I remember the first time I walked into a flooring store back in the day, feeling utterly overwhelmed. Rows and rows of wood, laminate, vinyl – it all looked the same until you started touching it and hearing the sales pitch. The big question on a lot of people’s minds, especially after the news cycles, is ‘are all Lumber Liquidators closed?’ It’s a fair question, and the answer isn’t a simple yes or no.
There’s been a lot of noise and confusion surrounding the brand, and frankly, some of it was deserved. But the reality on the ground is a bit more nuanced than just a mass extinction of stores. If you’re planning a renovation and wondering where to get your flooring, or just curious about the brand’s fate, let’s cut through the BS.
What’s the Story with Lumber Liquidators Stores?
Okay, let’s get this out of the way: the immediate answer to ‘are all Lumber Liquidators closed?’ is no, they are not. However, the company has undergone significant changes, and that has led to a reduction in their physical footprint. It’s not a ‘lights out, everyone go home’ situation, but more of a ‘we’re simplifying and rebranding’ operation. Think of it less as a total collapse and more as a strategic pivot, albeit one that came after some serious bumps in the road.
The big upheaval for Lumber Liquidators, which many of you probably remember, involved issues with the formaldehyde content in some of their laminate flooring products. This was a massive PR nightmare, and rightfully so. They faced lawsuits, investigations, and a huge hit to their reputation. The company eventually settled, changed its name to LL Flooring, and made a concerted effort to address the quality and safety concerns. This is why you might see fewer stores or notice that the familiar Lumber Liquidators signage is being replaced with LL Flooring branding. It’s the same company, just under a new banner and with a new approach to proving they’ve learned their lessons.
The reduction in store count wasn’t solely due to the formaldehyde scandal, though that certainly accelerated the need for change. Like many brick-and-mortar retailers, Lumber Liquidators (now LL Flooring) has had to adapt to the rise of e-commerce and changing consumer habits. People are increasingly comfortable buying flooring online, or at least doing a lot more research before setting foot in a store. This means that having a massive number of physical locations isn’t always the most efficient business model anymore.
They’ve likely closed underperforming stores, consolidated others, and focused on markets where they see the most potential. So, while the specific Lumber Liquidators stores might be disappearing in some areas, the core business, rebranded as LL Flooring, is still very much alive and kicking, just in a more targeted way.
So, if you’re still asking, ‘are all Lumber Liquidators closed?’ and you’re in the market for new floors, what does this mean for you? It means you need to be a bit more savvy about where you shop and what you buy. The good news is that the flooring market is vast, and competition is fierce, which usually benefits the consumer. LL Flooring is still a major player, and they have a lot of products to offer. But it’s wise to have a few backup plans and understand what makes one flooring option better than another for your specific needs. Don’t just walk into the nearest place and assume they have the best deal or the best quality.
When I was redoing my kitchen last year, I went through this exact dilemma. I’d had good experiences with Lumber Liquidators in the past for a basic vinyl plank, but the formaldehyde news made me hesitant. I ended up comparing LL Flooring with a few other big box stores and some local independent flooring shops. What I learned is that price isn’t the only factor.
You have to consider durability, water resistance (especially for kitchens and bathrooms), ease of installation, and of course, the aesthetics. I spent way too much time staring at samples. One thing that surprised me was how much better some of the newer luxury vinyl plank (LVP) options were compared to what was available even five years ago. They look remarkably like real wood or stone now, and they’re incredibly tough.
My personal mistake? I once bought a cheap laminate that looked great in the store but scratched like crazy within a month. My dog’s nails were enough to ruin it. I should have paid more attention to the AC rating (abrasion classification) which indicates scratch resistance. For high-traffic areas, you want a higher AC rating. I learned the hard way that the cheapest option isn’t always the most cost-effective in the long run. You end up replacing it sooner, and the frustration is just not worth it. So, when you’re looking, don’t just eyeball the price tag. Dig into the specs. Ask questions. And if a salesperson seems to be glossing over details, that’s a red flag.
