How to Read a Flooring Quote

A flooring should tell you exactly what shows up at your door and what happens on site. If you’re comparing bids, here’s what a complete one contains, and what missing lines usually mean.

The Material Line

Species, cut, grade, width, thickness, wear layer, finish, and the mill or brand.

“White oak flooring” is not a spec. “Rift and quartered white oak, select grade, 7 inch wide, 5/8 inch thick, 4mm wear layer, UV oil finish” is a spec.

Without that detail you can’t compare two quotes, which is sometimes the point of leaving it out.

The Quantity Math

Net floor area plus a waste factor. Straight-lay plank runs 8 to 10 percent waste; herringbone and other patterns run 12 to 15.

A quote with zero waste built in either hides it in the unit price or plans to come up short mid-install.

The Install Line

Method (glue-down, nail-down, or floating) and the prep: moisture testing, subfloor patching or leveling, and sound underlayment if your building requires it.

Leveling is the most common surprise cost in NYC apartments because slabs are rarely flat. A bid that doesn’t mention the subfloor hasn’t looked at it.

The Exclusions

Good quotes name them: furniture moving, shoe molding paint, appliance disconnects, building deposits and fees.

Exclusions aren’t a trick when they’re written down. They’re a trick when they’re discovered.

Insurance

The quote or contract should reference the certificates your building will demand: general liability and workers’ compensation. A contractor who hesitates here is telling you something about the true price of that low bid.

Quick Red Flags

A one-line quote for a five-figure job. “Hardwood” with no species or wear layer. No mention of moisture testing. A price far below the others with no visible reason. A material allowance so low it guarantees a change order.

Send us any quote you’ve received, ours included, and we’ll walk through it line by line. And if you want a second number, floor plans get you a full quote from us within 24 hours.