Hey there! Looking to install new floors in your home? As you shop around, you’re probably wondering whether Home Depot is a good choice to purchase and professionally install your new flooring. Great question!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Home Depot’s flooring installation services:
- How the process works from start to finish
- What kinds of flooring Home Depot can install for you
- Exactly how much it costs to install various flooring types
- Additional services like removal and financing
- The pros and cons of using Home Depot for installation vs. DIY
- Frequently asked questions
- And much more!
Arm yourself with all the details before you decide if Home Depot is the right fit for your next flooring installation project. Let’s dive in!
A Walkthrough of Home Depot’s Flooring Installation Process
Getting new floors installed through Home Depot is designed to be simple and hassle-free. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:
1. In-Store Design Consultation
The process starts by making an appointment with a knowledgeable Home Depot flooring specialist. They’ll walk you through all the available options while listening to your project goals, lifestyle, budget and vision for the space.
The specialist can narrow down choices based on your needs and style preferences. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions and request samples to get a feel for colors and textures.
2. Professional In-Home Measurements
Once you’ve settled on flooring products for purchase, a measure technician will visit your home to take detailed measurements of the installation area.
This ensures your new flooring will be precision-cut for a perfect fit. Don’t worry about moving furniture – the tech can work around it.
3. Review Your Final Quote
After measurements are complete, you’ll receive a final quote for materials, labor, and any additional installation services needed.
Be sure to review the quote line-by-line and get clarification on every cost before booking installation.
4. Schedule Your Installation Date
When you‘re ready to proceed, call 1-800-HOMEDEPOT or visit a store to schedule your installation date. Morning installation slots fill up fastest.
You may also need to put down a deposit depending on total cost. Installations are typically booked 1-2 weeks out.
5. Prepare Your Installation Area
To make sure the installers have ample workspace, remove all furniture, decor, and belongings from the installation area prior to the appointment.
Home Depot may be able to move especially heavy furniture for an added fee if coordinated ahead of time.
6. Installation Day Arrives
On the big day, the Home Depot installation team will arrive equipped with all the necessary tools, materials and expertise to transform your floors.
The team leader will walk you through what to expect during the install and answer any last minute questions. Then, it’s off to work!
7. Enjoy Your New Floors!
Within hours, you’ll have stunning new floors to enjoy for years to come! The installers handle all debris removal and thorough cleanup before they leave.
All that’s left is to pay your final balance, complete a customer survey, and break in those beautiful floors.
It‘s a straightforward process from start to finish. Home Depot coordinates all the moving parts so you can enjoy peace of mind.
Home Depot Flooring Installation Costs
Now, let’s get into the nitty gritty of what it will cost to have Home Depot install popular flooring options.
Prices vary based on the flooring materials selected, square footage of the space, preparation work needed, plus regional labor rates.
Here are some ballpark ranges you can expect for both materials and professional installation:
Carpet
- Materials – $1 – $4 per sq. ft.
- Pad – $0.50 – $1 per sq. ft.
- Installation – $0.50 – $1 per sq. ft.
Laminate
- Materials – $1.50 – $5 per sq. ft.
- Underlayment – $0.30 – $1 per sq. ft.
- Installation – $1 – $3 per sq. ft.
Luxury Vinyl Plank
- Materials – $2 – $8 per sq. ft.
- Installation – $1 – $5 per sq. ft.
Tile
- Materials – $2 – $10 per sq. ft.
- Installation – $3 – $8 per sq. ft.
Hardwood
- Materials – $3 – $13 per sq. ft.
- Installation – $3 – $7 per sq. ft.
According to HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide, you can expect to pay the following total costs for installation of mid-grade flooring:
- Carpet: $2 – $6 per sq. ft. installed
- Laminate: $3 – $7 per sq. ft. installed
- Vinyl: $3 – $8 per sq. ft. installed
- Tile: $5 – $15 per sq. ft. installed
- Hardwood: $7 – $16 per sq. ft. installed
Additional charges may apply for subfloor preparation, furniture moving, old flooring removal, unique installation requirements, and more.
I recommend getting at least 3 binding quotes before hiring any contractor. A detailed quote from Home Depot allows you to accurately budget for your new floors.
Key Factors That Impact Cost of Installation
What makes one flooring installation more expensive than another? Here are some of the key factors that affect overall project cost:
Type of Materials – Hardwood floors cost more than laminate. Natural stone tiles are pricier than ceramic. Material upgrades quickly increase total spend.
