards, inconsistent widths, late deliveries, and customer service that either deflects responsibility or ignores claims entirely. Online shoppers' rants include detailed accounts of warped, unusable flooring and multi-week delays with no response. Some homeowners have had to replace entire orders at their own expense, while others have faced confrontational or dismissive treatment from company reps. Also, Lumber Liquidators is still widely remembered for a formaldehyde scandal involving unsafe laminate flooring imported from China - a case that led to a $33 million settlement. While that issue dates back several years, its impact on consumer trust hasn't faded.

Bottom line: buyer beware

Lumber Liquidators might tempt you with low prices and local convenience, but the risk of getting subpar flooring - or dealing with unhelpful support if something goes wrong - is far too high. For a major home project like flooring, where product quality and retailer reliability matter more than just about anything, this is one gamble we don't recommend taking.

On the Lumber Liquidators website