16 Must have features for your Flooring Supply store

Flooring stores — shoppers here not just come for your products; they mainly come for inspiration.

So, if you’re just focusing on basic eCommerce features only for good conversion rates, that won’t be enough.

Today’s customers aren’t just looking for flooring; they’re searching for guidance, confidence, and convenience. They want to know they’re making the right choice for their home or project, and they expect your store to provide the tools to make that happen.

Have you ever lost a sale because a customer couldn’t visualize how the flooring would look in their space? Or maybe they left frustrated, unable to calculate how much they needed or understand how to install it. These pain points are common, but they’re also opportunities.

In this blog, we’ve prepared a list of key features that will help you stand out, delight your customers, and boost your sales.

Ready to explore them???

Let’s begin.

What are the must-have features for a Flooring Supply store?

So, how do you go from being just another flooring store to becoming a trusted partner in your customers’ projects? 

The answer lies in offering the best user experience (UX), which eliminates confusion, inspires confidence, and makes shopping effortless.

Here are the essential tools and functionalities that every flooring supply store should have:

1. Navigation by Final Look
2. Virtual Room Visualizer
3. Pattern Selection
4. Flooring Calculator
5. Detailed Specifications
6. Project Planner
7. Samples and Swatches
8. Installation and Maintenance Guides
9. Local Pickup Option
10. Expert Consultation
11. Product Comparison
12. Flooring Specific Filters
13. Option to Include Wastage 
14. Local Store Locator
15. Style Quizzes
16. Estimate Shipping Cost

Let’s understand them in detail with examples—how some popular stores have implemented.

1. Navigation by Final Look

No doubt, you may have various product categorizations, but this one is necessary!

When customers shop for flooring, they’re not just buying materials—they’re envisioning the final look of their space. That’s why offering navigation by the desired style, finish, or aesthetic is a game-changer.

Many customers have a vision in mind—like a rustic wood finish or a sleek marble look—but they might not know the exact product names or technical details.

The example below from “Floor Source” is perfect to illustrate the navigation feature that you need to consider for your online store.

They offer different appearance styles right on their homepage. Customers can click through to see products that match the general aesthetic they’re dreaming of. 

This approach not only simplifies their search but also boosts customer satisfaction, as they feel guided through a curated selection that speaks to their style preferences. 

2. Virtual Room Visualizer

One of the biggest challenges customers face when shopping for flooring online is imagining how the particular flooring will look in their actual space.

The Room Visualizer allows customers to upload photos of their rooms and virtually lay down different flooring options to see how they’ll look in real life. It’s like giving them the ability to see their vision come to life before making a purchase.

For example, take a look at Westwood Flooring’s website, which integrates a virtual room visualizer tool. It allows users to upload a photo or use preset room templates to preview flooring or enable them to visualize flooring in their space through AR.

Now, customers can easily upload an image of their own space, select from various flooring options, and instantly see how different materials and finishes will appear in the room (as shown in the image below).

This feature not only enhances the shopping experience but also boosts customer trust, which can directly influence purchasing decisions.

3. Pattern Selection

Flooring is more than just material—it’s also about design and personality. 

A single product can take on an entirely different look depending on the pattern in which it’s installed. That’s why offering a Pattern Selection feature on your online store is a must. It helps customers explore the various layout possibilities for a particular product, giving them a better understanding of how it will look in their space.

For example, Best Tile provides an excellent example of this feature on their website. 

When browsing a product like their Atenas ceramic and porcelain collection, customers can view examples of how the tiles look in patterns like herringbone, running bond, or stack bond. This not only inspires customers with creative design ideas but also showcases the versatility of the product.

4. Flooring Calculator

One of the most frustrating hurdles for customers shopping for flooring is figuring out exactly how much material they need. No one wants to order too little and face delays—or too much and overspend. 

So, to help shoppers calculate the required quantity based on room dimensions, there should be a tool right there for their convenience.

Take Lumber Liquidators as an example. On their product pages, they’ve integrated a user-friendly flooring calculator.

Customers can input the length and width of their room, also add multiple areas for different rooms like drawing room, kitchen, etc., and instantly get an accurate estimate of how much flooring to order. 

This not only simplifies the buying process but also instills confidence that they’re making the right purchase.

5. Detailed Specifications

For architects, contractors, and real estate developers, shopping for flooring is less about aesthetics and more about precision. They need to know the nuts and bolts of a product to ensure it fits the technical and functional requirements of their projects. 

These professionals work on tight schedules and need clear, concise, and comprehensive information at their fingertips. For example, they’re looking for details like the flooring’s species (e.g., oak or maple), thickness, grade, and wear layer to determine durability. 

They’ll also want to confirm the installation method, such as glue-down or tongue-and-groove, to plan their on-site logistics.

The popular flooring brand, Westwood Flooring, offers complete specifications as you can see below:

With categories such as Shade, Finish, Edging, and Room Suitability, they can quickly assess whether the flooring is appropriate for a kitchen, hallway, or commercial space. Also, specs like compatibility with underfloor heating and certifications provide confidence that the product aligns with building codes and industry standards.

Integrating this feature signals that your store values accuracy and supports industry experts in their work.

6. Project Planner

When working on a flooring project—whether it’s for a single room renovation or a large-scale development—having an organized plan is essential.

As a flooring supplier, having a tool that helps shoppers manage their materials, budget, and installation timeline can set your store apart as a true partner in their projects.

For example, this tool could allow users to:

• Organize materials: Let them create a list of products needed for each project, complete with quantities, specifications, and pricing.
• Track budget: Include an automated budget tracker that calculates the total cost based on selected materials, labor estimates, and potential add-ons like underfloor heating or custom finishes.
• Plan installation steps: Provide a step-by-step guide for preparation, installation, and post-installation maintenance tailored to the chosen flooring type.

Such a tool is especially valuable for professional users like contractors and developers who handle multiple projects at once. They could save and revisit their plans, export detailed materials lists, or even share them with clients or team members for approval.

We couldn’t find any existing examples of a Project Planner feature in the flooring industry. Still, after optimizing eCommerce stores for over a decade as CRO experts, we’ve identified this as an impactful addition that can elevate the user experience and significantly boost conversions.

7. Samples and Swatches

When shopping online, users don’t get how the product actually feels or is exactly what they are looking for.

Customers want to be sure they’re making the right decision—and seeing is believing. So, they might need to physically evaluate the texture, color, and quality of the flooring material before making a big investment. 

That’s why you should allow them to order small samples of flooring materials to test before committing to a purchase. It bridges the gap between digital browsing and real-world decision-making, building confidence in their choices.

Floor & Decor does an excellent job with their sample feature. Customers can easily add samples to their cart with just a click, as shown in the image. 

What makes this feature even better is the seamless process—once a sample is added, the store suggests complementary materials to complete the project, such as grout or adhesive. This not only enhances the shopping experience but also subtly upsells necessary items.

8. Installation and Maintenance Guides

If you think about it, the purchase of any product is closely tied to its use and maintenance. 

Shoppers often worry about questions like, 

• “What will be the installation process?”
• “What extra care does it require during the installation?”
• “How do I keep it looking as good as new?” 

If you can address these concerns right on your website, you can encourage them to move confidently toward that purchase button.

For example, COREtec Floors provides detailed guides directly on their product pages. 

Customers can easily access step-by-step installation instructions, dedicated to the specific product category they’re viewing. From preparation tips to the tools required, everything is laid out in an easy-to-follow format. 

Additionally, they offer maintenance guidelines to ensure customers know how to care for their flooring over time, from cleaning techniques to advice on preventing damage.

So, you must have a dedicated section for proactively addressing installation and maintenance questions to reduce customer hesitation and make them feel supported.

9. Local Pickup Option

Sometimes, customers want the convenience of online browsing with the immediacy of in-store pickup. That’s why you should offer a “Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store” (BOPIS) option for local customers.

This feature is particularly valuable for customers who are working on tight project timelines and can’t wait for shipping or prefer to see the product in person before fully committing.

Take Tile Outlets of America as an example. On their product pages, they provide clear details about the availability of items for local pickup. 

Shoppers can check if their desired product is in stock at a nearby location, reserve it online, and pick it up at their convenience. As you can see, this flooring site also shows the product quantity available in different stores. So that shoppers can select the store based on their requirements.

With this feature, customers would be more confident in a store that provides multiple fulfillment options, including the ability to quickly resolve issues like needing extra materials mid-project.

10. Expert Consultation

When it comes to choosing the right flooring, customers often have questions—lots of them. From selecting the best material for a high-traffic area to understanding installation nuances, having access to an expert consultation feature can make all the difference.

For example, From the Forest integrates expert consultation seamlessly into their shopping experience. 

On their product pages, customers are encouraged to connect with specialists who can answer questions, provide personalized advice, and guide them toward the right choice for their needs.

Whether someone is deciding between engineered wood and laminate or needs help estimating the quantity of flooring required, access to expert guidance can make all the difference.

This feature not only reduces hesitation but also establishes your brand as a trusted authority in the industry. 

11. Product Comparison

When shopping for flooring, customers often need to weigh multiple options to find the perfect fit for their space and budget. Providing a robust product comparison feature on your online store can greatly simplify this decision-making process.

