Buying flooring online can be convenient. You can browse products from home, compare styles, and quickly see advertised prices.
But if you’re planning a complete flooring project, there’s an important question to ask:
Is buying flooring online actually cheaper after everything is included?
The honest answer is sometimes, but not always.
An online flooring price usually represents only the product cost. Your actual project may also involve shipping or delivery, additional material, installation, preparation, trim, transitions, removal of existing flooring, and other expenses.
That’s why the best way to compare online flooring with a local flooring store is to look at the estimated total project cost, not simply the price shown on the product page.
Pricing note: Flooring and installation costs vary by product, project size, location, installation method, material requirements, and other project-specific factors. Any examples or comparisons in this article are illustrative and should not be considered a quote or current market pricing.
Why Flooring Can Look Less Expensive Online
One of the biggest advantages of shopping online is how easy it is to compare advertised prices.
You might see:
“$X per square foot”
and immediately compare that number with another product.
However, the advertised flooring price may not include everything required to complete your project.
Depending on the flooring and project, you may also need to consider:
- Shipping or freight
- Delivery
- Additional flooring for cuts and waste
- Underlayment, when required
- Adhesives or other installation materials
- Transitions and trim
- Subfloor preparation
- Installation labor
- Removal of existing flooring
- Disposal costs
- Applicable taxes or fees
The Federal Trade Commission recommends that consumers consider the total cost of an online purchase, including shipping, handling, delivery, taxes, and other fees, rather than looking only at the advertised price.
The same principle applies when comparing flooring.
The Advertised Price Isn’t Always the Final Project Cost
Imagine an online flooring product appears less expensive than another option.
Before deciding that it is the better deal, find out what you’ll actually need to spend to complete the project.
For example, your calculation may need to include:
Flooring + additional material + delivery + installation + preparation + accessories + removal/disposal
The exact requirements depend on your home and the flooring product.
This doesn’t mean buying flooring online is a bad choice. It simply means you should compare the complete project rather than one price on a product page.
What About Buying Flooring Online and Hiring a Local Installer?
This can be a reasonable option for some homeowners.
If you already have a flooring installer you trust, you may prefer to purchase the material yourself and hire the installer separately.
However, there are a few questions worth asking before placing your order.
Does the installer know the product?
Ask whether the installer has experience with the specific flooring you’re considering.
Different products can have different installation requirements.
What preparation is required?
Your project may require preparation before the new flooring can be installed.
Depending on the existing conditions, this could involve subfloor repairs, leveling, removal of existing flooring, moisture-related considerations, or other preparation.
Does the product have specific installation requirements?
Always review the manufacturer’s installation instructions and warranty requirements.
This is particularly important with flooring products where jobsite conditions, subfloor conditions, acclimation, moisture, or installation methods can affect performance.
For hardwood flooring, for example, the National Wood Flooring Association emphasizes proper jobsite conditions, moisture considerations, and following applicable installation requirements.
What Happens If the Flooring Arrives Damaged?
This is one of the most important questions to answer before ordering online.
Flooring can be shipped in boxes, cartons, rolls, or larger shipments depending on the product. Before buying, find out what the seller’s policy says if:
- Flooring arrives damaged
- The wrong product is delivered
- Boxes are missing
- The quantity isn’t correct
- The product doesn’t match your order
- You discover a problem after delivery
Also check the seller’s return policy.
The Federal Trade Commission recommends checking return and refund policies before purchasing online, including information about return shipping and potential fees.
For a large flooring purchase, understanding these policies in advance is especially important.
Don’t Forget About Flooring Waste
You generally shouldn’t order flooring based only on the exact square footage of the room. The amount of additional material required can depend on:
- Room dimensions
- Room shape
- Installation direction
- Cuts
- Layout
- Pattern matching
- Flooring type
- Installation method
Ordering too little can create a problem during installation.
You may need another box or roll of material, and the same product may not always be readily available later.
On the other hand, ordering substantially more than necessary can leave you with excess material and potentially make returns more complicated.
A flooring professional can help determine the appropriate material quantity based on the specific project.
The Risk of Choosing the Wrong Product
Price isn’t the only thing to consider when buying flooring online.
A product may look perfect in an online photograph but not be the right choice for your particular room.
Before purchasing, consider:
- Where the flooring will be installed
- Expected foot traffic
- Moisture exposure
- Pets and children
- Maintenance preferences
- Product durability
- Installation method
- Warranty requirements
- Overall design
- Budget
For example, a flooring product that works well in a dry living area may not necessarily be the best choice for a room with different moisture or installation requirements.
The product’s specifications and manufacturer’s recommendations should always be reviewed.
Why Seeing Flooring Samples Can Help
Online photos are useful for narrowing down your choices, but flooring can look different depending on the environment.
