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Getting high-quality materials at an affordable price is the goal every homeowner who is going through a home renovation process should try to achieve.
So, in this LL Flooring vs Home Depot comparison, we’ll try to determine which of these stores can supply you with better flooring options.
A basement improvement idea may require waterproof flooring while if you’re just upgrading your bedroom the flooring material doesn’t have to be resistant to heavy traffic or direct exposure to water.
The store from which you’re getting the materials should have a broad spectrum of available flooring options so that you can choose the model that matches the demands of your project.
Our LL Flooring vs Home Depot comparison will provide you with information that can help you decide where to get your flooring materials.
Bottom Line Up Front Summary: If you are specifically looking for high quality flooring, it’s hard to beat the selection and specialization offered by LL Flooring (formerly Lumber Liquidators) here. While Home Depot MAY offer more convenient local pickup and occassionally beat on price, the digital to physical transfer is far from seamless (and much more hit or miss depending on your local fulfillment center). Our Advice: Compare both online but expect higher end flooring (and higher quality) with LL Flooring here.
There are plenty of budget generic flooring options, but for higher quality (and sometimes harder to find) premium flooring LL Flooring is a step up. Best of all, you can browse online for selections you may not find in your local Home Depot and have them safely delivered to your residence or job site.
Main Differences Between LL Flooring vs Home Depot
The main differences between LL Flooring and Home Depot are:
- LL Flooring offers only flooring solutions, whereas you can get all types of home renovation materials at Home Depot
- LL Flooring was founded in 1993, whereas Home Depot was established in 1978
- LL Flooring has 415 stores in the United States and Canada, whereas Home Depot has 2,291 stores in the United States, Mexico, Canada, China, and India.
- LL Flooring doesn’t have access to a large market as Home Depot, whereas Home Depot is currently the fifth largest retailer in the world
- LL Flooring features relatively expensive flooring options, whereas Home Depot offers a greater variety of affordable flooring solutions
Key Specifications
| LL Flooring | Home Depot | |
| Store locations | United States, Canada | United States, China, India, Mexico, Canada |
| Smartphone app | Android, iOS | Android, iOS |
| Product range | All types of flooring | Home renovation tools and materials |
| Floor installation options | Yes | Yes |
| Financing options | Yes, for purchases larger than $2,500 | Yes, for purchases larger than $299.00 |
| Customer service quality | Usually good | Standard |
| Flooring accessories | Yes | Yes |
| Latest price | Check the latest prices here | Check the latest prices here |
Evaluating the features of LL Flooring and Home Depot stores
LL Flooring
LL Flooring was established in the early 1990s and for the first couple of years of its existence, the company focused on the collection of lumber via bankruptcies, auctions, and similar types of liquidations.
The founder, Tom Sullivan, who had previously worked as a contractor, decided to keep the company’s name when he opened the first LL Flooring store in Roxbury, Massachusetts. The opening of the first store also marked the brand’s shift towards hardwood flooring.
The company spread nation-wide quickly, and it currently has more than 400 stores in the United States and Canada. However, LL Flooring company doesn’t have stores in states such as Alaska, Hawaii, or Wyoming.
The brand went through a makeover in April 2020 when it changed its name to LL Flooring, but it continued to work with flooring manufacturers and suppliers in order to provide competitive prices to the customers.
Key features
- A versatile assortment of flooring options
- Affordable prices
- Flooring installation services
- Stores are available in 46 states
- Financing options are available for purchases over $2,500
- All flooring options are made of high-quality materials
- iOS app enables you to visualize your floor
- Friendly and helpful customer support
Product range
LL Flooring is not a one-stop-shop for a home renovation project, but rather a specialist store for homeowners and companies looking for high-quality flooring solutions.
Although the brand is famous for its solid hardwood collection such as Builder’s Pride, Mayflower, or Bellawood it offers all types of flooring. Here are the flooring options you can find at LL Flooring:
- LVP
- Laminate
- Cork flooring
- Wood flooring
- Bamboo flooring
- Ceramic and porcelain tiles
- Solid hardwood flooring
Numerous options are available for each flooring type, so you can choose between six different options if you’re looking for cork flooring or a wide variety of differently styled tiles.
However, solid hardwood is still the brand’s focal point, which is the reason why it offers such a wide selection of hardwood flooring options.
You can decide if you want a prefinished or unfinished version of the flooring model, while the brand also offers the option to get the unfinished utility-grade wood floor. Check out our guide to the best types of wood flooring if you need assistance with choosing this type of flooring.
Flooring installation options
You can install the flooring you purchase at an LL Flooring store on your own, if you have enough time and the necessary skills to complete this task. The company doesn’t offer installation services, but it works with local contractors that install the flooring products you purchase at LL Flooring.
Hence, the installation period usually depends on the contractor that is hired to install the flooring, but in most cases, flooring is installed within two or three days after the purchase.
You can request the evaluation of the area on which you want to install a new floor or take samples to see if the model you’re considering is suitable for your project.
The installation costs are not included in the price of the flooring and they depend on the contractor, the size of the area, and the state.
LL Flooring offers products for both residential and commercial purposes, and the installation costs for commercial venues are usually higher than the cost of installing flooring in a home.
Other noteworthy features
The LL Flooring website has a Picture-It feature that enables you to visualize the space with different types of flooring. This feature can be useful if you’re not sure how a particular color is going to fit the room or if you’re having trouble picturing the layout of the room after the floor is installed.
Optionally, you can install the LL Flooring app on your iPhone to visualize different flooring options, search for inspiration or keep track of the latest sales promotions. The app enables you to browse through the brand’s catalog and purchase the products you like.
Besides different flooring options, LL Flooring also offers a broad range of flooring installation materials and accessories. This enables you to buy adhesives, moldings, trims, risers, or underlayments you are going to need to complete a flooring project.
Reliability
LL Flooring is one of the most trusted flooring retailers in the United States because it offers an enjoyable shopping experience as well as reliable and helpful customer service.
The durability of the brand’s products depends on the flooring option you choose since LVP, Laminate or hardwood flooring solutions have different lifespans.
It is important to pick the flooring option that is suitable for the purpose for which space is used, so you should look for a waterproof option if you’re renovating a basement or a bathroom.
However, the LL Flooring company provides all the assistance you may need to find the right flooring solution for the project you’re planning.
There are plenty of budget generic flooring options, but for higher quality (and sometimes harder to find) premium flooring LL Flooring is a step up. Best of all, you can browse online for selections you may not find in your local Home Depot and have them safely delivered to your residence or job site.
Home Depot
As one of the largest retail chain stores in the world, Home Depot is one of the obvious places to search for flooring. The company was established in 1978 with the aim of creating hardware stores that feature all tools and materials used during a home renovation project.
Today, there are more than 2000 Home Depot stores in the world and the company has over 400,000 employees. You can find all types of flooring at Home Depot, although the quality of a particular model depends on the manufacturer.
Hence, Home Depot isn’t an ideal place to shop for hardwood flooring, but it may be a great option if you’re searching for an inexpensive flooring solution.
Key features
- Large selection of home improvement tools and construction materials
- Available in all 50 states and abroad
- Flooring installation services
- A wide selection of flooring options
- iOS and Android apps make online shopping easier
- Attractive financing options
- Deliveries don’t take too long
- Wide range of carpets
- Reasonable prices
Product range
One thing that catches your eye when you start browsing through Home Depot’s flooring catalog is how wide the product range is. You can choose from the following flooring materials:
Each of these categories contains hundreds of models so that you can choose the perfect backsplash tiles or waterproof flooring that fits your kitchen or bathroom perfectly.
Go through our guide to the mosaic tile backsplash kitchen ideas if you’re searching for inspiration for your next home improvement project.
You can use other search criteria to find the best flooring option for you at Home Depot and browse through flooring catalogs that are created to reflect the latest trends, highlight the properties of the material, or suggest the suitability of a particular model for different types of spaces.
Also, Home Depot offers a broad spectrum of flooring supplies, so that you can find the best adhesives, tile grouts, or tile saws. Go through our guide to finding the best-wet tile saw, if you are unsure which model is best suited for your needs.
Flooring installation options
Like the LL Flooring, the Home Depot has a nation-wide network of contractors that provide flooring installation services. The company claims that each of its contractors is licensed to ensure that its services meet the brand’s standards.
However, you may end up waiting for months for the contractor to start installing the flooring or the company tasked with the installation of the flooring you purchased at Home Depot can be understaffed so they send just one person to deal with a large job.
The quality of the flooring installation service depends on the contractor and it may vary depending on the city or the state.
Home Depot also offers the In-Home Measure service that enables you to schedule a visit with a local contractor that measures the area you want to cover and estimates the installation costs.
Check out our list of Best Home Depot Alternatives to consider in 2021.
Other noteworthy features
Home Depot provides several online shopping options, so you can either purchase flooring through the website or install the Android or iOS version of the Home Depot app to get the products you need for your home renovation project.
You can apply for several different financing options if the cost of the material and flooring installation exceeds your budget. Home Depot currently offers these financing options:
- Consumer Credit Card
- Project Loan
- Commercial Revolving Charge Card
- Commercial Account
Keep in mind that you have to apply for each of these financing options and that monthly payments depend on the financing option you choose.
In addition to flooring materials and supplies, Home Depot also offers a broad spectrum of floor care and cleaning products that enable you to keep the flooring clean after you install it.
Reliability
Most flooring options you can find at Home Depot are made from durable materials that can’t be scratched or damaged easily.
However, the shopping experience doesn’t necessarily have to be enjoyable. The personnel and the customer support don’t always have sufficient knowledge about flooring products. Moreover, deliveries are often postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.
This doesn’t mean that finding great flooring for your home or office at Home Depot is impossible, but rather that you should know exactly which type of flooring you’re looking for.
