Floor Shopping Guide – Part 2

Floor shopping is fun! Learn what you need to know about shopping for a floor online, then visit a flooring store or home center to talk with a flooring expert about your selections.

Where do I shop and what do I need to bring with me?

Okay, so you’ve done your homework: you’ve got your measurements and your flooring estimates. It’s finally time to shop! But first, remember – stick to your budget! There are many beautiful options available, so it’s easy to get carried away.

There are basically three places to shop for flooring: online, a flooring retailer’s showroom or a home center. Most of the time, you’re going to browse for a floor online before you venture out to a store. This way you can check out designs, colors, specs, costs, installation methods, etc., ahead of time and get a solid feel for what you like and what you can afford. Use manufacturers’ websites like Armstrong to learn about the different products available. Armstrong offers a variety of flooring tools to help you find the right floor for your home. You can also order samples and, when you’re ready, locate a retailer.

The next step is out the door – to a flooring store or home center.

Here are few things to take with you:

Measurements
Estimates – The flooring store can provide an actual quote based on what you already have.
Room layout diagram
Decorating elements – pillows, paint charts, fabric swatches, anything portable that you plan to use to decorate your room
Photos of the space
Flooring Samples

Once you’ve arrived at the retailer, ask lots of questions! Independent retailers have trained sales people ready to answer questions like: