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How to Choose a Flooring Supplier: Questions to Ask Before You Buy

Buying new floors is one of the biggest home upgrades you'll make. Flooring installation costs $3,155 on average, but it can range quite a bit, from as low as $200 to as much as $12,000 depending on your space and materials. Yet many people pick their flooring supplier based only on price—and regret it later.

You've seen the glossy samples. You love the look. But before you hand over your money, do you really know what you're getting? Not all suppliers are the same. The wrong choice can cost you time, money, and headaches down the road.

This guide shows you exactly what to look for in a flooring supplier so you get quality materials, honest pricing, and real support. We'll cover the key questions to ask, red flags to watch for, and what sets a great local supplier apart from big-box stores and online sellers.

What Should I Look for in a Flooring Supplier?

When choosing a flooring supplier, look for these key factors:

  • Product variety – A good supplier carries multiple flooring types such as hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and tile.
  • Quality brands – They stock trusted manufacturers with solid warranties.
  • Transparent pricing – No hidden fees. You get clear quotes in writing.
  • Local showroom – You can see and touch samples before buying.
  • Installation support – They offer or recommend certified installers.
  • Customer reviews – Positive ratings on Google and other platforms. Consumers spend time reading about other people's experiences before making decisions.
  • Return policy – Clear terms if materials are damaged or wrong.

A reliable flooring supplier answers your questions, stands behind their products, and makes the buying process simple. The National Wood Flooring Association recommends finding a professional to help with selecting products and installation as one of the first steps in any flooring project.

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Why Your Choice of Flooring Supplier Matters

The supplier you pick affects more than just price. It shapes the entire outcome of your flooring project.

Poor-quality materials cause problems fast. Cheap flooring can warp, scratch, or wear down within months. We've seen customers come in after buying bargain flooring online that buckled before the first year was over. Quality matters more than the lowest price tag.

Hidden costs add up quickly. Some suppliers advertise low prices but tack on fees for delivery, cutting, or minimum orders. By the time you check out, the "deal" costs more than you planned.

Wrong advice leads to wrong purchases. Without proper guidance, you might buy too much flooring—or not enough. You could also end up with materials that don't fit your space, your lifestyle, or your subfloor conditions.

No support after the sale leaves you stuck. What happens if your flooring arrives damaged? Or if you run short mid-project? A supplier who disappears after the sale can't help you solve these problems. A good supplier stays available to answer questions and fix issues.

Choosing the right flooring supplier from the start saves you money, stress, and time spent fixing mistakes.

7 Questions to Ask Any Flooring Supplier

Bring this list when you shop. These questions help you spot a trustworthy supplier and avoid costly surprises.

  1. What flooring brands do you carry? A good supplier stocks multiple trusted manufacturers. Ask about warranties that come with each brand.
  2. Can I see samples in person? Photos and screens don't show true color or texture. You need to see and feel the flooring before you commit.
  3. What's included in your price? Get clear answers about delivery fees, return costs, and cutting charges. Ask for everything in writing.
  4. Do you offer installation services or referrals? Some suppliers install floors themselves. Others work with local contractors they trust. Either way, you want a clear path from purchase to finished floor.
  5. What's your return or exchange policy? Materials arrive damaged sometimes. Orders come up short. Know the rules before you buy.
  6. How do I know the flooring quality is good? Ask about grade ratings, thickness, and wear layers. A knowledgeable supplier can explain what makes one product last longer than another.
  7. Can you help me calculate how much I need? Accurate measurements prevent waste and shortages. A helpful supplier walks you through the math.

Tip from our flooring specialists: Always ask about lot numbers. Dye lots are different production runs that have a code identifying different batches of the product. The color, shade, or texture among different batches may vary slightly. Buying all your flooring from the same lot keeps your floor looking consistent from wall to wall.

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Red Flags When Choosing a Flooring Supplier

Knowing what to avoid is just as helpful as knowing what to look for. Watch for these warning signs when shopping for flooring.

No physical showroom or samples available. If you can't see the flooring in person, you're guessing at color, texture, and quality. Samples on a screen look different than samples in your hand.

