Lowe’s flooring prices are among the best in the industry, and we have a wide variety of flooring types to choose from. While some may be hesitant to use third-party contractors, Lowe’s remains a leading flooring installation provider due to its national reputation. But is it your flooring installation company?
In this Lowe’s flooring review, we’ll cover everything you need to know to decide if this company is right for you, including available products, customer reviews, and cost.
About Lowe’s Flooring
Although Lowe’s is primarily a home improvement retailer, it has a network of contractors across the country that it subcontracts for tasks such as installing flooring. Lowe’s provides materials and installation services for carpet, hardwood, engineered wood, laminate, tile and vinyl flooring.
Lowe’s has been in business since 1921 and has operations in all 50 states, plus Washington, DC. However, it is important to note that Lowe’s subcontracts flooring installation to local flooring companies, so the experience of the contractors working on your project will vary.
Explore flooring options at Lowe’s
Advantages and disadvantages of Lowe’s flooring
Strong Points
- Nationwide expansion
- Partner with local contractors
- Wide range of materials and styles
- competitive pricing
- Savings Potential with Lowe’s Brands
- Financing possible
- 1 year labor guarantee
Cons
- Different subcontractors have different experiences
- Some customer complaints regarding professionalism
How is Lowe’s flooring installed?
Lowe’s utilizes a large network of local flooring companies to handle all physical installation work, so everything after the first measurement is subcontracted out. Lowe’s begins the process by having a representative from the selected subcontractor visit your home to take measurements and evaluate the project.
Once Lowe’s has your measurements, we’ll create a quote based on the type of flooring you want, the labor costs from your chosen contractor, and the fee Lowe’s charges to connect you with the flooring installer. The contractor then completes the installation, and Lowe’s handles communications and customer service throughout the project.
Lowe’s flooring installation price
Lowe’s will not provide specific prices until measurements are taken and labor costs are calculated. However, there is a tool on the site to estimate the cost of flooring so you can get an idea of the cost. To illustrate the prices in the table below, we have used a 100 square foot room as an example.
| Types of flooring | Average cost (per square foot) |
|---|---|
| carpet | $3.88 – $6.62 |
| LVP or LVT | $2.29 – $4.29 |
| laminate | $1.44 – $3.99 |
| Hardwood/artificial wood | $2.99 - $6.89 |
| tile | $0.99 – $3.49 |
Although Lowe’s has very competitive pricing, it’s important to note that cost isn’t everything.
“The biggest mistake homeowners make (when installing new flooring) is basing their decision on price rather than actual cost,” warns Tim Oswald, owner of Floor Coverings International in coastal Rhode Island. “Focusing only on the lowest price can result in choosing flooring that wears out or breaks down quickly.”
Additionally, please note that these prices are just estimates and numbers can vary significantly. All of the following factors can affect cost:
- Types of flooring that must be removed before new flooring can be installed
- condition of your subfloor
- Contains the amount of trims and other add-ons you need
- Room complexity, including layout
- Contractor labor costs assigned to the project
- room size
- Quality of the flooring material you choose
Flooring will be installed by Lowe’s
Lowe’s offers all standard types of flooring in the table below. For other types of flooring, such as polished concrete, bamboo or cork, you may be able to connect with a local flooring contractor, but these prices and services are not listed on the Lowe’s website.
| Types of flooring | ideal placement | not ideal |
|---|---|---|
| carpet | bedroom | Living areas, bathrooms, and kitchens that have a lot of traffic |
| LVP/LVT (vinyl) | living area, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, basement, laundry room | suitable for all fields |
| laminate | Laundry room and low-traffic living area | High-traffic areas such as the living room and kitchen |
| Hardwood/artificial wood | Rooms where leaks/spills are not a major risk | kitchen, bathroom, laundry room |
| tile | bathroom and kitchen | living area and bedroom |
How to measure the floor that Lowe’s installs
The first big step that Lowe’s takes in a flooring replacement project is measuring. Once you’ve assigned a contractor to your project, arrange for someone from that company to come to your home and take the next steps.
- Take overall measurements. First, the person in charge will measure the entire room and obtain the total area. Depending on the type of flooring desired, it may be rounded up to account for offcuts.
- Add-on measures: The representative will also take measurements for additional services, such as the linear feet of trim that needs to be replaced or the number of door sills that need to be installed.