Size of Project – Labor costs accumulate quickly for larger rooms or whole home installations. Per square foot cost may be cheaper for big projects though.
Complexity – Intricate tile layouts, custom cuts, staircases or uneven surfaces take more time and skill to install properly.
Regional Labor Rates – Installation costs are higher in areas like NYC or San Francisco where contractor wages are higher.
Prep Work Required – A subfloor may need patching, leveling or structural reinforcement before installing new floors, which adds big costs.
Floor Removal – Professionally removing old flooring rather than installing on top of existing materials adds to the total bill.
Specialty Services – Opting for add-ons like furniture moving, dormant sealants, intro moldings or haul away disposal come at an extra charge.
The more variables and upgrades, the more you‘ll pay. Be selective about any optional services to keep costs down.
Home Depot Flooring Brands
Home Depot offers hundreds of flooring options across these major brands:
Carpet: Shaw Floors, Mohawk, Dixie Home, Phenix Flooring
Vinyl: Armstrong Flooring, Shaw Floors, SmartCore, TrafficMaster
Laminate: Pergo, Shaw Floors, QuickStep, Home Decorators Collection
Tile: Daltile, Shaw Floors, MSI, Home Decorators Collection
Wood: Mohawk, Shaw Floors, Home Legend, Home Decorators Collection
Other: Karndean (luxury vinyl), Schulter Systems (rubber flooring)
Within each brand, you’ll find a wide selection of colors, patterns, textures, and styles. Home Depot also carries exclusive proprietary brands like LifeProof luxury vinyl and Home Decorators laminate.
I recommend narrowing down the look you want first, then explore which brands offer the best options to match your style.
Popular Home Depot Flooring Types
Let‘s dive deeper into the specific kinds of flooring Home Depot can install for you:
Carpet
This warm, comfortable flooring comes in different pile depths, densities, styles, and fiber types like nylon, polyester, and triexta. Consider berber for high traffic areas. Evaluate quality by face weight – higher is better.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
A top choice for waterproof durability, LVP mimics wood or tile aesthetics while resisting scratches, stains, and moisture. Brands like LifeProof offer stone polymer core construction.
Laminate
Affordable, scratch-resistant laminate floors look just like real hardwood. Many new styles boast upgraded realistic wood grain patterns. Ideal for replicating oak or exotic looks on a budget.
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
A classic flooring choice perfect for kitchens and baths. Glazed ceramic and porcelain are extremely durable and water-resistant. From mosaics to oversized tiles, endless options exist.
Hardwood
For timeless character and value, authentic hardwood remains popular. Red oak, hickory, maple, and exotic woods like Brazilian cherry are available. Choose engineered hardwood for easier installation and moisture resistance.
Vinyl Tile
Vinyl tile comes in every look imaginable from stone and marble to wood plank. The affordable, waterproof tiles install directly overmost existing floors. Some vinyl tiles now feature groutable and mortared options.
Resilient Flooring
Natural sheet goods choices like marmoleum, cork, and rubber provide sound absorption. Eco-friendly linoleum is back in style. Rubber floors offer industrial appeal.
This covers the most common flooring types, but Home Depot may offer additional specialty products by region as well.
Q&A About Home Depot Installation
Still have some questions? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Home Depot’s flooring installation services:
Does Home Depot install all the flooring they sell?
They install nearly all residential flooring purchased through their stores including carpet, vinyl plank, laminate, hardwood, tile, and resilient options. Exceptions are niche products like outdoor tile.
Is installation guaranteed?
All installation work comes with a standard 1-year warranty. The flooring will also have a product warranty through the manufacturer (ex: 25 years for laminate).
Can I watch during the installation?
Yes, you can observe the process at any time for peace of mind. Some homeowners find it reassuring to check progress and ask installers questions in real time.
Who does the actual installation?
Home Depot has a network of fully vetted independent contractors who perform installations. These licensed professionals must pass background checks before they can accept jobs through Home Depot. The store does not have in-house installation crews.
How are installers vetted?
Installers are vetted for licenses, insurance, years in business, legal compliance, reputation, and customer feedback. Home Depot collects customer ratings after each completed installation as well. Low ratings can result in no longer assigning work to poor performers.
Should I tip the installers?
Tipping is appreciated for exceptional service but not required or expected on top of the quoted labor costs. Some homeowners tip 10-20% of the labor total.
