Our reviewers 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.
Sunday, February 16th
As a Georgia-based custom floor manufacturer, Simple Floors is more of a local company with a fair website than any kind of major flooring retailer (which opens itself up to a wider array of pros/cons when compared to major companies). While our previous review of Simple Floors noted a non-functioning website, it seems Simple Floors has improved their functions somewhat since then. Here's how Simple Floors compares today
Smaller selection than others
As a smaller/local manufacturer and retailer, Simple Floor's collection is respectable and seems good quality, but is not as extensive as their larger competitors. While they offer hardwood and engineered hardwood, carpet, vinyl, laminate, and tiles, as a manufacturer, they are only in the business of selling their product, as opposed to larger flooring retailers on our list. One nice plus is that their manufacturing process is "Green-wise” and adheres to European environmental standards.
More information would be nice
We appreciate that they have standards set as to the quality of their flooring, however, we would've liked more details as to where/how they manufacture their website, and who exactly they are. In addition, while Simple Floors does offer samples for free, they do not detail their sample policies anywhere on their website. There appears to be no way to add said samples to your cart.
Poorly communicated return policy
Simple Floors does not detail their returns policy online on their website. Upon further investigation, we discovered that they do have a 30-day return policy. That being said, one customer review (the only in-depth review about Simple Floors we could find) described significant difficulty with processing their return.
No free shipping
Simple Floors also does not detail their shipping policies on their website. It appears they do not offer any kind of free shipping or in-store pickup. However, they very clearly detail their pricing charts, and also state that many stores use "free shipping” to hide costs (which is true). As such, we appreciate Simple Floors open shipping policies, but are baffled as to why they choose not to include this information on their actual website.
Few customer reviews
As a small company, customer testimony about Simple Floors is few and far between, and they are not BBB accredited. That being said, Simple Floor's does still have an "A” rating with the Better Business Bureau; this is likely due to the fact that they only have one customer complaint on the site after 17 years in business. That one customer complaint was from a home renovator, who stated that-while Simple Floors was helpful and responsive for many years-when he had a problem regarding faulty flooring, Simple Floors was very unhelpful, unresponsive, and ultimately lost his business. Even so, the fact that there are so few complaints after so many years in business, is itself a good sign, even if we critique Simple Floors' poor communication overall
Potentially good, but needs some work
While Simple Floors appears to manufacture and sell high-quality flooring, their website still needs some work, as there is a lot of need-to-know information is simply not communicated to the customer, such as how to receive a sample, their shipping and returns policy, and details as to their manufacturing process/the identity of their company. If one is going to order online - and not through their in-store presence in Georgia-then they're going to need some assurance as to quality and the overall process. As is, Simple Floors simply does not offer enough information, and their lower-score is representative of that fact.
Online flooring companies have gained popularity as excellent places to buy flooring due to several compelling reasons. First and foremost, these platforms offer an extensive selection of flooring options, encompassing various materials, styles, colors, and patterns. This vast diversity provides customers with a broad spectrum of choices, allowing them to find the perfect flooring solution to match their specific needs and preferences.
While many flooring companies attest to the quality and care they place in their product, not all are created equal. We've winnowed the wheat from the chaff to find not only the best out there, but to offer a few helpful tips for you as well.
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:
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!
Select any 2 Flooring Companies to compare them head to head