Branded or Non-Branded Flooring? The Real Difference!

Branded or Non-Branded Flooring? The Real Difference!

Picking the right flooring for your home can be overwhelming, especially when you’re bombarded with options. Whether it's hardwood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), or laminate, the choices seem endless. One of the most confusing decisions homeowners face is whether to choose branded flooring or non-branded flooring. 🤔

6 Secrets about Branded and Non-Branded Flooring

Is that fancy brand name really worth the extra cash, or can a non-branded option get the job done just as well? Here's the deal: the choice might not be as complicated as you think! We’re breaking down 6 secrets that will help you make the right choice for your floors. Ready? Let’s dive in! 👇

1. 🏷️ Branded Flooring Doesn’t Always Mean Better Quality

Let’s start with the biggest misconception: just because a flooring product has a big, recognizable brand attached to it doesn’t mean it’s superior in quality. Many branded products are made in the same factories as non-branded ones. What’s the difference? The label, the packaging, and the price. Yep, that’s right—sometimes you’re just paying for the brand name! 💸

What to Look For Instead: 

Focus on the product quality and warranty rather than the logo. Whether branded or not, a high-quality flooring material should be durable, scratch-resistant, and long-lasting. 

2. 💡 The Installer Matters More Than the Brand

This is a game-changing secret: the flooring installer is just as important, if not more important, than the product itself. You could buy the most expensive, top-rated flooring, but if it’s installed poorly, the results will be disappointing. 

A good installer knows the quirks of both branded and non-branded flooring and can ensure everything is fitted perfectly. Trust your installer’s recommendations on which products they’re familiar with—they’ve seen it all and know what works best! 🛠️

3. 💰 Non-Branded Options = Big Savings (Without Sacrificing Quality)

Non-branded flooring often comes at a lower price. This doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing quality! In fact, the money you save by choosing non-branded flooring can be spent on other important things, like underlayment, baseboards, or even upgrading to a higher-end installer. 🎉

If you’re flexible about the exact color or texture of your floor, you can get an amazing deal. Think of it this way: would you rather pay for a logo, or put that cash toward something that will actually improve the finished look of your home?

4. 🔄 Branded Flooring: You Can Count On Their Longevity

When it comes to branded flooring, one major advantage is the longevity of the company. These brands are well-established and are likely to be around for the long haul, giving you peace of mind. Even if you need to replace a few planks or make a warranty claim years down the line, branded companies are likely to still be there.

However, it’s important to remember that both branded and non-branded flooring companies often rotate and retire certain colors or product lines. That beautiful flooring you fell in love with might be discontinued after a few years, which could make it tricky to find replacements later on. 😬

Pro Tip: Whether you go for branded or non-branded flooring, always keep a few extra boxes of the product. Most warranties require this anyway, and it can save you a headache if you need repairs or replacements in the future. 🔧

5. 💬 Non-Branded: Watch Out for Customer Service Red Flags

While non-branded flooring may seem like a good deal, one area where it often falls short is customer service. If you’ve ever read reviews of non-branded flooring products, you might have noticed a few keywords that pop up frequently: rude, bad customer service, and unresponsive. Not about the product! 😬

This isn’t always the case, but many non-branded companies just don’t have the same professional support teams as the big names. If you encounter an issue with your flooring, you might find yourself facing frustrating delays, or worse, poor communication from the company.

Pro Tip: No matter which product you choose, select an installer who won’t leave you in the lurch. A good installer will fight for you and stand by your side, especially when dealing with manufacturers. An experienced installer often has cache with the manufacturer because:

  1. They are likely one of the manufacturer’s biggest customers, and
  2. The manufacturer trusts that the installer follows all installation guidelines, which eliminates finger-pointing when issues arise. This relationship ensures that the manufacturer listens to the installer, and problems get solved faster. Having an installer with a strong reputation is your best defense! 💪

6. 🖼️ Don’t Get Attached to a Brand’s “Exclusive Color”

Okay, we get it. You fall in love with a specific flooring color from a well-known brand, and now you’re convinced it’s the only one that will work in your space. But here’s the thing: unless that color is truly one-of-a-kind, there’s a good chance you’ll find something similar from a non-branded product. 🤯

If you’re really set on a particular look, go for it. But if you’re open to exploring, ask your installer for alternatives—they might show you an option that looks just as good for a fraction of the price!

Last Words

We know how a flooring & decking project is a mammoth undertaking for you… Choosing the right materials and installer can be overwhelming for many, so we've developed a simple process to guide you in making the best decision for your peace of mind and wallet. 

One more thing… in our world, there’s chemistry and trust. Chemistry cannot be manufactured, and I presume you will see many contractors. You may pick the ones that gel with you. Trust however, can be earned. When you work with us, we will earn your trust, as with many past and repeat clients! 👍🏼

Should you have any further questions, please email us at hello@redeemedflooring.com.