Decoding Flooring Materials: Beyond the Brand Name
The question ‘are all Lumber Liquidators closed?’ might lead you to think you’re limited in your choices, but that’s not the case. Understanding the different types of flooring materials is key, no matter where you buy them. Let’s break down the most common ones you’ll encounter, and what I’ve found to be true after years of slapping these things down myself. (See Also: Are Lumber Prices Going Up Again )
Laminate Flooring: This is often the most budget-friendly option. It’s made of multiple layers, with a printed image on top designed to mimic wood or tile. The wear layer on top is supposed to protect it. The upside is its affordability and decent scratch resistance for the price. The downside? If the surface layer is breached, moisture can seep in and cause swelling and warping, and it can be noisy to walk on if it’s not installed with a good underlayment. The old issues with formaldehyde were primarily with some laminate products, so be extra cautious and look for reputable brands with certifications like GREENGUARD.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) / Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT): This is where things have gotten really interesting. LVP and LVT are made from PVC, with a printed image layer and a clear wear layer on top. They are fantastic for moisture-prone areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements because they are inherently waterproof. They also tend to be quieter and more comfortable underfoot than laminate. The quality varies wildly, so pay attention to the wear layer thickness – a thicker wear layer (like 20 mil or more) means better durability. I’ve found LVP to be a real workhorse, especially for families with pets and kids. It’s easy to clean, and the newer designs are genuinely convincing.
Hardwood Flooring: The classic. Solid hardwood is beautiful, adds value to your home, and can be refinished multiple times. However, it’s also the most expensive and the most susceptible to moisture and changes in humidity. Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, has a real wood veneer on top of a plywood core, making it more stable and often more affordable. It can typically be refinished once or twice, depending on the veneer thickness. If you’re going for solid hardwood, make sure your subfloor is perfectly level, and be prepared for expansion and contraction with the seasons.
Waterproof SPC Flooring: SPC stands for Stone Plastic Composite. This is a newer generation of vinyl flooring that’s even more rigid and stable than LVP, often with a limestone core. It’s incredibly durable, waterproof, and dimensionally stable, meaning it won’t expand or contract much with temperature and humidity changes. It’s a fantastic option for basements or areas with extreme moisture. Installation is usually a click-lock system, which can be DIY-friendly.
Here’s a quick comparison table I put together based on my personal experiences:
| Flooring Type | Pros | Cons | My Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | Affordable, wide variety of looks | Can be noisy, susceptible to water damage, can’t be refinished | Good for low-traffic, budget-conscious areas if you get a decent quality one. Avoid if you have pets or young kids prone to spills. |
| LVP/LVT | Waterproof, durable, comfortable, easy to clean, realistic looks | Quality varies greatly, can dent under heavy furniture, thinner wear layers scratch easily | My go-to for most of my house. Great balance of price, performance, and aesthetics. Look for 20 mil wear layer minimum. |
| Solid Hardwood | Timeless beauty, adds home value, can be refinished multiple times | Expensive, sensitive to moisture and humidity, can scratch/dent | Dream floor for a formal living room if you have the budget and the right climate. Not practical for my life. |
| Engineered Hardwood | Real wood look with better stability than solid hardwood | Veneer thickness limits refinishing, still susceptible to deep scratches | A good compromise if you love the look of wood but need more stability. Still requires some care. |
| SPC Flooring | Extremely durable, waterproof, very stable, DIY-friendly installation | Can be harder and colder underfoot, limited refinishing options | Excellent for basements and high-moisture areas where absolute stability is most important. Solid performer. |
Common Mistakes People Make When Buying Flooring
When you’re asking ‘are all Lumber Liquidators closed?’ you might be feeling a bit adrift, and that can lead to hasty decisions. I’ve seen people make the same blunders over and over, and I’ve made a few myself. Avoiding these pitfalls can save you a ton of money and frustration.
