Choosing new flooring is a big decision. It’s not something you can easily change once installed, and with so many options available – wood, laminate, vinyl, LVT, oak, herringbone, and more – the choice can feel overwhelming. That’s why flooring samples are such a valuable tool. They let you see, touch, and test flooring in your own home before committing to a full order.
But this raises a common question: how many flooring samples should you order before deciding? Ordering too few can limit your choices, while ordering too many may cause confusion. In this guide, we’ll help you strike the right balance so you can feel confident in your final decision.
Why Flooring Samples Matter
Ordering free flooring samples gives you a real-world view of your chosen floors. They help you:
See the true colour and finish.
Feel the texture underfoot.
Test flooring in your own lighting conditions.
Compare options side by side.
Avoid costly mistakes with your investment.
At Wood and Beyond, we offer a wide range of wood, laminate, vinyl, LVT, oak, and herringbone flooring samples so you can explore the possibilities before making a commitment.
The Ideal Number of Flooring Samples
There’s no single rule, but most homeowners find that ordering 3 to 5 flooring samples works best.
Three samples gives you a safe option, a bold option, and a middle ground.
Four to five samples let you explore different colours, finishes, or materials without overwhelming yourself.
This range provides enough variety to make a confident choice while keeping things manageable.
When You Might Need More Samples
Sometimes, it makes sense to order more than five samples. You may want to:
Compare different materials – for example, engineered wood flooring samples vs laminate samples vs vinyl samples.
Test multiple shades of the same colour family, such as natural oak vs smoked oak vs grey oak.
Explore patterns – for example, herringbone flooring samples alongside standard plank samples.
Match across multiple rooms if you’re planning to install different flooring styles throughout your home.
In these cases, ordering up to 8–10 samples may be worthwhile.
How to Narrow Down Your Flooring Samples
If you’ve ordered a selection of flooring samples, here’s how to narrow them down effectively:
Lay them flat in the intended room.
Check them in different lights – morning, afternoon, and evening.
Move them around the space – near windows, in corners, and next to furniture.
Compare against your décor – walls, cabinets, rugs, and furnishings.
Trust your instincts – the floor you’re drawn to again and again is often the right choice.
Flooring Sample Recommendations by Room
Different rooms may require different numbers of samples:
Living Room: 3–5 samples – this is usually the biggest decision as it sets the tone for your home.
Kitchen: 3–4 samples – focus on durability, waterproofing, and style.
Bathroom: 2–3 samples – usually narrowed to vinyl or LVT.
Bedroom: 2–4 samples – look for comfort and warmth.
Hallway: 3–5 samples – durability and style combined.
Free Flooring Samples From Wood and Beyond
At Wood and Beyond, we make it easy to order as many samples as you need. Our free flooring samples service allows you to compare multiple options in your home before making a final decision. Whether you’re looking for oak flooring samples, laminate flooring samples, vinyl flooring samples, LVT samples, or herringbone flooring samples, we’ll deliver them quickly and free of charge.
👉 Order your free flooring samples here.
Enjoy Next Day Delivery Samples
So, how many flooring samples should you order before deciding? For most people, 3 to 5 samples is the perfect number – enough to provide variety without creating confusion. However, if you’re comparing materials, exploring colours, or designing multiple rooms, don’t hesitate to order more.
Flooring is a long-term investment, and the more confident you feel before purchasing, the better. Take advantage of Wood and Beyond’s free flooring samples service today and find the perfect floor for your home.