Your home’s:
- Natural lighting
- Artificial lighting
- Wall colors
- Cabinets
- Furniture
- Room size
- Existing finishes
can all influence how a flooring color appears.
Visiting a showroom allows you to compare physical samples and get a better sense of the flooring before making a purchase.
For a large flooring investment, that can be an important part of the decision-making process.
When Buying Flooring Online Can Make Sense
Buying online can make sense for certain homeowners and projects.
It may be worth considering if:
- You already know exactly which product you want
- You have researched the product specifications
- You have a trusted installer
- Your installer is familiar with the product
- You understand the installation requirements
- You’ve calculated shipping and delivery
- You’ve reviewed the return policy
- You’ve checked the warranty requirements
- The estimated total project cost works for your budget
For example, someone replacing a small area with a product they have previously used may feel comfortable ordering online.
The key is knowing what you’re buying and understanding the complete cost.
When a Local Flooring Store May Be Worth Considering
A local flooring store can provide services that aren’t necessarily reflected in the product’s advertised square-foot price.
Depending on the retailer, these may include:
➥ In-Person Product Guidance
You can discuss your project with someone who can help you compare flooring materials and styles.
➥ Physical Samples
You can see and compare flooring samples before making a decision.
➥ Project Planning
Depending on the store and project, a flooring professional may be able to help with measurements, material quantities, product selection, and installation planning.
➥ Installation Coordination
Some flooring stores can coordinate flooring and installation services, allowing you to work with one local team instead of managing multiple companies.
➥ Local Customer Support
Having a physical showroom and local point of contact can make communication easier if questions arise during your project.
However, services vary from one flooring retailer to another, so it’s always appropriate to ask what is included before making a purchase.
Online Flooring vs. Local Flooring Store
Instead of asking which option is automatically cheaper, compare the following:
Neither option is automatically the right choice for everyone.
The better choice depends on your project, experience, budget, product, and how much assistance you want throughout the process.
How to Compare Flooring Costs Correctly
If you’re comparing an online retailer with a local flooring store, ask both sides for enough information to estimate the complete project.
1. Compare the Same Product
Make sure you’re comparing the same manufacturer, collection, product specifications, thickness, finish, warranty, and other relevant characteristics.
A lower price isn’t necessarily a lower price for an equivalent product.
2. Include Delivery
Find out whether shipping, freight, or delivery is included.
If it isn’t, add the estimated cost to your comparison.
3. Estimate Installation
If you’re buying online, get an installation estimate separately.
Ask what the installation price includes and whether preparation is charged separately.
4. Ask About Additional Materials
Depending on the project, you may need:
- Underlayment
- Adhesive
- Trim
- Transitions
- Stair components
- Other installation materials
5. Consider Existing Flooring
If your current flooring needs to be removed, ask whether removal and disposal are included in the installation estimate.
6. Check Return Policies
Don’t wait until after you order to learn that a product has restrictions on returns.
Review the policy before purchasing.
7. Compare the Warranty
Read the manufacturer’s warranty and understand any installation or maintenance requirements that may apply.
A Simple Flooring Cost Comparison
Here’s a simple way to think about your estimate:
Estimated Total Project Cost =
**Flooring Material
- Additional Material
- Shipping/Delivery
- Installation
- Preparation
- Accessories
- Removal/Disposal
- Other Applicable Costs**
Not every project will require every item.
The purpose of this calculation is simply to make sure you’re comparing similar project scopes.
Questions to Ask Before Ordering Flooring Online
Before you click “Place Order,” consider asking:
Getting these answers before purchasing can help prevent unexpected costs and project delays.
So, Is It Cheaper to Buy Flooring Online?
It can be, but there’s no universal answer.
An online retailer may have an attractive product price, but the total project cost depends on much more than the price per square foot.
Shipping, delivery, material quantities, installation, preparation, accessories, removal, warranties, and return policies can all affect your final estimate.
For some homeowners, buying online and arranging installation separately may be a good fit.
For others, the convenience of visiting a local showroom, comparing samples, getting product guidance, and potentially coordinating the project through one flooring provider may be more valuable.
The most important rule:
Don’t compare only the flooring price. Compare the estimated cost and requirements of the complete project.
Looking for Flooring in O’Fallon, MO?
If you’re comparing flooring options online, you don’t have to make the decision based on a product photograph alone.
Best Floors & More is a locally owned flooring store in O’Fallon, Missouri, serving homeowners in O’Fallon and surrounding communities.
Our showroom offers:
- Hardwood flooring
- Luxury vinyl plank
- Laminate flooring
- Carpet
- Tile flooring
You can visit our showroom to compare samples, discuss your project, and learn more about different flooring options before making a decision.
Whether you’re replacing one room or planning flooring throughout your home, our team can help you understand your options and plan your next steps.
Visit Best Floors & More in O’Fallon, MO, to explore your flooring options.
