Merit in Home Flooring: What to Know Before You Buy

Merit in Home is a flooring brand sold through independent retailers across South Carolina

Merit in Home is a flooring line distributed by independent dealers rather than big-box stores. You'll find it at local flooring shops, carpet outlets, and specialty retailers throughout the state. The brand offers laminate, vinyl, and engineered wood options at mid-range price points, and because it moves through local dealers, you can often get installation services bundled with your purchase.

The brand competes in the same market as Pergo, Mohawk, and Shaw—established names with solid warranties and moderate pricing. Merit in Home doesn't have the national advertising presence of those brands, which sometimes means lower prices at the point of sale, but it also means you'll need to do more legwork to compare specs and warranties across different product lines.

Key Takeaways

• Merit in Home flooring is sold through independent retailers in South Carolina, not through national chains, so you'll need to visit local flooring shops to see samples and get pricing.
• The brand offers laminate, vinyl, and engineered wood in styles that mimic hardwood and stone, with pricing that typically falls in the mid-range for each category.
• Installation is often available through the same retailer where you buy the flooring, which can simplify scheduling and warranty claims.
• Warranties vary by product type and retailer, so ask about coverage for wear, staining, and water damage before you commit to a purchase.

Where to Buy Merit in Home Flooring in South Carolina

Start by searching for independent flooring retailers in your area—these are the shops that specialize in flooring rather than selling it as one department among many. Call ahead and ask whether they carry Merit in Home; not every independent retailer stocks every brand. When you visit, bring photos of your space, measurements of the rooms you're covering, and a list of any concerns (pets, moisture, heavy foot traffic) so the retailer can point you toward the right product line.

Many independent flooring shops offer in-home consultations, where a representative visits your space to assess subfloor conditions, lighting, and layout before recommending products. This step costs nothing at most retailers and can save you from buying the wrong product. Ask whether the retailer installs flooring themselves or contracts with installers—this affects your warranty coverage and how quickly the job gets done.

Product Types and What They Cost

Merit in Home makes three main categories: laminate, vinyl plank (often called LVP or luxury vinyl plank), and engineered hardwood. Laminate is the most affordable option and works well in kitchens and bathrooms where moisture isn't extreme; vinyl plank costs more but handles moisture better and feels softer underfoot; engineered wood sits at the higher end and looks closest to solid hardwood but requires more careful installation in damp areas.

Pricing varies by retailer and by specific product line within each category. A square foot of Merit in Home laminate might run $1 to $3, vinyl plank $2 to $5, and engineered wood $4 to $8, but these are rough ranges—your actual cost depends on the style, thickness, and wear layer you choose. Ask the retailer for a total installed price (flooring plus labor plus underlayment) rather than just the per-square-foot cost, because installation and prep work often cost as much as the material itself.

Warranties and What They Cover

Merit in Home warranties differ by product type and by retailer. Most laminate comes with a 10- to 15-year residential warranty covering defects in the material and manufacturing; vinyl plank typically carries a 10- to 20-year warranty; engineered wood usually has a 15- to 25-year warranty. These warranties cover things like delamination (layers separating), buckling, and staining from manufacturing defects, but they do not cover damage from water, pet accidents, or improper installation.

Read the warranty document before you buy, not after. Some warranties require you to register the product within a certain window; others require professional installation to remain valid. Ask the retailer whether they honor the warranty themselves or whether you'd need to contact the manufacturer directly if something goes wrong. A retailer who stands behind their work will often extend or supplement the manufacturer's warranty, which is worth paying attention to when comparing prices.

Installation and Subfloor Preparation

Merit in Home flooring requires a clean, level subfloor to perform well. If your subfloor has high spots or low spots greater than 3/16 inch over 10 feet, the installer will need to sand or fill it before laying the new floor. This prep work adds to your total cost but prevents squeaking, buckling, and premature wear. Ask the retailer whether their installation price includes subfloor assessment and prep, or whether that's quoted separately.

Moisture is the biggest threat to laminate and engineered wood. If you're installing in a basement, kitchen, or bathroom, the installer should test the subfloor's moisture level before starting work. Merit in Home products have moisture limits—usually a subfloor moisture reading of 12% or less for laminate and 13% or less for engineered wood. If your subfloor is wetter than that, you may need to address the moisture source first, or switch to vinyl plank, which tolerates moisture better.

Comparing Merit in Home to Other Brands

Merit in Home sits in the middle of the market. It's more affordable than premium brands like Mohawk's higher-end lines or authentic engineered hardwood from specialty mills, but it costs more than the cheapest laminate you'll find at big-box stores. The trade-off is that you're buying through a local retailer who can help you choose the right product for your space and handle installation, rather than buying sight-unseen online or managing a contractor separately.

If you're deciding between Merit in Home and another brand at the same price point, compare the wear layer thickness (thicker is better), the warranty length, and whether the retailer offers installation. A thinner product with a longer warranty might be a better deal than a thicker product with no warranty support. Ask the retailer to show you samples of each brand side by side under your home's lighting, because color and texture look different in the showroom than they do in your actual rooms.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

Merit in Home flooring requires different care depending on the product type. Laminate should be swept regularly and cleaned with a damp (not wet) mop; standing water will damage it. Vinyl plank can handle more moisture and is easier to clean—a damp mop or even a wet mop works fine. Engineered wood needs the same care as laminate: sweep often, use a damp mop, and wipe up spills immediately.

All three types benefit from felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratching and from area rugs in high-traffic zones. Avoid dragging heavy items across the floor, and don't use steam cleaners or excessive water on laminate or engineered wood. The retailer should provide care instructions specific to the product you buy; follow those instructions to keep your warranty valid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install Merit in Home flooring myself?

Laminate and vinyl plank are easier for a homeowner to install than engineered wood, but improper installation can void your warranty. Many retailers require professional installation to honor the warranty. If you're experienced with flooring installation, ask the retailer whether DIY installation is permitted under their warranty terms before you buy.

How long does Merit in Home flooring last?

Laminate typically lasts 15 to 25 years with proper care; vinyl plank 20 to 30 years; engineered wood 20 to 30 years. These timelines assume normal residential use and proper maintenance. Heavy traffic, moisture exposure, or lack of care will shorten the lifespan.

Is Merit in Home flooring waterproof?

No. Laminate and engineered wood are water-resistant but not waterproof—they can handle spills if cleaned up quickly, but standing water will damage them. Vinyl plank is more water-resistant than the other two and is a better choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Ask the retailer which product type they recommend for your specific rooms.

What's the difference between laminate and vinyl plank?

Laminate has a photographic layer under a protective wear layer, making it look realistic but feel hard and cold underfoot. Vinyl plank is softer, warmer, and more water-resistant, but some people find it less convincing-looking. Vinyl costs more but performs better in wet areas. Both come in wood and stone looks.

Do I need underlayment under Merit in Home flooring?

Yes. Underlayment reduces noise, provides cushioning, and helps protect against moisture from below. Most retailers include underlayment in their installation price, but ask to confirm. The type of underlayment matters—ask whether they're using a product rated for your subfloor's moisture level.