You see those ads, you hear the buzz, and then you start wondering. Are all Lumber Liquidators closing? It’s a question that pops up when you’re staring down a flooring project, trying to figure out where to get decent materials without getting fleeced. I’ve been there, staring at endless rows of laminate, vinyl, and hardwood, trying to decipher what’s actually good and what’s just marketing fluff. It’s easy to get lost, especially when you hear whispers about massive store closures. Let’s cut through the noise and get to the bottom of what’s really happening.
What’s Really Happening with Lumber Liquidators Stores?
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room right off the bat: are all Lumber Liquidators closing? The short answer is a resounding no. While there have been some store closures and a rebranding effort, the company is far from gone. They’ve been undergoing a significant transformation, aiming to simplify their operations and focus on their core strengths.
This isn’t a death knell; it’s more like a business haircut, shedding what wasn’t working to make the rest stronger. They’ve been investing in their online presence and shifting some of their focus to commercial projects and builder partnerships. So, if you’re picturing empty storefronts across the country, you can probably put that image away.
They’re still very much in the flooring game, just perhaps in a slightly different arena than you might remember from a decade ago. The key takeaway here is that the narrative of a complete shutdown is largely a myth, fueled by rumors and the natural churn of retail business. They’ve closed some underperforming locations, yes, but that’s standard business practice, not a sign of impending doom.
Think of it as a company evolving, not expiring. They’ve been trying to rebrand as LL Flooring, and you might see that name more often.
This rebranding isn’t just a cosmetic change; it reflects a broader strategy to modernize their image and appeal to a wider customer base, including younger homeowners and those looking for more contemporary design options. The company has faced its share of challenges over the years, including some product quality concerns that led to significant backlash and costly recalls. These issues undoubtedly impacted their reputation and likely contributed to the strategic decisions they’ve made in recent years, including store rationalization and a renewed focus on customer satisfaction and product integrity. It’s a tough market, and companies have to adapt or get left behind.
LL Flooring (formerly Lumber Liquidators) is clearly trying to adapt.
When you’re trying to figure out flooring, it’s easy to get caught up in brand names and marketing hype. I remember a few years back, I was dead set on getting some ‘premium’ engineered hardwood from a big box store.
Spent a weekend driving around, looking at samples, comparing prices. Felt like I was buying a car. The sales guy kept talking about ‘wear layers’ and ‘Janka hardness ratings’ like they were secret codes. I ended up spending way more than I intended and, honestly, the stuff I got was fine, but nothing spectacular.
The real lesson? Don’t get blinded by the brand. Whether it’s Lumber Liquidators, Home Depot, Lowe’s, or some obscure online retailer, the material itself is what matters. You need to understand what you’re actually buying.
For example, vinyl plank flooring (LVP) has become ridiculously popular. It’s durable, waterproof, and can look surprisingly good. But not all LVP is created equal.
Some of the cheaper stuff feels like plastic underfoot and scratches if you look at it wrong. Higher-end options, though, can mimic real wood or stone with uncanny accuracy, and they hold up to abuse. I’ve got some LVP in my basement that’s seen everything from spilled beer to muddy dog paws, and it still looks brand new.
It’s the kind of flooring that lets you breathe easy when you’ve got kids or pets tearing through the house. The key is to look at the specifications: the thickness of the wear layer (for LVP), the type of core material, and the warranty. (See Also: Are Lumber Prices Going Up Again )
Don’t just trust the pretty picture on the box. Ask questions. If a salesperson seems evasive or pushes you towards one specific product without explaining why, that’s a red flag. Do your own research.
Websites dedicated to flooring reviews and forums can be goldmines of real-world experience. I once spent an entire evening reading user reviews for a particular laminate flooring before I even stepped into a store, and it saved me from buying a product that a lot of people found chipped easily.
It’s about being an informed consumer, not just a passive buyer. Remember, the cheapest option often costs you more in the long run with repairs or replacement.
Conversely, the most expensive isn’t always the best value. It’s about finding that sweet spot of quality, durability, and price that fits your needs and your budget.
Common Flooring Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Let’s talk about the stuff that makes you want to pull your hair out. I’ve made my share of flooring blunders, so you don’t have to. The biggest mistake I see people make, and I’ve definitely been guilty of it, is not accounting for expansion and contraction.