What if I have a problem with the installation?
Reach out immediately to your Project Manager if any issue arises during the work. Home Depot will make it right by assigning a new installer, redoing unsatisfactory work, or issuing a refund/credit as needed.
The Pros of Using Home Depot for Installation
What are the biggest benefits of having Home Depot install your new floors versus doing it yourself or hiring an independent local contractor?
Convenience – With just one visit, you can select flooring and schedule certified installers all in a single stop. Much easier than the DIY process.
Selection – Choose from thousands of carpet, tile, wood, laminate, and vinyl flooring options for every style and budget all stocked in store. Finding products is a breeze.
Coordinated Process – Home Depot project managers handle scheduling, purchasing, measurements, hiring installers, and final walkthroughs for you. Less hassle and legwork.
Speed – In-stock inventory means fast turnaround. Get your makeover done in as little as 1-2 weeks rather than 4-6 months through some local retailers dependent on distributors.
Financing – Special financing offers make new floors more affordable. Pay over 6, 12, or 24 months with a Home Depot consumer credit card.
Warranties – Both labor and flooring materials come with guarantees when purchasing installation through Home Depot. Peace of mind your investment is protected.
Professional Network – You gain access to Home Depot‘s network of fully vetted, background-checked independent installers. These seasoned contractors must meet Home Depot‘s rigorous quality criteria.
Cleanliness – Installers thoroughly clean the work area upon project completion as part of the standard installation package. One less thing for you to worry about!
Service Recovery – If any issues come up, Home Depot has dedicated teams to quickly make it right to your satisfaction. They‘ll address problems head on to deliver the experience promised.
Potential Downsides to Weigh
Of course, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider with Home Depot:
Higher Cost – In certain cases, you may be able to get flooring installed for less by using an independent local contractor rather than going through Home Depot. Always get at least 3 quotes.
Variable Quality – There can be some variance in skill level between individual installers. Be sure to vet each contractor thoroughly through reviews and references.
DIY Is Cheaper – If you‘re able to install the new floors yourself, you‘ll only pay material costs, saving on labor fees. DIY isn‘t realistic for intricate tile or hardwood though.
Scheduling Delays – During peak installation season, your date may get pushed back several weeks due to high demand. Avoid spring and summer if timing is critical.
No Customization – Home Depot focuses on broad residential flooring needs. For fully custom work, you may want a specialty retailer who offers greater customization.
Focused Product Lines – Selection centers on mid-tier and builder-grade materials, not ultra luxury brands. To see more exclusive designer or specialty floors, visit a local flooring boutique.
The key is deciding what factors matter most to you, then determining if Home Depot can meet those needs or if you require a different installer.
Which Is Better: Home Depot vs Independent Installer?
How does Home Depot installation compare to hiring a local independent flooring contractor instead? Here‘s an overview of the key differences:
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Convenience – Home Depot offers a simpler one-stop process while indie contractors require more research on your end to find options.
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Cost – Independent quotes may come in lower without the overhead of a big retailer, but not always. Get multiple bids.
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Selection – A flooring specialty store will offer more variety and custom options compared to Home Depot‘s curated selections.
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Speed – Thanks to warehouse inventory, Home Depot can install faster while small businesses rely on distributor lead times.
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Credentials – Both should be fully licensed, insured, and bonded, but request proof. Home Depot vets and rates their installers.
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Warranties – Manufacturing warranties apply either way. Home Depot provides an installation warranty while indie warranties will vary.
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Financing – Special financing offers are a huge perk of using Home Depot vs paying in full upfront to contractors.
For the optimal experience, read Home Depot reviews and get referrals to find their top-rated local installers. For very customized projects, a specialty retailer may exceed Home Depot‘s offerings.
Ready for Your New Floors?
As you can see, Home Depot provides a streamlined process for purchasing new flooring and having it professionally installed in your home.
Their costs fall within industry averages for each flooring category thanks to their buying power at scale. You gain convenience without sacrificing competitive pricing.
Just be sure to get an itemized estimate before booking so there are no surprises. Ask about special offers too so you don‘t overpay.
If you need financing, Home Depot credit cards make it easy to pay over time. For DIYers, they also offer how-to videos and guides online.
Hopefully this detailed overview gives you confidence that Home Depot has the selection, service and value to turn your flooring dreams into reality! I‘d love to hear which floor you ultimately choose once your beautiful new floors are installed.
