How to Shop for Flooring Without Getting Burned

There are dozens of flooring stores between Surrey, Langley, White Rock and Abbotsford, plus the big boxes and online sellers. Here's how to shop smart, whoever you buy from. If you want to know which brands local stores carry, our brand directory shows what we found.

Step 1: narrow it down by room, not by colour

Decide the type first (vinyl, laminate, engineered, solid, tile) based on the room, subfloor, pets and water. Then shop colours inside that type. Our 1-minute quiz gets you there.

Step 2: samples the right way

• Ask for 2–3 full planks or a big board. Small chips can't show colour variation or repeats.
• Lay them on the floor next to your cabinets, stairs and furniture.
• Check in morning light, at sunset and at night under your bulbs.
• Look from standing height.
• Ask how many different plank designs the line has. More is better.

Step 3: the questions to ask the store

• Wear layer (mil for vinyl, mm for engineered) or AC rating (laminate)?
• Is it in stock, and is it all from one lot?
• Are matching stair nosing and transitions available?
• What's the return policy on unopened boxes?
• Can I see the actual warranty document?
• Is this line being discontinued? (Clearance prices sometimes mean exactly that.)

Step 4: how much to order

• Measure each room (length × width) and add them up.
• Add about 10% for cuts and waste on straight lay.
• Add 15% or more for herringbone, chevron, diagonal or lots of angles.
• Stairs are counted separately (treads, risers, nosing).
• Keep at least one spare box after the job for future repairs.

Step 5: lot numbers

Flooring is made in batches, and colour can shift a bit between lots. Check the lot number on every box before install, and keep a photo of it. If you need more later, the lot number is how you get the closest match.

Step 6: compare quotes properly

Two quotes can look very different and include very different things. Line them up:

Item	Ask
Removal & disposal	Is pulling up and hauling away the old floor included?
Subfloor prep	Levelling, screwing down squeaks, moisture testing: included or extra?
Underlay	Which one, and is it the maker-approved type?
Baseboards	Removed and reinstalled, new, or quarter round?
Transitions & trims	Included, and in matching colour?
Stairs	Priced separately? How are nosings done?
Doors	Undercutting jambs and trimming doors?
Furniture & appliances	Who moves them?
Guarantee	Workmanship guarantee in writing? Insured, with WorkSafeBC coverage?

For local ballpark pricing, see our flooring cost page.

Red flags

• A price per square foot with nothing written about prep.
• "We don't need to level, it's a floating floor."
• No moisture test on concrete.
• Pressure to decide today.
• Cash only, no written quote, no insurance.

Common questions

How much extra flooring should I buy?

About 10% extra for a straight layout and 15% or more for herringbone, chevron or diagonal layouts. Keep a spare box after the install for future repairs.

Why do lot numbers matter for flooring?

Flooring is made in batches and colour can vary slightly between them. Using boxes from the same lot keeps the colour consistent, and the lot number helps you match planks later.

Should I buy flooring online?

You can, but check the warranty: several hardwood brands don't cover floors bought online or shipped outside their territory. Also check return policies, freight damage handling and trim availability.

What should a flooring quote include?

Removal and disposal, subfloor prep and levelling, moisture testing on concrete, underlay, transitions, baseboard work, stairs, door undercutting, moving furniture and a written workmanship guarantee.

Who's writing this: Rose and Thorn Flooring is a flooring company in Surrey, BC. We install floors for a living, so yes, we'd love to do yours. But nobody pays us to say nice things about a product, and we don't earn commission from any brand. If something here is wrong or out of date, text us at 604-716-4160 and we'll fix it.