What are the most popular types of flooring today?

Flooring offers so many options, from traditional wall-to-wall carpeting to newer materials like bamboo. Other popular flooring types are laminate, tile, ceramic, hardwood, engineered hardwood, and vinyl.

There are so many options! How can I decide which flooring is right for my home/office?

That's a great question. Your first consideration is probably location: you wouldn't want carpet in a kitchen or bathroom, for example! Think about the type of use you anticipate having in that room. Next, decide how durable you need your flooring to be; this is especially important in high-traffic areas and if you have pets whose nails might damage easily-scratched flooring types. And, of course, you can't forget aesthetic appeal and budget!

Why should I buy my flooring online?

The answer is obvious: you want to have as many options as possible to choose from, and you want the best price. Buying your flooring through an online retailer gives you both - with the added advantage of not dealing with a pushy salesperson in your home or at the store.

Is it less expensive to buy flooring from an online retailer?

Quite often, yes. If you're buying from a retailer that is strictly internet-based, they don't have the overhead of a brick-and-mortar store and so they pass the savings along to you. Even with shipping/delivery costs, you'll likely save a significant amount of money when compared with local flooring stores.

If I buy my flooring from an internet store, do I have to install it myself?

No! That's certainly an option, but you can always hire a professional to install the materials you've purchased.

What's the best way to get accurate measurements before I order flooring?

The best measurements are done by an expert, no surprise there. Believe it or not, some online flooring companies will send out a certified flooring consultant or estimator to take measurements - for free! If you already have an installer lined up, you can also ask if they'll do the measuring before you place the order. Otherwise, most online flooring websites have plenty of how-tos to measure the area on your own and determine how much you'll need in order to cover the space. (Expect that there will be a certain amount of extra product, since you can't usually order the precise quantity of materials to finish the job.)

I have questions. Can I get help from an online flooring retailer?

Absolutely! Most companies have help lines you can call, email or live chat to get answers to all of your flooring-related questions. You can get recommendations for the type of flooring you're considering, find out what tools you'll need to install it yourself, or any other information you need before - and after! - placing your order.

What if I buy too much (or I don't like it when it arrives)? Can I return it for a refund?

Most of the time, yes, but with certain restrictions. You can usually return and get a refund for any unopened items, like a full box of ceramic tile or hardwood planks. Some retailers will charge a restocking fee, and you could be on the hook for return shipping fees if the flooring store doesn't have a brick-and-mortar location near you.

Best Flooring Companies for November 2025

Item: The Best Flooring Companies - Summary Reviews
Rating: 5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Monday, November 10th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2025 Flooring Company Reviews

Where Can You Find the Best Flooring Retailers Online? Shopping for flooring used to mean spending your weekend wandering through giant home improvement stores, carrying around tile samples and swatch books. But now you can explore hundreds of options from the comfort of your couch, and have everything delivered straight to your door. Whether you're tackling a full renovation or just refreshing one room, buying flooring online is more convenient than ever - and with a few smart tips, it can be just as reliable as shopping in person.

5.0

EXCELLENT

Best Option

Build Direct

Exceptional selection of most flooring types, including carpet, vinyl, hardwood, and more
Free samples
Fantastic design tool to preview how your flooring will look

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EXCELLENT

5.0

On the Build Direct website

BuildDirect makes it easy to shop for flooring with free, fast samples, a fantastic virtual design tool, and a 6-month hassle-free return policy. Their selection covers most of what homeowners and pros are looking for - from hardwood and vinyl to carpet and tile - and their customer support is among the best we've seen. With a top-tier PRO rewards program and standout service, BuildDirect is our top-rated flooring store and a smart pick for almost any project.

4.5

GREAT

Great

Lowe's

Exceptional selection of flooring of all types, including vinyl, laminate, tile, carpet, and specialty (gym, garage)
Easy to order online and pick up in-store or have shipped to you
Samples available for $2.99 each (depending on the flooring)

Read Full Review

GREAT

4.5

On the Lowe's website

Lowe's makes flooring projects surprisingly easy, whether you're just updating one room or tackling a whole-home reno. With a huge variety of styles, helpful tools like room visualizers and price calculators, and the option to connect with a local pro for measurement and installation, you've got everything you need in one place. Prices are competitive, samples ship fast, and returns are easy if you change your mind. While installation experiences can vary a bit, Lowe's still stands out as one of the best places to shop for flooring - it's earned a high spot on our list for a reason.

