Why Purchase New Flooring Now to Avoid Tariff Pricing Increases?

Tariff hikes hit close to home — literally. Most of the flooring in the U.S. market today is sourced or manufactured internationally. This includes popular materials like luxury vinyl tile (LVT), laminate, hardwood and some tiles. Once tariffs increase, the added import costs get passed down the line — first to manufacturers, then to distributors and retailers. Homeowners and contractors should understand the vinyl flooring tariff, especially as this material is popular, and being proactive could save you thousands.

Whether you need to replace your old, worn-out flooring or want to give your home a fresh look, this is your sign that the right time is now. With looming tariff hikes on imported goods, including many types of flooring materials, prices will rise, possibly significantly, within the next few months. If you wait, you could end up going well over your expected budget. 

How Flooring Will Be Affected by Tariffs

The U.S. government has announced plans to increase tariffs, starting in the second quarter of 2025, on a wide range of imported building materials, including floors. Consumers will likely feel the impact of this pricing adjustment by early summer.

Depending on the product, you can expect prices to jump from 10% to 25% or more in some cases. Imagine choosing the perfect LVT for your living room at $3.59 per square foot today, only to come back in three months, and it is priced at $4.29 per square foot. Multiply that across your entire space, and suddenly the flooring upgrade will get a lot more expensive than you planned.

Here's how different categories may be affected:

• LVT: The water resistance and aesthetically pleasing appearance make LVT a popular flooring choice. Tariff hikes will affect raw materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), causing the price of the final product to increase.
• Laminate flooring: Laminate floors are affordable and versatile, but most of these products are manufactured abroad. That means tariff increases will affect the cost of manufacturing materials and shipping depending on the country of origin and manufacturer.
• Hardwood: Consumers love hardwood for its durability and timeless appearance. Many engineered hardwood floors have internationally sourced cores and veneers. The high cost of materials and import fees will increase the prices.
• Tile: Tiles are easy to clean and a staple in many spaces, like bathrooms. With the rise in import fees, porcelain and ceramic tiles from regions like China, Spain and Italy will become more expensive.

Why You Should Upgrade Your Flooring Now

When you buy now, you lock in today's pricing before the hikes hit. This means no surprises, no last-minute budget stretching, and no settling for something you do not absolutely love. 

Tariff increases will also affect supply chains and product availability. Buying from current inventories gives you access to stock before manufacturers pull back or retool product lines. Aside from bypassing flooring tariffs, you will also increase property value. New flooring is one of the best upgrades you can make for the highest return on investment.

Effects on the Housing Market

While tariff hikes disrupt supply chains, businesses and consumers also feel the increase's effects, as flooring accounts for 3.6% of a construction project's fees.

Housing costs will rise as construction materials like flooring products and softwood lumber are impacted. It causes a ripple effect in home renovation and construction projects, leaving builders with the decision to absorb additional materials expenses or raise home prices. Homebuyers may face a reduction in new home developments, which limits the housing inventory and increases property prices.

Business Impact for Contractors

From stretched margins to tense client conversations, contractors are feeling the price increase in various ways. Clients who shopped around a few months ago are surprised by new quotes and may need more time to make decisions, which delays jobs and cash flow. Limited product availability can also add friction to project timelines. When flooring is discontinued or out of stock, it creates confusion as the client approved a sample that is no longer available.

To stay profitable and preserve client trust, flooring professionals need to make major adjustments by diversifying and relying more on trusted local suppliers and domestic products.

Consider Made in the USA Options for Tariff-Free Flooring

If you want to dodge the tariff conversation entirely, buy American-made flooring to support local businesses and jobs. It will also give you these benefits:

• No tariff price increases: Buying locally made flooring gives you price stability in a volatile market.
• Faster shipping and availability: U.S. mills and warehouses cut down on lead time, so you will avoid supply chain delays from abroad.
• Competitive pricing: With tariffs on flooring inflating import costs, local products are becoming more cost-competitive, even with premium materials like waterproof laminate and hardwood flooring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Given that prices are shifting and timelines are tightening, here are some common questions we hear from homeowners and contractors:

Are Flooring Prices Going Up Because of Tariffs?

Yes, tariff increases will affect flooring prices through material cost increases. As supply chains adjust to the new prices, it is unlikely that costs will stay put or rise further with inflation.

Are All Flooring Types Affected by Tariff Hikes?

Most imported products — especially laminate, vinyl, tile and engineered hardwood — will see price increases. However, American-made flooring is unlikely to be impacted.

Should I Wait for a Sale?

While sales are great, discounted flooring may become rare in times of rising tariffs. Most suppliers are focusing on price adjustments, not lowering them. There truly is no better time to by than right now.

Will In-Stock Flooring Be More Affordable?

Yes, inventory already in the U.S. was purchased at pre-tariff rates, so you can likely get flooring at those prices while it lasts. Still, being proactive is better than waiting and risking products going out of stock.

Shop In-Store or Online at Carpet & Tile Mart

Flooring is more than a home upgrade — it is the foundation of everyday life. Buying your flooring now is about protecting your budget, avoiding future headaches and giving yourself peace of mind that you made a smart, timely decision. 

Carpet & Tile Mart is a flooring supercenter with many locations in Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We stock a wide range of hardwood, LVT, tile and carpet flooring, with area rugs to complete any interior design. 

Shop Carpet & Tile Mart online or in-store today, or contact our team with any questions — we are available and at your service.