One of the biggest mistakes is underestimating the amount of flooring you need. Most people think you just measure your room and buy that much. Wrong. You need to account for cuts, waste, and potential future repairs. The general rule of thumb is to add 10-15% for waste, especially with patterned materials or rooms with lots of angles and doorways. I once tried to cut it close on a bathroom renovation, figuring I’d use the offcuts for a small closet. I ran out by about half a box, and then had to buy another box at a higher price because the original sale was over. That little bit of saved money upfront cost me more in the end.
Another common error is not considering the subfloor. Is it level? Is it clean? Is it free of rot or damage? Laying new flooring over a bad subfloor is like building a house on sand. It will inevitably lead to problems down the line – squeaks, unevenness, or even structural issues. For laminate and vinyl, a slightly uneven subfloor might be manageable with a good underlayment, but for hardwood, it needs to be perfect. Don’t be afraid to ask your flooring supplier or installer about subfloor prep. If you’re doing it yourself, rent a floor sander to level imperfections, and use a long level to check for dips and humps.
People also tend to buy flooring based solely on looks or price. While important, these aren’t the only factors. As I mentioned, durability is huge.
For a high-traffic hallway or a family room, you need something that can stand up to abuse. For a guest bedroom that’s rarely used, you might be able to get away with something less solid. And don’t forget about the installation itself. Some flooring types are incredibly DIY-friendly, while others are best left to the professionals. (See Also: Are Lumber Prices Going To Continue To Rise )
If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, factor in the cost of professional installation. Trying to save money by doing it yourself when you’re in over your head can end up costing you more in mistakes and potential damage.
Finally, and this is a big one, people often don’t order enough of the exact same product. Flooring dyes can vary slightly from batch to batch. If you need to replace a plank or a tile down the line, and you bought it from a different lot, the color might be noticeably off. Always buy a little extra from the same batch, and store it properly for future needs. This applies whether you’re buying from LL Flooring, Home Depot, or a small local shop.
The Real-World Performance of Ll Flooring Products
Now, let’s talk about LL Flooring, the rebranded entity that emerged from the ashes of the old Lumber Liquidators. Since they changed their name and addressed the formaldehyde issues, their product quality has seen a significant improvement. I’ve personally installed a couple of their products in the last few years – a vinyl plank in a rental property and some engineered hardwood in a friend’s home. The experience was, for the most part, positive, and certainly a step up from what I’d heard about their past.
The vinyl plank I used for the rental was their ‘Horizon Collection’ (or something similar – names change!). It was a 6.5mm thick plank with a 20 mil wear layer. Installation was straightforward with the click-lock system, and it held up surprisingly well to tenant traffic and general wear and tear.
It was also easy to clean, which is a massive plus in a rental scenario. The biggest win here was the peace of mind knowing it met current safety standards. The color options were decent, and while it didn’t fool anyone into thinking it was real wood, it looked perfectly acceptable and modern for the price point. I think I paid around $2.80 per square foot, which felt reasonable for the quality.
It’s important to note that while LL Flooring aims to be a good value, you can find cheaper options out there, but often at the expense of durability or safety certifications.
The engineered hardwood for my friend’s home was a different story. It was a beautiful, wide plank with a nice finish. It looked fantastic once installed, really giving the room a premium feel. However, the installation was a bit more challenging.
The planks were a little less forgiving with imperfect subflooring, and we had a few more cuts that didn’t fit perfectly flush. This is where the quality of the product really shows – the tighter tolerances and better milling of higher-end hardwood are noticeable.
For this, the price was closer to $5.50 per square foot. It’s a good option for homeowners who want the look and feel of hardwood but need a bit more stability in humid environments. It’s definitely not the budget choice, but it’s a solid mid-range contender.
My contrarian take? While LL Flooring has made strides and offers some good products, I still find that some of their marketing can be a bit aggressive, and their pricing isn’t always the absolute best value compared to other large retailers or even some specialized online stores. They are a good option, and you won’t get the old formaldehyde nightmares, but don’t go in thinking they are the only game in town or that they automatically have the lowest prices for comparable quality. Do your homework. Compare their SPC or LVP to what you find at Floor & Decor or even some of the better-quality options at Lowe’s or Home Depot. (See Also: Are Lumber Prices Going To Go Up )
People Also Ask:
Are Lumber Liquidators Still in Business?
