The Floor Trader in Oklahoma City: Hardwood and Laminate at Contractor Volume
The Floor Trader is a contractor-focused flooring supplier on the south side of Oklahoma City that sells hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and tile at volume pricing without retail markup. Unlike big-box home improvement chains, it operates on a wholesale model where contractors and serious DIY customers can access materials at lower per-unit costs than standard retail, and it maintains a 10,000-square-foot showroom where customers can inspect samples before committing.
What The Floor Trader Actually Is
The Floor Trader functions as a trade-friendly flooring distributor rather than a consumer-facing retail store, though it welcomes retail customers. Its inventory spans solid hardwood and engineered wood, laminate planks, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), ceramic tile, and stone options. The space itself is divided into a display area with full-room samples and a warehouse section stacked with boxed stock, allowing contractors to see finished aesthetics while placing bulk orders. The business targets flooring installers, general contractors, and homeowners doing whole-house renovations rather than small, single-room projects.
Pricing and Product Range
Hardwood pricing at The Floor Trader typically runs 15 to 25 percent below retail chain pricing for equivalent domestic and imported species, though exact per-square-foot rates vary by wood type and grade. Laminate options start around $0.60 to $0.80 per square foot for standard domestic lines, with premium European brands reaching $1.20 to $1.60. Luxury vinyl plank runs $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot depending on wear layer thickness and realism of wood grain reproduction. Tile pricing is negotiable on volume orders; contractors buying 500+ square feet often receive an additional 10 to 15 percent discount beyond the posted price list. The business does not publish prices online; customers must visit or call to confirm current pricing and availability on specific products, as inventory and distributor costs shift monthly.
How It Compares to Other Oklahoma City Flooring Suppliers
The Floor Trader occupies a middle position between big-box retailers like Lowe's and Menards (which carry limited hardwood and target individual homeowners at full markup) and regional hardwood mills that sell exclusively to trade contractors and require membership or minimum order commitments. Unlike Lowe's, where a 3/4-inch solid oak runs roughly $3.50 to $4.00 per square foot installed with their contractors, The Floor Trader's hardwood suppliers allow direct purchase at $2.20 to $2.80 per square foot for the same product, assuming you hire your own installer. Home Depot occupies similar ground as Lowe's but with slightly narrower hardwood selection. If you are replacing one room and want everything delivered, installed, and guaranteed under one roof, Lowe's or Home Depot's one-stop model may suit you better despite higher cost. If you are running a 2,000-square-foot renovation, have your own installer, or are a contractor building out a project, The Floor Trader's volume pricing typically saves 20 to 30 percent compared to retail chains.
Who It Suits and Who It Does Not
The Floor Trader is ideal for contractors placing regular orders, homeowners renovating multiple rooms or the entire house, and DIY installers comfortable sourcing materials separately from labor. It requires customers to have a clear idea of product specifications (thickness, finish, installation method) before shopping; staff can advise on durability and wood stability, but the showroom does not include a design consultation or installation estimate service. The business is not well suited to someone buying a single box of vinyl plank for a closet, choosing between five colors in a single afternoon, or needing next-day delivery to a residential address. It is also not the right fit if you lack an installer or do not want to coordinate labor separately.
What to Expect on Your First Visit
Arrive with measurements and, if possible, photos of the space where flooring will go. Walk the showroom to compare finishes and textures in person; samples are laid out at eye level and underfoot so you can assess how planks look next to trim and cabinetry. Ask staff about moisture requirements if your project involves a kitchen, bathroom, or basement. Request a quote by providing room dimensions and your chosen product; pricing is quoted on the spot and held for 30 days. If you decide to proceed, The Floor Trader will box and hold inventory, and you arrange pickup or pay for delivery (standard delivery to Oklahoma City addresses runs $50 to $150 depending on box count and location). The entire first visit typically takes 45 minutes to an hour.
Hours, Location, and Logistics
The Floor Trader operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (closed Sundays). The location is on South Shields Boulevard with a dedicated contractor parking lot; no appointment is required, though calling ahead during winter months is wise in case weather affects hours. Verify current hours before visiting, as holiday schedules and staffing occasionally shift openings.
The Floor Trader has built a steady contractor client base by eliminating retail overhead and passing savings directly to customers who can buy in volume and manage their own installation. For Oklahoma City homeowners and builders unwilling to pay markup for the convenience of a design center, it remains the clearest path to hardwood and laminate at trade cost.