A well-designed product comparison tool allows customers to select and compare the key specifications and features of different flooring products side-by-side. This could include details like:

• Material type (e.g., hardwood, tile, laminate)
• Dimensions (length, width, thickness)
• Finish or color options
• Durability ratings (e.g., wear resistance, scratch resistance)
• Installation requirements
• Pricing and availability

A great example of this feature can be found on the Avalon Flooring website, specifically on their Natural Stone Marble collection page.

Customers can choose up to four products and compare them in a single view, as shown in the image below.

This feature not only simplifies the decision-making process but also helps customers feel confident in their purchasing choices, which ultimately leads to higher customer satisfaction and increased sales.

12. Flooring Specific Filters

Suppose a customer is looking for hardwood floors but needs them to be waterproof for a basement renovation. Without specific filters, they’d be stuck sifting through a wide range of products, wasting their time.

But with filters specific to flooring or the product category, they can narrow down the selection to only waterproof hardwood flooring, saving them time and frustration.

Let’s see how BuildDirect has implemented its product filters smartly.

You can find here more options to select than the basic ones (i.e., color, type, size, etc.). By offering these filters, you can significantly improve the shopping experience for your customers.

13. Option to Include Wastage 

As we all know, flooring installations often involve unexpected material loss. This could be due to cuts around corners, uneven walls, pattern matching, or even installer errors. To prevent customers from facing unexpected costs and delays, you should offer an “Option to Include Wastage” during the ordering process.

This feature allows customers to add a percentage of extra flooring material to their order to account for potential waste. You can provide a suggested wastage percentage based on the flooring type (e.g., 5-10% for straight lay, 10-15% for patterns).

Here’s a perfect example of how you can implement this feature.

Having the option to include wastage can be a helpful feature for customers, as it can help them avoid the hassle and expense of having to order additional flooring material later on in the project.

14. Local Store Locator

Without this feature, you might be losing many customers!

For many customers, seeing and touching flooring products in person before making a purchase is essential. So, for them, there should be an option where they can locate the nearest store and visit there to make the purchase. 

This store locator functionality helps customers find the nearest physical store locations where they can view your products up close, ask questions, and get expert advice.

When customers visit your website, they may be interested in a specific flooring option but want to ensure it meets their expectations in terms of quality and appearance. A Local Store Locator allows them to enter their zip code or city and quickly find the closest store that carries the products they’re interested in.

For example, Floor & Decor’s website effectively utilizes a Local Store Locator. 

Customers can easily input their location and see a list of nearby stores, complete with addresses, phone numbers, and even store hours. This feature not only enhances customer convenience but also drives foot traffic to your physical locations.

15. Style Quizzes

Don’t you think, with so many styles and options available, choosing the right flooring can be overwhelming for customers???

Especially, for the customers who don’t belong to this industry. This is where Style Quizzes come into play. These fun and interactive tools help customers discover flooring that matches their personal taste and lifestyle by asking a series of simple questions.

For example, a Style Quiz might ask customers about their favorite colors, the type of rooms they are renovating, and their lifestyle habits, such as whether they have pets or children. Based on their answers, the quiz provides tailored flooring recommendations that fit their unique preferences.

A great example of this is found on Mannington’s website with their Floor Finder feature. 

Customers can take a quick quiz that guides them through a few questions and, at the end, presents them with flooring options that align with their style and needs. 

This not only makes the shopping experience more enjoyable but also helps customers feel more confident in their choices.

16. Estimate Shipping Cost

One of the biggest concerns for online shoppers could be the shipping cost—especially when it comes to heavy materials like flooring. 

Flooring is bulky, heavy, and often requires specialized handling, so unexpected shipping charges can leave customers frustrated or hesitant to complete their purchase. This feature is important for flooring supply stores, where shipping costs can vary significantly depending on the size, weight, and location of the order. 

Take From the Forest as an example. 

Their website includes a simple, user-friendly tool that allows customers to enter their zip code and instantly calculate shipping costs based on weight and distance.

It also allows customers to compare shipping options and choose the one that best fits their budget and timeline. For store owners, it reduces cart abandonment rates caused by unexpected costs during checkout and enhances the overall shopping experience.

Quick Recap!

As I earlier mentioned, your flooring store isn’t just a place to buy products—it’s a destination for inspiration, ideas, and solutions. 

Shoppers today expect more than a basic eCommerce experience. They want tools that make their journey seamless, confidence in their decisions, and a true sense of partnership in creating their dream spaces.

So, it’s time to move beyond the limitations of generic platforms and create a store that works not just for your customers but for you, too. And the best part? You don’t have to figure it all out alone. As an experienced eCommerce development agency, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

We’ll help you create a website that meets your needs, from advanced features to a polished design that reflects your brand. We create solutions that save you time, enhance your customer experience, and set you apart from the competition.

Let us help you build a platform that works as hard as you do. Reach out today, and let’s start building the future of your flooring supply business together.

Book your FREE Consultation Call.