What Lumber Liquidators Is
Lumber Liquidators is a flooring retailer that sells hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and engineered wood floors, along with installation services. The company operates physical showrooms in most states and also sells online. They buy inventory directly from manufacturers and distributors, which is how they keep prices lower than full-price flooring retailers — they purchase overstock, closeout, and discontinued inventory rather than current-season stock.
The name reflects their original business model: they literally liquidated excess lumber and flooring from mills and manufacturers. Today they operate as a standard retailer, though the discount-focused approach remains central to how they price and source products.
Key Takeaways
- Lumber Liquidators sells hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and engineered wood at discounted prices because they buy overstock and closeout inventory from manufacturers.
- You can shop in person at their showrooms or order online and arrange delivery and installation through their website or by phone.
- Installation is available but is handled by local contractors, not Lumber Liquidators employees, so quality and timeline depend on the contractor assigned to your job.
- Pricing is fixed in-store and online, but delivery and installation costs vary based on your location, room size, and the flooring type you choose.
- Return policies typically allow 30 days for unopened materials, but once flooring is installed, returns are not possible.
How Pricing and Inventory Work
Lumber Liquidators prices floors lower than traditional retailers because they buy closeout and overstock inventory. This means the specific products available change frequently — a floor you see in stock this month may not be available next month, and new closeout inventory arrives regularly. If you find a floor you like, buying sooner rather than later reduces the risk that it will sell out.
Prices are set by Lumber Liquidators and do not change based on where you shop — in-store and online prices are the same. However, the company runs sales and promotions throughout the year, and prices on specific products do fluctuate as inventory changes. You can check their website or visit a showroom to see current pricing and availability in your area.
Because inventory is closeout-based, you may find limited quantities of any single product. If you need a large amount of one floor for a whole house, confirm stock levels before you commit to the purchase.
Shopping in Person vs. Online
Lumber Liquidators operates showrooms where you can see and touch samples of flooring before you buy. Visiting a showroom lets you compare colors and finishes in person and talk to a sales associate about durability, maintenance, and which floors work best in different rooms. You can also get a rough estimate of installation costs while you are there.
If you shop online, you can browse the full inventory, read product descriptions and customer reviews, and order for delivery. Online orders are shipped to your home or to a local showroom for pickup, depending on the product and your location. You will not see the actual flooring in person before it arrives, so reading reviews and understanding the product specifications becomes more important.
Many customers do both: they visit a showroom to see samples and get a feel for the products, then order online if they find a better price or want to shop from home.
Delivery and Installation Process
Lumber Liquidators arranges delivery of flooring materials to your home. Delivery costs depend on your location, the amount of flooring you are ordering, and whether you need it delivered to a specific room or just to your front door. You can get a delivery quote on their website or by calling a local showroom.
Installation is optional and is performed by local contractors, not Lumber Liquidators employees. When you order, you can request an installation quote. A contractor in your area will contact you to schedule a time, assess the job, and confirm the final cost. Installation timelines vary — some contractors can schedule within a week or two, while others may have longer wait times depending on demand in your area.
Before installation begins, the contractor should inspect your subfloor to make sure it is in good condition. If there are problems — moisture, unevenness, or damage — the contractor will let you know and may charge extra to fix them. It is worth asking about subfloor inspection when you get your installation quote so there are no surprises on the day of the job.
Return and Warranty Information
Lumber Liquidators typically allows returns of unopened, unused flooring within 30 days of purchase. If you open the boxes and inspect the product but decide you do not want it, you may still be able to return it, though some products have restocking fees. Once flooring is installed, returns are not possible.
Flooring products come with manufacturer warranties that cover defects in the material itself — things like warping, buckling, or finish failure under normal use. The length and terms of the warranty depend on the specific product and manufacturer. When you purchase, ask for the warranty details in writing so you know what is covered and for how long.
If you have a problem with installed flooring, contact Lumber Liquidators with photos and details. They will work with the manufacturer and the installation contractor to determine whether the issue is a product defect or an installation problem. Resolving warranty claims can take time, so document any issues as soon as you notice them.
What to Know Before You Buy
Closeout inventory means you are buying floors that manufacturers have discontinued or overstocked. This is why prices are low, but it also means the product may not be available if you need more later — for example, if you want to add matching flooring to another room in a year or two. If you think you might expand the flooring later, ask whether the product is likely to be restocked or if it is a one-time closeout.
Installation quality depends on the contractor assigned to your job. Lumber Liquidators does not employ installers, so you have limited control over who does the work. Reading reviews of local contractors and asking Lumber Liquidators which contractors they work with most often can help you get a sense of what to expect. You can also ask for references from the contractor before you hire them.
Subfloor condition is your responsibility. If your subfloor has moisture problems, unevenness, or damage, the contractor will charge extra to fix it before installing new flooring. It is worth having your subfloor inspected before you order so you know what to budget for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return flooring after it has been installed?
No. Lumber Liquidators does not accept returns on installed flooring. You can return unopened boxes within 30 days of purchase, but once the flooring is laid down, the sale is final. Make sure you are confident in your choice before installation begins.
How long does delivery usually take?
Delivery timelines vary by location and product availability. Standard delivery typically takes one to two weeks from the time you place your order, but this can be longer during busy seasons or if the product needs to be shipped from a warehouse. Ask for a specific delivery date when you order so you know when to expect your flooring.
What if my subfloor is damaged or uneven?
The installation contractor will inspect your subfloor before starting work. If there are problems, they will tell you what needs to be fixed and provide a cost estimate. Subfloor repair is usually your responsibility and can add several hundred dollars to your total cost, so budget for this possibility when you plan your project.
Do I have to use Lumber Liquidators' installation service?
No. You can purchase flooring from Lumber Liquidators and hire your own contractor to install it. However, using their installation service means they coordinate the work and you have one point of contact if something goes wrong. If you hire your own installer, make sure they are experienced with the specific flooring type you bought.
What warranty comes with the flooring?
Warranties vary by product and manufacturer. Most hardwood and laminate floors come with warranties ranging from five to 25 years, depending on the product. Ask for the warranty details when you purchase so you understand what defects are covered and for how long. Keep your receipt and warranty paperwork in case you need to make a claim later.