4.4

GREAT

Great

Home Depot

Great selection of flooring of all types, including vinyl, laminate, tile, carpet, and specialty (gym, garage)
Easy to order online and pick up in-store or have shipped to you
Samples available for $2.99 each (depending on the flooring)

Read Full Review

GREAT

4.4

On the Home Depot website

Home Depot stands out with its huge flooring selection, affordable pricing, and the convenience of in-store pickup or delivery. You'll find big-name brands, thousands of reviews, and helpful tools like project planners and virtual visualizers to make shopping easy. Returns are generous too - especially if you paid with a Home Depot credit card. While installation services can be inconsistent depending on the third-party contractor, DIYers and anyone who values having ample feedback from other customers will find a lot to love here.

4.0

VERY GOOD

Very Good

Wayfair

Wide range of flooring types, including tile, carpet, laminate, hardwood, vinyl and specialty (fitness, garage)
Ample buying guides and installation instructions
Quick-ship samples offered on many flooring styles ($2. 99 each)

Read Full Review

VERY GOOD

4.0

On the Wayfair website

Wayfair may not be the first name you think of for flooring, but it definitely deserves a spot on your shortlist. The site carries a huge variety of styles - from waterproof luxury vinyl plank to tile, carpet, and specialty options - and you can filter easily to find what fits your budget. Quick-ship $2.99 samples make it easy to test things out at home, and you can even schedule a free in-home consultation with a licensed contractor if you want help with measuring and installation. Shipping is usually free and fast, but returns can be pricey, and you'll want to vet any installers they connect you with. Still, Wayfair's selection, value, and customer reviews make it a terrific choice for many flooring projects.

3.9

VERY GOOD

Very Good

Flooring Inc.

Exceptional selection of flooring, including vinyl, wood, laminate, carpet, and special use (garage, dance, rubber, outdoor)
Free samples (up to 3; $0. 50 for each one thereafter)
Free shipping on many flooring options

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VERY GOOD

3.9

On the Flooring Inc. website

Flooring Inc. has been a go-to for online flooring since 2004, offering one of the widest selections you'll find - everything from luxury vinyl and hardwood to niche picks like garage mats and dance floors. The site is easy to use, packed with how-to guides, and great for sampling before you buy (your first three are free). We also like the price match guarantee and pro perks for frequent buyers. But while Flooring Inc. still holds an "A+" with the BBB, some recent shopper complaints suggest that customer service may not be as reliable as it once was. If you're shopping here for flooring, we recommend that you double-check delivery times and browse recent reviews first.

3.5

GOOD

Good

Menards

Full array of flooring types, including laminate, vinyl, carpet, cork, and more
Sample swatches available for most flooring types (for a small fee)
Fantastic online tools for calculating the amount of flooring needed, viewing how it would look in a given room, and even detailed design

Read Full Review

GOOD

3.5

On the Menards website

Menards is a solid choice if you're shopping for flooring on a budget and don't need installation. You'll find everything from cork to carpet, with useful features like AR+ room previews, measurement tools, and $2.99 sample swatches. Prices are competitive - especially with the store's regular 11% rebate offers - and many items qualify for free shipping, a big perk if there's no Menards near you for in-store pickup. Just be aware that customer service for online orders is email-only, returns depend on individual store policies, and there's no option to hire an installer. Still, Menards earns points for value and convenience, getting a boost since our last evaluation.

2.0

SUBPAR

Subpar

Fast Floors

Carries tens of thousands of flooring options, including bamboo, carpet, cork, hardwood, laminate, leather, rubber, tile/stone, and vinyl
Most flooring requires a call for a price quote
30-day returns on at least 4 boxes, restocking fee of 10-30%

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SUBPAR

2.0

On the Fast Floors website

FastFloors has been around for decades, but you wouldn't know it from their outdated website and lack of modern tools. You'll find a wide selection of flooring, but it's buried behind clunky navigation, limited product info, and far too many listings marked "call for price." There's no installation service, and returns come with strict rules and restocking fees. While a few experienced shoppers might appreciate the no-frills approach, most people will find FastFloors frustrating - and will wind up shopping for flooring elsewhere.