Keep in mind that the least expensive flooring models you can find at Home Depot stores can be difficult to install or maintain.
Whether you're a weekend DIYer or a professional contractor, Home Depot's unrivaled selection from the top power tools brands will help you get the job done in less time and with better results.
LL Flooring vs Home Depot – Pros and Cons
LL Flooring
Pros
- High-quality flooring solutions
- User-friendly customer support
- Professional flooring installation service
- Picture-It feature enables you to visualize different flooring solutions
Cons
- Some flooring options can be expensive
- LL Flooring isn’t available in all states
Home Depot
Pros
- A broad range of flooring options
- Inexpensive flooring models are available
- Home Depot sells all flooring supplies
- The great online shopping experience
Cons
- Not an ideal place to shop for hardwood flooring
- Delivery and flooring installation can take time
The best alternatives to LL Flooring and Home Depot
There are hundreds of flooring retailers across the country that offer affordable flooring solutions made from high-quality materials. Consequently, LL Flooring or Home Depot are far from being your only flooring supply points.
We’ve shortlisted some of the best alternatives to these companies, so let’s take a look at what they have to offer.
Lowe’s
As one of Home Depot’s fiercest competitors, Lowe’s offers all flooring types, as well as hundreds of models that are available in different sizes and colors. You can also get all flooring supplies at Lowe’s or use the mobile app to check the product’s availability and location.
However, the quality of the shopping experience at Lowe’s is far from ideal, since the employees often don’t know much about the benefits of different flooring options. That’s why you should know exactly which flooring model you want to get and avoid consulting with the company’s employees.
Also, deliveries can take weeks rather than days, and you should arm yourself with patience if you decide to shop at Lowe’s.
Round up your power tool collection with sanders, saws, drills plus all the attachments and batteries you need to complete any job, big or small.
Mr. Handyman
Instead of figuring out how to create the best flooring for the room you want to renovate, you can hire Mr. Handyman’s technicians to do the job for you. The company evaluates the scope and cost of the job and suggests which materials and supplies have to be purchased.
This eliminates the need to search for flooring options on your own since you get professional advice on how to pick the best flooring option for the room you want to renovate. Besides home renovation services, the company also offers its services to commercial establishments.
You can contact the company’s representatives if you’re unhappy with the results after the job was completed, and the repairs will be performed free of charge.
Spectra Contract Flooring
As the largest flooring contractor in the United States, the Spectra Contract Flooring company is one of the most reliable options you have at your disposal if you want to install floors in a large commercial venue.
The company has 26 offices across the United States, so you’ll need to check if its services are available in your state. Spectra Contract Flooring takes care of each step of the floor installation process, from the selection of the material to maintenance.
You will get an accurate cost estimation if you decide to hire the Spectra Contract Flooring team and a detailed list of materials and supplies that are necessary to complete the project. Keep in mind that the cost is determined based on the scope of the project.
Frequently asked questions about LL Flooring vs Home Depot
Answer: From 2014 – 2016 the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) tested formaldehyde levels released from certain laminate flooring made in China between 2012 and 2014. Since 2016, major flooring suppliers have stopped carrying questionable laminate flooring products.
Answer: The duration of the installation process depends on the size of the area you’re covering, so installing LL Flooring can take anywhere between a few days and a couple of weeks.
Answer: Flooring models you can find at Home Depot can cost between $1 and $12 per square foot, which means that the company sells both cheap and expensive flooring options.
Answer: Hiring a contractor through Home Depot is optional, and you can purchase flooring from this retailer even if you don’t want to hire one of their contractors.
Our verdict: Where to get flooring materials, LL Flooring vs Home Depot?
There are plenty of budget generic flooring options, but for higher quality (and sometimes harder to find) premium flooring LL Flooring is a step up. Best of all, you can browse online for selections you may not find in your local Home Depot and have them safely delivered to your residence or job site.
The flooring you install in your home or at a commercial venue should last for decades, and for that reason, you should search for a moderately priced option that is made from high-quality materials.
The flooring you choose should be resistant to scratches or water especially if you want to install it in a high-traffic area. LL Flooring and Home Depot offer a wide range of flooring solutions that can be used in virtually any context.
We recommend shopping at LL Flooring despite slightly higher prices because the hardwood flooring options are better and the shopping experience is more enjoyable than at Home Depot.
On the other hand, Home Depot can be a good option if your budget is limited, and you’re looking for an affordable flooring option. Where are you going to shop for flooring, LL Flooring or Home Depot?
Bottom Line Summary: If you are specifically looking for high quality flooring, it’s hard to beat the selection and specialization offered by LL Flooring here. While Home Depot MAY offer more convenient local pickup and occasionally beat on price, the digital to physical transfer is far from seamless (and much more hit or miss depending on your local fulfillment center). Our Advice: Compare both online but expect higher end flooring (and higher quality) with LL Flooring here.
Let us know in the comments or check out our flooring project guide for more information about the best types of flooring or see how home depot compares to:
