Lumber Liquidators Flooring Samples A Complete Guide To Free And Low-Cost Sample Options

Lumber Liquidators, now operating as LL Flooring, has established itself as one of the leading retailers of flooring materials in the United States. For homeowners, designers, and contractors looking to make informed decisions about their flooring investments, the company's sample program provides a valuable opportunity to evaluate products before committing to a full purchase. This comprehensive guide explores the various sample options available through Lumber Liquidators, the process for obtaining them, and how these samples can help ensure the perfect flooring choice for any space.

Understanding Lumber Liquidators' Sample Program

Lumber Liquidators offers multiple pathways for customers to obtain flooring samples, each with its own set of rules and requirements. The program is designed to accommodate different customer preferences, whether they prefer to shop in-person or online.

For customers who visit local Lumber Liquidators stores, samples are provided free of charge. This in-person shopping experience allows customers to see and touch actual samples in a retail environment, receive immediate assistance from store associates, and potentially take samples home the same day.

For those who prefer to shop online, Lumber Liquidators has a different approach. According to the available information, online samples typically cost $15 for the first sample and $5 for each additional sample. However, an alternative source suggests that customers can add up to four flooring samples to their order at no extra charge. This discrepancy in information highlights the importance of checking current policies when placing an order.

Notably, when samples are purchased online, the fees are fully refunded when the customer proceeds with an order through the retailer. This refundable fee structure serves as both a nominal charge to prevent sample abuse and an incentive for customers to ultimately purchase through Lumber Liquidators after evaluating the samples.

Types of Flooring Samples Available

Lumber Liquidators offers a diverse selection of flooring samples that represent the various product lines available through the company. These samples allow customers to evaluate different materials, colors, textures, and finishes before making a significant investment in their flooring.

The sample collection includes engineered hardwood samples, which feature a real wood veneer atop multiple layers of compressed wood. These samples provide an authentic look and feel of natural wood while offering enhanced stability compared to solid hardwood. Specific examples of available engineered hardwood samples include the Bellawood 5/8 in. Amsterdam White Oak and the Mayflower 3/8 in. Natural Acacia Distressed options.

The company also provides samples of rigid vinyl plank (RVP) flooring, which has become increasingly popular due to its durability, water resistance, and affordability. The CoreLuxe 5mm w/pad Yorkshire Cottage Oak Waterproof Rigid Vinyl Plank is one such example available through their sample program.

Additionally, Lumber Liquidators offers samples of other flooring types, including ceramic or porcelain tiles and cork flooring. Tile samples represent the durability, water resistance, and versatility of these materials, allowing customers to evaluate color, texture, size, and slip resistance. Cork samples, made from the bark of the cork oak tree, highlight this sustainable and renewable resource known for comfort, sound absorption, and insulation properties.

How to Order Lumber Liquidators Samples

The process for obtaining samples from Lumber Liquidators varies depending on whether customers choose to shop in-store or online.

For in-store samples, customers can simply visit their local Lumber Liquidators location and request samples of interest from the available selection. Store associates can provide assistance in identifying appropriate samples based on the customer's needs and preferences. This method allows for immediate access to samples without any shipping wait times or additional costs.

For online sample requests, customers typically need to navigate to the product pages of interest and select the sample option. While the exact process may vary, most flooring product pages include a sample request button or option. According to the available information, customers may need to pay $15 for the first sample and $5 for each additional sample when ordering online. However, conflicting information suggests that customers can add up to four samples to their order at no charge.

When ordering online, customers should be aware of quantity limits. Some sources indicate that customers may request up to five free samples through certain methods, such as completing a quiz or using a store code provided by a dealer. The specific rules regarding sample quantities and eligibility may change over time, so customers should review current policies when placing their orders.

After samples are ordered, customers can typically expect standard shipping times, though specific delivery windows may vary. Some retailers offering similar programs provide next-day delivery for most U.S. locations, but this specific information was not confirmed for Lumber Liquidators in the provided sources.

Benefits of Ordering Flooring Samples

Obtaining physical flooring samples before making a purchase offers numerous advantages that can save homeowners time, money, and potential regret in the long run.

One of the primary benefits of samples is the ability to see exactly how different floors look in the specific lighting conditions of one's home. Lighting can dramatically affect the appearance of flooring materials, with colors appearing different under natural daylight versus artificial lighting. By evaluating samples in the actual space where the flooring will be installed, customers can make more accurate assessments of how the materials will look in their unique environment.

Samples also allow customers to feel the texture and assess the quality of different flooring options firsthand. While product descriptions and images can provide some information, the tactile experience of running one's hand over different surfaces offers valuable insights that cannot be conveyed through digital means alone.

Having multiple samples side by side enables direct comparison of different options. This comparative approach helps identify subtle differences in color, grain pattern, texture, and finish that might not be apparent when viewing products individually. Such comparisons are particularly valuable when narrowing down choices between similar products.