1.5

WEAK

Weak

EmpireToday

Shop-at-home mobile showroom
Flooring types include carpet, vinyl, laminate, hardwood, and tile
Free in-home consultation with product samples (required for pricing)

Read Full Review

WEAK

1.5

On the EmpireToday website

Empire Today leans hard on its mobile showroom model, offering in-home consultations and next-day installs on popular flooring types like carpet, vinyl, and hardwood. But with no pricing listed online and a reputation for high-pressure sales tactics, it's easy to walk away from your appointment with sticker shock - and regret, if you go through with the order. Installers are subcontracted, and customer reviews point to inconsistent quality and hard-to-use warranties. The convenience sounds great, but Empire Today's actual service often falls flat. You're better off working with a company that values transparency from the start.

1.0

POOR

Poor

Lumber Liquidators

Flooring types include hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and hybrid
Samples available ($15 for the first, $5 for each one thereafter)
30-day best price guarantee

Read Full Review

POOR

1.0

On the Lumber Liquidators website

If you're tempted by the low prices at Lumber Liquidators, take a moment to dig deeper. Yes, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly flooring options - plus samples, in-store pickup, and installation services - but the company's long-running reputation for poor quality and even worse customer service should give you pause. Recent customer reviews still point to warped boards, missed deadlines, and warranty headaches, all with little to no resolution from Lumber Liquidators' support reps. For a major project like flooring, you're better off with a more reliable retailer - even if it costs a bit more.

Continued from above...

Where Can You Find the Best Flooring Retailers Online?

Shopping for flooring used to mean spending your weekend wandering through giant home improvement stores, carrying around tile samples and swatch books. But now you can explore hundreds of options from the comfort of your couch, and have everything delivered straight to your door. Whether you're tackling a full renovation or just refreshing one room, buying flooring online is more convenient than ever - and with a few smart tips, it can be just as reliable as shopping in person.

Let's start with what's trending right now. Waterproof flooring continues to dominate the market, especially in the form of luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and tile (LVT). These durable, budget-friendly materials look like real wood or stone but hold up better to spills, scratches, and pets. Wide plank styles and matte finishes are also in, giving rooms a modern, spacious feel. If you're after something a little warmer underfoot, cork and bamboo flooring are making a comeback too, especially among eco-conscious homeowners. And don't count out carpet - bold patterns, natural fibers, and stain-resistant options are popping up in more stylish, practical forms than ever before.

When you buy flooring online, the biggest benefit is selection. You're not limited to what's in stock at your local store: you can browse a wide variety of colors, textures, and materials, often with better pricing and exclusive deals. Some retailers even offer to send you free samples so you can see and feel the material before committing. Beyond that, many online shops now include tools to help you make confident decisions from home. Look for sites with room visualizers that let you upload a photo of your space and preview how different floors will look. It's a fun and effective way to narrow down your favorites.

Measuring correctly is key, and this is where the best online flooring stores really stand out. Some offer step-by-step measuring guides, live chat with experts, or even apps that estimate your square footage using your phone's camera. You'll also want to check whether the retailer offers matching trim, underlayment, and other accessories - because once the flooring arrives, you don't want to discover you're missing something essential.

Don't forget to look into installation options. Some online flooring companies partner with local professionals and can coordinate installation for you as part of the order. Others may just sell the product and leave you to hire your own contractor or go the DIY route. Either is fine - but knowing upfront helps you plan your timeline and budget accordingly.

Not sure where to start? Keep an eye on these factors as you browse; they'll help you find the right flooring store:

Selection and pricing. Choose a store that carries a wide range of the kind of flooring you want (hardwood, vinyl, tile). Look for per-square-foot costs and what's included vs. what you might need to add to your order.
Measurement tools. If you're not confident in your ability to accurately measure your space with your trusty tape measure, go with a flooring retailer that offers plenty of tools (like smartphone measuring apps and visualizers).
Return policy and shipping terms. Flooring is bulky and heavy, so shipping fees and returns can be expensive. Make sure you know what you're getting into if you didn't quite get the measurements right the first time.
Customer reviews. What do other shoppers say about their experiences? Did the flooring look as good as it did online (and did it install as easily as promised)? Is customer support easy to reach and helpful to work with? How does the flooring store handle the inevitable challenges that arise?

Shopping for flooring online gives you more flexibility, more inspiration, and often more value - but it pays to do a little homework first, so the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have researched and ranked some of today's most popular retailers to give you a head start. Once you know what to expect, you can confidently upgrade your space without ever setting foot in a warehouse.