Yes, the company that was formerly known as Lumber Liquidators is still in business, but it has rebranded to LL Flooring. While they have closed many of their original locations, the rebranded stores are still operating across the country, focusing on a new image and improved product quality standards.
What Happened to Lumber Liquidators?
Lumber Liquidators faced significant controversy and legal issues related to the formaldehyde content in some of their laminate flooring products. This led to lawsuits, regulatory scrutiny, and a severe blow to their reputation. In response, they underwent a major rebranding to LL Flooring and implemented stricter quality control measures and safety certifications for their products.
Where Can I Buy Flooring If Not Lumber Liquidators?
If you’re looking for flooring and Lumber Liquidators (now LL Flooring) isn’t your preferred option, you have many alternatives. Large home improvement chains like Home Depot and Lowe’s offer a wide selection of flooring. Specialty flooring retailers like Floor & Decor are also excellent choices with a vast inventory. You can also find good options from online retailers and smaller, independent flooring stores in your area. Always compare prices, quality, and warranty information across different vendors.
How Do I Choose the Best Flooring?
Choosing the best flooring involves considering several factors: your budget, the room’s function (e.g., high traffic, moisture exposure), your lifestyle (pets, kids), and your aesthetic preferences. For high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms, waterproof options like LVP or SPC are ideal. For living areas, durability and comfort are key. Always check wear layer thickness for vinyl, AC ratings for laminate, and consider the ease of installation if you plan a DIY project. Reading reviews and getting samples can also help in making an informed decision.
The Future of Flooring Retail and Ll Flooring’s Place
The landscape of retail is constantly shifting, and flooring is no exception. The days of a single, dominant chain dictating the market are largely over. Consumers have more choices than ever before, and they’re doing more research online before they even think about visiting a showroom. This is where LL Flooring, and companies like it, have to be smart. They can’t just rely on foot traffic from convenient locations anymore. They need to offer a compelling online experience, transparent pricing, and a clear value proposition.
LL Flooring seems to be focusing on this. They’ve invested in their website, offering visualization tools and more detailed product information. They are also trying to position themselves as experts, offering design advice and installation services. The question ‘are all Lumber Liquidators closed?’ is becoming less about the brand name and more about the evolving business model. They are leaning into the ‘designer showroom’ feel for some of their locations, while others might be more about quick-pick options. It’s a dual approach, trying to capture both the homeowner who wants a hand-picked experience and the DIYer who wants a good deal.
The real test for LL Flooring, and any flooring retailer, is consistency and customer trust. They’ve had to work hard to rebuild the trust that was damaged by the formaldehyde scandal.
For me, seeing certifications like GREENGUARD Gold and clear, upfront information about product composition goes a long way. They also offer a limited lifetime warranty on many of their products, which is a good sign. However, it’s still important for consumers to do their own due diligence. Read reviews from multiple sources, ask specific questions about installation and maintenance, and compare those prices and specifications with competitors.
The flooring industry is a bit of a minefield, and LL Flooring is just one of many paths you can take. Their future success will depend on their ability to keep delivering quality products and maintaining that hard-won transparency.
Conclusion
So, to circle back to the burning question: are all Lumber Liquidators closed? No, they are not, but the brand you might remember has transformed into LL Flooring. The physical presence has changed, and so has the company’s approach to product safety and quality. It’s a story of evolution, driven by necessity and public pressure.
If you’re in the market for new floors, don’t let the name change or the past issues deter you entirely from considering LL Flooring. However, do your homework. Compare their offerings – particularly their LVP and SPC lines – with competitors like Floor & Decor, Home Depot, and Lowe’s. Look for those GREENGUARD certifications, check the wear layer thickness, and read recent customer reviews.
Ultimately, the best flooring for your home is the one that fits your budget, your lifestyle, and your specific needs. The flooring industry is vast, and LL Flooring is just one piece of the puzzle. Go in with your eyes open, ask the tough questions, and choose wisely.