Samples also help ensure perfect coordination with existing décor elements. Homeowners can place samples next to furniture, wall colors, cabinets, and other fixtures to evaluate how the flooring will complement the overall design scheme. This coordination is essential for creating a cohesive and visually appealing space.

Perhaps most importantly, samples help homeowners avoid the headache and expense of returns due to style mismatches. Flooring is a significant investment, both financially and in terms of installation effort. Making a decision based solely on digital images or small in-store displays can lead to disappointment when the full-scale installation is complete. Physical samples minimize this risk by providing a more accurate representation of the final product.

Additional Perks for Lumber Liquidators Customers

Beyond the sample program, Lumber Liquidators offers several additional benefits for customers who engage with the brand.

Subscribing to Lumber Liquidators' email newsletter provides access to exclusive offers and early access to new collections and sales events before they become available to the general public. Email subscribers often receive welcome discounts around 10% off their first order, representing immediate savings for new customers.

Regular email updates include information about seasonal clearance events and flash sales, which can provide significant discounts on discontinued or overstocked items. Subscribers also receive notifications about new product launches and exclusive collections, allowing them to be among the first to access innovative flooring options.

For larger purchases, Lumber Liquidators offers special financing options to qualified customers. Those interested in exploring financing can contact the sales team at [email protected] or call 1-800-HARDWOOD for current terms and application details. These financing options can make more premium flooring materials more accessible by spreading the cost over time.

The company also provides in-home measure services to assist customers in making their flooring decisions. This professional service ensures accurate measurements for material ordering and can help customers better understand the scope of their flooring project.

Shipping and Pickup Options

Lumber Liquidators has established shipping policies that accommodate different customer needs and preferences. According to the available information, the company appears to only ship within the United States, with no indication of international shipping capabilities.

For online orders, including sample requests, shipping times and costs are estimated at the product checkout stage. Customers should have adequate space prepared for delivery, as flooring materials typically arrive on pallets that require sufficient room in a garage, carport, or other accessible area.

The company also offers free in-store pickup within 1-15 days of placing an order. This option allows customers to avoid shipping fees and potential delivery complications while still maintaining the convenience of online shopping. For samples specifically, in-store pickup eliminates shipping wait times and ensures that samples are not damaged during transit.

When considering shipping options, customers should weigh the convenience of home delivery against the practicality of in-store pickup, particularly for sample items that are relatively small and could easily be transported from a local store.

Comparing Lumber Liquidators to Other Retailers

While Lumber Liquidators offers a comprehensive sample program, other flooring retailers provide similar services with their own unique advantages.

From The Forest, for example, offers free flooring sample chips, 12" hardwood samples, flooring display samples, and strap sets. The retailer specializes in engineered hardwood and provides samples of various wood types including Hard Maple, Northern White Oak, American Black Walnut, Northern Hickory, and Northern Red Oak. Their sample program focuses on helping consumers get a feel for wood color and texture before making a purchase.

Havwoods represents another option for customers seeking wood floor samples. The company offers free wood floor samples that can be ordered by clicking on the product of interest on their website. Each sample provides detailed specifications such as dimensions and finishes, which are essential for making an informed choice. Havwoods provides free next-day delivery for most wood floor samples across the U.S., a rapid delivery service that can be particularly beneficial for homeowners and professionals working on tight renovation or construction timelines.

Lumber Liquidators distinguishes itself through the breadth of its product offerings, the refundable fee structure for online samples (which serves as both a nominal barrier and purchase incentive), and the integration of sample requests with potential financing options and professional measurement services.

Conclusion

Lumber Liquidators provides a valuable sample program that empowers homeowners to make confident flooring decisions. Whether through free in-store samples or online options with refundable fees, the company offers multiple pathways for customers to evaluate products before committing to a purchase. The ability to see how flooring materials look in one's own lighting, feel their texture, compare multiple options side by side, and coordinate with existing décor helps prevent costly mistakes and ensures satisfaction with the final installation.

For customers planning a flooring project, taking advantage of Lumber Liquidators' sample program represents a prudent step in the decision-making process. The combination of physical samples, email perks, financing options, and professional services creates a comprehensive approach to flooring shopping that addresses both practical and aesthetic considerations.

As with any significant home improvement project, informed decision-making begins with thorough research and evaluation. Lumber Liquidators' sample program serves as an accessible starting point for this process, providing tangible product experiences that digital representations cannot match. By leveraging these resources, homeowners can approach their flooring projects with greater confidence and achieve results that align with their vision and budget.

Sources

1. How to Obtain Free Hardwood Floor Samples from Top US Retailers
2. Lumber Liquidators Coupons and Deals
3. Lumber Liquidator Review
4. Lumber Liquidator Flooring Samples