Cornelson Decorating in Oklahoma City: Full-Service Flooring Installation and Design

Cornelson Decorating is a full-service flooring contractor offering installation, design consultation, and material selection across hardwood, laminate, vinyl, tile, and carpet for residential and light commercial projects in the Oklahoma City metro. The company operates as a single-owner operation with direct installation crews rather than a franchise or large multi-location chain, which shapes both pricing and the nature of client interaction.

What Cornelson Decorating actually is

Cornelson Decorating functions as both a flooring retailer and installation firm, meaning customers can source materials and hire labor through the same business rather than coordinating separately. The shop maintains a showroom where clients browse samples, consult on durability and aesthetics, and receive written estimates before committing. Installation teams are in-house, not subcontracted, which reduces scheduling delays and creates accountability for finish quality. The business does not specialize in high-end exotic woods or ultra-luxury engineered products; instead it positions itself in the practical residential market where homeowners need reliable material and workmanship without premium price tags.

Services and pricing

Cornelson Decorating handles the full scope of flooring projects: removal of existing floors, subfloor preparation and repair, material installation, and finishing work such as sealing or baseboard replacement. Hardwood installation typically costs between $6 and $10 per square foot for labor alone, depending on the existing subfloor condition and room layout complexity. Vinyl plank installation runs $3 to $5 per square foot. Tile work carries higher labor costs, generally $8 to $12 per square foot, because grout and layout precision demand more time. Material costs are separate and vary by brand and grade; the showroom stocks mid-range options priced competitively with big-box retailers but with the advantage of in-house expertise on which products work best for Oklahoma City's climate.

The company offers in-home measurement and estimates at no charge. A typical estimate arrives within three to five business days and includes a detailed line-item breakdown of materials, labor, and timeline. Pricing does not include removal or prep work unless explicitly added to the contract; customers should clarify whether old flooring disposal is included before signing.

How Cornelson Decorating compares to other Oklahoma City flooring options

Cornelson Decorating occupies the middle ground between big-box chain flooring departments (Home Depot, Lowe's) and luxury independent showrooms. Home Depot flooring installation runs $4 to $8 per square foot for basic jobs, but subcontractors perform the work, often resulting in longer scheduling windows and less direct recourse if quality issues arise. Luxury competitors like The Carpet Store on NW 23rd focus on high-end natural fiber, designer tile, and bespoke finishes, commanding installation premiums of 40 to 60 percent above Cornelson's range and requiring longer lead times.

Cornelson suits homeowners doing modest renovations, whole-house replacements, or basement and kitchen updates where they want professional results without the delay and cost of specialty suppliers. Choose it if you value seeing materials in person, speaking directly with the installer before work begins, and avoiding the uncertainty of subcontracted labor. Skip it if you need exotic materials, demand next-day installation, or prioritize the lowest possible labor rate regardless of timeline or oversight.

Who it suits and who it does not suit

Cornelson works well for first-time renovators, families replacing worn carpet with durable vinyl or laminate, and homeowners upgrading a single room or two. The no-charge estimate and in-house crew appeal to people who want transparency and a single point of contact. It also suits customers refinishing older homes where subfloor repair is likely and a crew that can troubleshoot on site adds value.

It is not suited to commercial build-outs requiring fast-track scheduling or to clients seeking rare materials and custom finishes. Anyone with a rigid move-in date and less than two weeks' lead time should confirm availability before placing an estimate request; Cornelson schedules jobs in the order received, and busy seasons (spring and summer) fill quickly.

What the first visit involves

Most projects begin with a phone call or in-person visit to the showroom. You describe the room, existing condition, and style preference; staff ask about pet stains, moisture concerns, or heavy foot traffic to guide material recommendations. If moving forward, an estimator visits your home, measures the space precisely, inspects subfloor condition, and identifies any prep work needed. The written estimate itemizes everything: materials by product line and quantity, labor by task, removal and disposal, and any repairs. Customers often request two or three material options at different price points so they can compare on the estimate itself rather than in the showroom from memory.

Installation typically begins within two to four weeks of contract signing, depending on season. Crews arrive early morning, work through the day, and aim for completion within one to three days for most residential jobs. The business requests homeowner access during installation and recommends keeping the area clear of furniture and pets.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Cornelson Decorating is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday by appointment. The showroom sits in a small commercial area with free street and lot parking; it is not directly on a major thoroughfare, so it rewards a planned visit over a drive-by. Curbside material pickup is available for customers who source their own flooring, though buying through Cornelson simplifies the process and keeps pricing transparent. Verify current hours by phone before visiting, as holiday schedules and seasonal staffing sometimes shift weekend availability.

Cornelson Decorating has built its reputation through consistent installation quality and straightforward pricing in a market where many flooring jobs depend on referrals and word-of-mouth. For Oklahoma City homeowners balancing budget and reliability, it fills the practical middle of the flooring contractor spectrum.