Wednesday, June 3, 2026 from Floor Covering Weekly

By Sharyn Bernard

For residential flooring dealers considering a move into commercial work, industry experts say a measured, strategic approach is critical. Rather than immediately pursuing large-scale projects, many recommend building experience gradually and investing in the right infrastructure before expanding further. Key steps include:

• Start with Main Street. Smaller projects such as medical offices, boutiques, restaurants or local businesses can help dealers gain experience without the complexity of large institutional work.
• Hire commercial expertise. Estimating, project management and scheduling differ significantly from residential retail. Bringing in experienced commercial personnel can help dealers avoid costly mistakes.
• Understand the bid process. Commercial work is heavily specification- and bid-driven, requiring familiarity with takeoffs, submittals, timelines and documentation.
• Evaluate financial readiness. Commercial projects often involve delayed payment cycles, retainage and higher upfront costs. Dealers need sufficient cash flow and financial discipline to manage the work successfully.
• Invest in training and certifications. Safety requirements, manufacturer certifications and installation credentials are often mandatory in commercial environments.
• Build relationships. Success in commercial flooring frequently depends on connections with general contractors, architects, designers and property managers.
• Develop operational infrastructure. Dealers may need additional insurance coverage, bonding capacity, project-management systems and dedicated staff to support commercial work.
• Stay disciplined. Experts caution against chasing every opportunity. Focusing on projects that align with a dealer’s capabilities and experience can help ensure sustainable growth.