Prices that seem too good to be true. Rock-bottom prices often mean low-grade materials, thin wear layers, or products with no warranty. You usually get what you pay for.

Vague answers about warranties or returns. A supplier who can't give you straight answers about their policies may not stand behind their products. Get return terms and warranty details in writing before you pay.

Pushy sales tactics or pressure to buy now. Good suppliers let you take your time. High-pressure sales often mean they care more about closing the deal than helping you find the right floor.

No reviews or only negative reviews online. Just 3% of consumers would consider using a business with an average star rating of two or fewer stars. A pattern of complaints or missing reviews tells you something about how that supplier treats customers. Most people won't consider a business with fewer than 4 stars—so check ratings before you visit.

Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.

Try Our Flooring Visualizer Before You Buy

Our flooring visualizer takes the guesswork out of choosing new floors. You can see your space changed right away.

Upload a photo of your room. Pick a product from our collection. Watch what happens instantly. The realistic picture shows you exactly how different floors will look in your actual space.

Step 1: Upload your photo. | Step 2: Pick a product. | Step 3: See the change right away!

Use the visualizer to pick your favorites online. Then ask for those specific samples to test in person. This gives you both online ease and hands-on proof.

Try the Pro Floors and Blinds Flooring Visualizer today!

Local Flooring Supplier vs. Big-Box Stores vs. Online

You have options when buying flooring. Each type of supplier has trade-offs worth knowing.


Local Supplier

  • Product Knowledge: Staff often has years of hands‑on experience
  • Samples: Full showroom to see and touch materials
  • Pricing: Competitive; often includes service
  • Installation Help: Often coordinates with local installers
  • After‑Sale Support: Easy to reach if problems come up

Big‑Box Store

  • Product Knowledge: Generalists who cover many departments
  • Samples: Some displays, but selection varies by store
  • Pricing: May be lower, but watch for add‑on fees
  • Installation Help: May offer installation at extra cost
  • After‑Sale Support: Depends on store staff availability

Online Seller

  • Product Knowledge: Limited or no live support
  • Samples: Photos only; samples may ship from different lots
  • Pricing: Looks cheap until shipping and returns add up
  • Installation Help: You’re on your own
  • After‑Sale Support: Returns can be slow and expensive

Big-box stores offer wide selection, but staff often rotate between departments. You may not get advice from someone who knows flooring inside and out.

Online suppliers can save money upfront. But you can't see true colors or feel textures before buying. If you order your flooring and then later need more, you might see a color mismatch even though you've ordered the same product in the same finish. Shipping damage and return headaches add risk.

Local flooring suppliers give you personal service. You see materials in person, get expert advice, and have someone nearby if something goes wrong. Many local suppliers also work directly with installers to coordinate your whole project.

Many of our customers tell us they tried online first but came to us when they needed to see the real color and texture before committing.

Browse our full selection of flooring products to see what's available.

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What to Do After You Find the Right Supplier

Once you've chosen a supplier you trust, take these steps to keep your project on track.

  • Visit the showroom and bring your room measurements. Know the square footage of your space. Include closets, hallways, and any odd corners. This helps the supplier give you an accurate quote.
  • Ask for a written quote with all costs itemized. Make sure delivery, returns, and any prep work are listed. A clear quote protects you from surprise fees later.
  • Check Google reviews and see photos of past projects. 98% of people at least occasionally read online reviews for local businesses. Real feedback from other customers shows you what to expect.
  • Ask about current promotions or bulk pricing. Many suppliers offer discounts on larger orders or seasonal sales. It never hurts to ask.
  • Schedule a consultation if you need help choosing. Not sure which flooring fits your lifestyle, budget, or room conditions? A quick conversation with a flooring expert can point you in the right direction.

At Pro Floors & Blinds, we offer personal flooring consultations by appointment. We're a family-owned business that has served the Spokane area for years. Our team is happy to guide you through options, answer questions, and help you find the right floor for your home.

Ready to get started? Call us at (509) 866-6776 to schedule your appointment.