Wood, laminate, and even some vinyl floors need room to breathe. If you butt them right up against a wall or a cabinet without leaving a small gap (usually covered by baseboards or trim), you’re asking for trouble.
I learned this the hard way with a laminate floor I put in my living room years ago. I was so proud of how tightly I’d fit everything. Within a year, in the humid summer months, I started to see buckling.
It looked awful. Had to pull up the baseboards and carefully cut a sliver off the edge of every single plank. Nightmare.
Another common pitfall is improper subfloor preparation. Think of your subfloor as the foundation for your flooring. If it’s uneven, squeaky, or damaged, your new floor will never look right and might develop problems down the line.
This means dealing with old adhesives, loose nails, or low spots before you even think about laying down new planks. I’ve also seen people skimp on underlayment. For laminate and engineered wood, a good quality underlayment isn’t just about cushioning; it can provide a moisture barrier and help with sound dampening.
Don’t just grab the cheapest roll you can find. Also, people often underestimate the amount of material they need. Always, always buy about 10-15% extra for cuts, mistakes, and future repairs. Running out of a specific plank is a special kind of hell, especially if the product has been discontinued.
Finally, and this is a big one: choosing the wrong type of flooring for the space. Putting hardwood in a bathroom is a recipe for disaster unless it’s specifically treated for high moisture, and even then, I’d be wary. Or installing delicate, high-gloss tile in a busy kitchen where it’s prone to chipping. It’s about matching the material’s properties to the demands of the room. (See Also: Are Lumber Prices Going To Continue To Rise )
Don’t just pick what looks pretty; pick what’s practical and durable for that specific environment. Think about traffic, moisture, sunlight, and potential spills. Taking a little extra time to prepare the subfloor and calculate your material needs can save you massive headaches and a significant amount of money in the long run.
It’s the unglamorous part, but it’s where the real success of a flooring project lies.
My Take: Laminate vs. Luxury Vinyl Plank
This is where I get opinionated. Everyone’s always asking me, ‘Laminate or LVP?’ And my answer?
For most people, especially if you’ve got kids, pets, or just a general aversion to constant fussing, it’s Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP). I know, I know. Some purists will scoff and say ‘real wood’ or ‘high-quality laminate’ is the only way to go. And sure, if you’ve got the budget and the temperament to baby your floors, go for it.
But for the average homeowner? LVP is the champion. Why?
Because it’s practically indestructible. Spills? Waterproof.
Scratches? Much more resistant than most laminates. Kids with toy trucks?
Bring it on. It’s also way easier to install for DIYers, often featuring a click-lock system that’s forgiving. Laminate can look fantastic, and some of the newer ones are quite durable, but moisture is still its Achilles’ heel.
One leaky dishwasher or a flood from a burst pipe, and you’re often looking at a full replacement of the affected area, and sometimes more. LVP, on the other hand, can often handle those kinds of accidents much more gracefully.
The visual aspect has also come a long way. The best LVP today can look incredibly convincing, mimicking natural wood grains and stone textures with impressive realism. You can get wide planks, distressed finishes, all sorts of looks. So, while laminate might have been the go-to budget-friendly alternative for a while, LVP has truly come into its own and, in my book, has surpassed it for most practical applications.
Don’t be afraid of ‘vinyl’ – modern LVP is a far cry from the sticky, cheap sheets of the past.
| Material | Pros | Cons | My Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) | Highly waterproof, very durable, scratch-resistant, easy to clean and install, wide variety of styles. | Can be perceived as less ‘premium’ by some, can be heavy to transport, quality varies widely. | 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (Best all-around for most homes) |
| Laminate Flooring | Affordable, wide range of styles, decent scratch resistance, easier to install than hardwood. | Susceptible to water damage, can sound hollow, can scratch and fade over time, difficult to repair. | 🌟🌟🌟 (Good for low-moisture, low-traffic areas) |
| Engineered Hardwood | Looks and feels like real wood, can be more stable than solid hardwood in varying humidity, adds home value. | More expensive, can still be damaged by excessive moisture, installation can be more complex, wear layer can be thin on some. | 🌟🌟🌟🌟 (Great for a ‘real wood’ feel without the extreme cost/instability of solid) |
| Solid Hardwood | Timeless beauty, can be refinished multiple times, adds significant home value, feels very substantial. | Most expensive, highly susceptible to moisture and humidity changes, can scratch and dent, requires careful installation and maintenance. | 🌟🌟🌟🌟 (For those who want the ‘best’ and have the budget/care to match) |
DIY Flooring: What to Watch Out For
Thinking about tackling your flooring project yourself? Good for you! (See Also: Are Lumber Prices Going To Go Up )
It’s totally doable for many types of flooring, and the savings can be substantial. But let’s be real, it’s not always sunshine and perfectly laid planks. The biggest trap is underestimating the time and effort involved. A seemingly simple click-lock system can turn into hours of frustration if a plank doesn’t click properly or if you miscalculate a cut.