- Assess the complexity of your installation. Field professionals should look for and avoid items that can take longer to install, such as baseboard heaters and HVAC grills.
- Assess the condition of the subfloor. Although the subfloor is not visible beneath the existing floor, the technician will need to measure the condition of the subfloor to see if repairs are needed, and if they are, the cost could be higher. They may also look for signs of uneven floors or evidence of past leaks.
- Take a reference photo: Finally, the representative must take a photo to provide to Lowe’s and for their own records.
Should I buy flooring before or after Lowe’s measures?
Lowe’s only offers installation services with package deals. This means that you will need to purchase the flooring at the same time as the installation. If you purchased your flooring before Lowe’s took measurements, you will need to contact a local contractor to install it yourself. All quotes for Lowe’s flooring include materials and installation labor.
How much does a professional measurement at Lowe’s cost?
Lowe’s does not charge for professional measurements, so this service is included with your flooring project.
Lowe’s Flooring Reviews
There are countless reviews about Lowe’s online, but most of the reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website and TrustPilot are about the retailer and not specific to the flooring installation services the retailer provides.
We’ve seen several reports on Reddit from past customers and contractors who work as subcontractors for Lowe’s Flooring. Customer reviews and experiences vary, with some having no issues throughout the process and being satisfied with the low cost and high value. On the other hand, some people warn you to never work at Lowe’s.
Unfortunately, this range of experience is always possible with subcontracting companies like Lowe’s. Your experience will vary depending on your local Lowe’s branch and the flooring contractor assigned to your project.
Lowe’s Flooring Alternatives
Below are some of Lowe’s direct competitors. These are all regional or national companies that subcontract the work to local installers.
- home depot
- empire today
- LL flooring
- floor and decoration
You can also choose to hire a local flooring contractor instead of going through an intermediary. That way, you’re more likely to have a good experience and receive solid customer service. Smaller companies also tend to have better quality control on their work and may offer longer labor warranties and more flooring options.
How does USA TODAY rate flooring companies?
When evaluating a flooring company, consider all of the following:
- years of experience
- Typical price range for materials and labor
- Types of flooring available
- Whether the company handles labor internally or through a third party
- Measurement and installation process
- Online company reviews
- Customer reviews and general opinions about our services
Take the time to read customer reviews on multiple sites whenever possible, as this is often a good indicator of the quality of service you can expect.
Bottom line: Is Lowe’s flooring right for you?
Lowe’s has a national presence, works with local flooring contractors in every state, and offers all major types of flooring, so it may be an option worth considering for its simplicity. However, because all work is subcontracted to third parties, many homeowners face issues such as poor customer service, poor communication, and lack of accountability.
Lowe’s is a budget-friendly flooring option, so it might be a good choice if you’re on a budget. However, if you want to ensure quality installation and excellent customer service, you should consider a local flooring contractor with a history of positive reviews from customers.
Explore flooring options at Lowe’s
FAQ
How much does Lowe’s floor installation cost?
Lowe’s flooring installation costs vary widely depending on the type of flooring you want, the existing flooring in your home, and the condition of the subfloor. However, according to direct estimates from Lowe’s, costs typically range from $1 to $7 per square foot, based primarily on the type and quality of flooring you’re looking for. This cost includes materials and labor, initial measurements and project evaluation.
Is it worth hiring a flooring specialist?
It’s usually worth hiring a flooring professional because you’re likely to get a finished product that looks great and lasts for years. A professional can also guide you to the right type of flooring for your specific needs. We can also repair and level your subfloor and assess any hidden issues that may be leading to ongoing problems with your floor.
Does Lowe’s move furniture before installing flooring?
The contractor assigned to your flooring project through Lowe’s will move your furniture, but you will have to pay an additional fee. Prices vary depending on the amount, size, and bulk of the furniture in your room and whether it requires disassembly to move. They can also provide you with an estimate for furniture moving along with an estimate for flooring installation.
Which is better for flooring: Lowe’s or Home Depot?
In our opinion, home improvement stores are better for flooring. Both companies have large locations nationwide, offer a variety of flooring products, and are budget-friendly. Both are subcontracted to local flooring specialists. However, Home Depot’s flooring installation services seem to have more positive reviews. However, the estimated prices at Lowe’s are lower, so if you’re on a budget, Lowe’s may be a better option.
