How to Stand Out as a Flooring Installer: Customer Tips, Quarter Round Tools, and Lead Gen Advice

At Ultimate Flooring Guy, I'm not just here to show you how to cut quarter round—I'm here to help you build a flooring business that lasts.

Over 20 years in the industry has taught me that success isn't just about laying planks and nailing trim. It's about customer service, smart shortcuts, reliable tools, and developing good habits that lead to better margins and repeat business. In today's post, I want to walk you through a few of those things—from customer satisfaction hacks to the tools I trust for quarter round installation.

Felt Pads: The 10-Minute Fix That Builds 5-Star Reviews

This is one of my favorite low-cost, high-impact tips: add felt pads to your customer's furniture legs after you finish a job.

I throw them in for free. It's not part of the contract, and it doesn't need to be—but it sends a strong message that you care about their floor and their experience. When they slide that chair or couch back into place without scratching the brand new LVP? They remember you made that happen.

I even mention it during the estimate:

"We'll install all felt pads for free once we're done to protect your new floor."

That one line has helped me build a rock-solid review base online, and trust me, those reviews lead to referrals.

Tools That Make the Difference: My Quarter Round Setup

Let's talk tools. Installing quarter round might seem basic, but the right equipment makes a big difference in how clean the job looks—and how fast you can work.

 Hand Snippers for Quick Cuts

These are my go-to for quick quarter round cuts. Fast, portable, and clean if you've mastered the 45° angle.

 DeWalt 15-Gauge Finish Nailer

This tool is an absolute beast. I prefer 15-gauge over brad nailers because the thicker nails with 2-inch length are more likely to catch studs behind the baseboard. Brad nails can miss the mark and result in loose trim down the line.

DeWalt's battery-powered model keeps me mobile and saves time over traditional pneumatic systems.

Building a Flooring Business That Lasts

When I first started, a buddy in the home improvement business gave me a piece of advice I still follow:

"On every job, do at least one thing that's not part of the scope."

That mindset has helped me build a career and a reputation for excellence.

Here's how I've built a steady stream of flooring leads:

 Angie Leads (formerly HomeAdvisor)

I've been with them since the ServiceMagic days—2009 or 2010. If you're just starting out, it's one of the fastest ways to get your name in front of potential clients.

 Thumbtack

Another great tool for finding customers. Just make sure your reviews are strong and your responses are fast.

 Word of Mouth

Nothing beats good, honest work. People remember who took the time to protect their floor, clean up the job site, and go the extra mile.

Why Cali Vinyl is My Go-To Flooring Brand

Let's face it: not all vinyl plank flooring is created equal. I've used plenty of brands over the years, and Cali Vinyl has consistently impressed me.

Here's why it's my top choice:

• 20 mil wear layer (commercial-grade durability)

• Looks amazing in any home

• No callbacks in over 5 years of installs

• Competitive pricing (especially through my site)

If you're an installer and want to get contractor pricing on Cali Vinyl, visit UltimateFlooringGuy.com. You can apply a code and start saving immediately—plus we can build a long-term supply relationship based on volume.

Final Word: We Need the Next Generation of Installers

Someone told me the average age of flooring installers today is 53 years old. That means we need younger people to step into the trade. It's hard work, no doubt—but it's fulfilling, and you can make a solid living.

So whether you're just starting out or you've been laying floors for decades, I'm here to help you grow—in skill, income, and reputation.

Need more pro tips, tools, or LVP deals?
Visit  www.UltimateFlooringGuy.com
Let's build something solid—one plank (and one happy customer) at a time.

God bless, and keep working hard out there.