Blog > Three Questions I Always Recommend Before You Buy New Flooring

Three Questions I Always Recommend Before You Buy New Flooring

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

From the desk of Scott Erlbaum, President of Floors USA

After more than four decades in the flooring business, I can tell you one thing for certain: when choosing, most people focus on how their new floor looks. And hey—style matters! But before you make your final choice, I always recommend asking three simple questions. These are the top questions to ask your supplier, providing answers that can save you time, money, and regret down the line.

Here’s what I tell every customer who walks through our doors.

1. What Kind of Warranty Does It Come With?

A good-looking floor is great—but it needs to hold up, too. Flooring warranties vary more than you’d expect. Some cover wear, others cover defects, and some sound great until you read the fine print.

So I always ask:

• How long is the warranty?
  
  
• Is it just for materials, or does it include installation?
  
  
• Are there any conditions that might void it?
  
  

At Floors USA, we’ve built strong relationships with trusted manufacturers, and we make sure you understand your warranty before you buy. No fast talk, no runaround—just the facts.

2. Is It Waterproof, Water-Resistant, or Neither?

Here’s where many people get caught off guard. That gorgeous laminate or wood plank might look amazing in your kitchen—but what happens when your dog knocks over a water bowl or someone forgets to close a window in a storm?

There’s a big difference between:

• Waterproof flooring – built to handle spills, leaks, and even standing water.
  
  
• Water-resistant flooring – fine for light moisture but not prolonged exposure.
  
  
• Standard flooring – which needs to stay dry to stay intact.
  
  

My team will walk you through the pros and cons of each type, based on where you’re installing and how you live. We’re not here to upsell—we’re here to make sure you love your floors five years from now as much as you do on day one.

3. Who’s Doing the Installation—And Do They Stand Behind It?

This one hits close to home. Even the best flooring in the world won’t perform if it’s not installed properly. I’ve seen too many projects where common shortcuts were taken—and it always ends up costing more to fix.

At Floors USA, installation isn’t an afterthought. Our crews are experienced, professional, and many installers have been with us for years. And yes—we absolutely stand behind their work.

If something isn’t right, we’ll make it right. That’s not just a policy—it’s our reputation.

Flooring You Can Trust—From a Team That’s Been Here Since 1976

Buying flooring isn’t just a style decision—it’s a smart-home decision. When you ask the right questions, you protect your investment and get a result you can be proud of.

If you’re thinking about new floors, stop by our 40,000 square foot showroom in King of Prussia. My expert team and I are here to walk you through everything—from product to prep to installation—so you can make your choice with confidence.

You won’t find pushy salespeople here. Just real consultation advice, real experience, and a commitment to helping you love your floors for years to come.

Hope to see you soon,
– Scott