When people think of exciting franchise opportunities, flooring is rarely the first idea that comes to mind. However, as revealed in the discussion between our hosts, Floor Coverings International shows how a seemingly “boring” industry can actually provide one of the most lucrative and stable business opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. 🏠
Why Flooring Matters More Than You Think
Flooring might sound dull, but it touches every aspect of how people live. New flooring changes not just the look of a house but how homeowners feel about their space. This emotional connection, combined with practical necessity, creates a steady demand. Flooring projects are also high-ticket, generating significant revenue with fewer transactions compared to other home service industries.
Market Dynamics: Opportunity in Fragmentation
The flooring industry in North America is highly fragmented. The top 50 companies represent only 10% of the market. This lack of dominant players leaves plenty of room for growth. For new franchisees, this means entering a space where capturing market share is achievable without having to compete against massive, established corporations. 📊
The Business Model That Sets Them Apart
Floor Coverings International stands out through three key differentiators:
1. Shop-at-Home Experience – Instead of requiring customers to visit showrooms, the franchise brings mobile flooring showrooms with over 3,000 samples directly to customers’ homes. This allows for tailored recommendations in the actual living space.
2. High-Touch Service – Franchisees manage the entire process from consultation to installation, reducing stress for homeowners. Unlike competitors who force customers to coordinate multiple contractors, the franchise delivers a seamless, turnkey solution.
3. Competitive Pricing – Thanks to the backing of its publicly traded parent company, franchisees access vendor pricing on par with Home Depot and Lowe’s, while still offering superior service.
Financial Advantages
- High Revenue Potential: Top half of franchisees average nearly $2 million in annual revenue, with the top 10 averaging $4 million.
- 💰 Strong ROI: Initial investment is around $270,000, but the returns are significant thanks to high margins and strong demand.
- Lean Operations: Franchisees typically only need 3–5 installation crews, keeping overhead and management challenges manageable.
- Year-Round Business: Unlike seasonal services, flooring demand is consistent throughout the year.
Who Makes the Best Franchisee?
The ideal franchisee is not someone with flooring experience but someone with strong leadership and organizational skills. Successful owners are “empire builders” who enjoy leading teams, building company culture, and delivering high customer satisfaction. Their focus is on management and scaling rather than physical labor.
Support and Growth Potential
Currently, Floor Coverings International has over 300 franchises, with a goal of reaching 500. Despite strong existing coverage, many territories remain available, and even in saturated areas, resales create opportunities. Veterans also benefit from a 10% discount on franchise fees through the VetFran program. 🎖
The Bigger Picture
Backed by a parent company that also owns household names like California Closets and CertaPro Painters, the brand benefits from long-term strategic thinking, mass media marketing, and proven growth strategies. This backing ensures franchisees aren’t just buying into a local business but into a system designed for long-term success.
Floor Coverings International demonstrates that the most profitable opportunities are not always the “sexy” ones. By transforming an overlooked industry with innovation, high-touch service, and strong financial foundations, the franchise offers entrepreneurs a lifestyle-friendly business with significant growth potential. For those ready to lead teams and build a lasting business, it might just be the perfect “next.”
If you need assistance to help you acquire a the perfect franchise, please reach out.
What's Your Next? - Podcast
 | Author BioI’m Stacey Riska aka “Small Business Stacey”, your franchise placement specialist. I help aspiring business owners find the PERFECT franchise so they can get to the next level in life and business. |