I once spent an entire Saturday just trying to get the first row of laminate laid perfectly straight in my hallway. It felt like defusing a bomb. Tools are another big one. You don’t need a professional setup, but you absolutely need a good quality saw (a miter saw is a lifesaver for precise cuts) and a tapping block and pull bar for LVP and laminate.
Trying to force planks together with a hammer directly will ruin them. And don’t forget safety gear: glasses, gloves, and maybe even a dust mask for any cutting. Measurement is most important.
Measure twice, cut once is cliché for a reason. Always account for doorways, closets, and irregular room shapes. It’s also really helpful to dry-lay a few rows in the center of the room before you commit. This lets you see how the pattern flows and makes sure you don’t end up with a tiny, awkward sliver of a plank at the far end.
If you’re doing LVP, pay attention to the subfloor flatness. Some LVP is quite forgiving, but if your subfloor is significantly wavy, it can cause issues with the locking mechanism or even lead to the planks separating over time. And for the love of all that is holy, read the manufacturer’s instructions. Every product is slightly different.
What works for one brand of laminate might not work for another. Don’t assume you know it all. I’ve seen people skip the underlayment on laminate because they thought it was unnecessary, only to complain about the hollow sound and draftiness later.
It’s the little details that make a DIY project go from ‘disaster’ to ‘descent DIY job.’ Patience is your best friend here. If you get frustrated, step away, take a break, and come back with fresh eyes. It’s better to take an extra day than to rush and make mistakes you’ll regret for years.
Faq: Are All Lumber Liquidators Closing?
Are Lumber Liquidators Stores Really Closing Down?
No, the narrative that all Lumber Liquidators stores are closing is not accurate. While the company has undergone rebranding to LL Flooring and has closed some underperforming locations, it remains an active retailer in the flooring market. They are strategically adjusting their footprint and focusing on modernization rather than a complete shutdown. It’s more about evolving business practices than a mass extinction of stores.
Will I Still Be Able to Buy Flooring From Ll Flooring (formerly Lumber Liquidators)?
Yes, you will absolutely still be able to purchase flooring from LL Flooring. The company is actively operating and has been investing in its online presence and improving its customer experience. You can shop their products online or at their physical locations, which are still numerous across the country. They are focused on continuing to serve customers looking for various flooring solutions.
Has Lumber Liquidators Rebranded?
Yes, Lumber Liquidators has officially rebranded to LL Flooring. This change reflects a broader strategic shift in the company’s approach to the market, aiming for a more modern image and potentially a wider product appeal. You’ll likely see the LL Flooring name and branding used more frequently in their advertising and on their stores.
What Happened to Lumber Liquidators?
Lumber Liquidators experienced a period of significant challenges, including product quality concerns that led to recalls and negative publicity. In response, they’ve been working to improve product standards and customer service. The rebranding to LL Flooring is part of a larger effort to refresh their image and business strategy, which includes optimizing their store count and focusing on their online and commercial sales channels.
Final Thoughts
So, to circle back to the big question: are all Lumber Liquidators closing? No, they are not. The company is now operating as LL Flooring and is actively working to adapt to the current retail landscape. They’ve closed some stores, yes, but that’s a sign of adjustment, not an end of days.
My advice? Don’t let the headlines confuse you. If you’re in the market for flooring, do your homework on the materials themselves, not just the brand. Understand what you need for your space, compare options, and don’t be afraid to ask tough questions. Whether you go with LL Flooring, a big box store, or an independent dealer, the best product is the one that fits your life and your budget.
The next time you’re planning a flooring project, remember that the ‘best’ flooring isn’t always the flashiest or the most expensive. It’s the one that holds up, looks good, and doesn’t make you regret your decision every time you walk on it. Keep an eye on LL Flooring, but keep your own important eye on the products themselves.
