Tom's Carpet And Flooring Outlet operates as a discount flooring retailer focused on selling overstock, closeout, and builder-grade materials at prices substantially below full retail. The business sells carpet, laminate, vinyl plank, and tile direct to homeowners and contractors from a warehouse location, cutting out middlemen markup and passing savings to buyers willing to shop from limited stock and ready-to-install inventory.
This is a warehouse-style outlet, not a design showroom. Inventory rotates based on what manufacturers and home builders liquidate, which means selection changes weekly and certain colors or styles may be one-time only. The appeal is price; customers who find what they need typically save 30 to 50 percent compared to big-box retailers like Lowe's or Home Depot for the same material quality. The tradeoff is no custom ordering, no long-term stock holds, and less guidance on installation logistics. Tom's serves DIY installers, small contractors buying for job sites, and budget-conscious homeowners preparing to renovate.
Carpet typically ranges from $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot depending on pile height and fiber type, compared to $2.50 to $5.00 at standard retail outlets. Laminate runs $0.80 to $2.00 per square foot. Vinyl plank (LVP) falls between $1.00 and $3.00 per square foot. Tile inventory is occasional and varies. These prices assume you are purchasing material only; installation labor is separate and depends on your installer or contractor. Stock changes frequently, so specific colors and styles cannot be guaranteed on return visits; many customers buy when they find what they need rather than waiting for sales.
Larger chains like Lowe's and Home Depot offer wider selection, in-store design consultation, and installation partnerships, but at 40 to 60 percent higher per-square-foot costs. Flooring specialty retailers like local independent shops typically carry premium brands with higher price points and custom-order options Tom's does not. Floor & Decor, if operating in the Chattanooga area, offers a middle ground: better selection than Tom's outlet inventory but lower pricing than traditional flooring showrooms, though still higher than Tom's discount tier. Choose Tom's if you have a specific budget ceiling and can accept limited color options. Choose a specialty retailer if you want design help and custom orders. Choose a big-box chain if you need installation coordination and a wide assortment on a single visit.
Tom's works well for contractors buying in bulk for multiple jobs, for budget renovators with flexible color preferences, and for people who enjoy hunting through inventory for deals. It does not suit homeowners needing a specific shade by a deadline, renters looking for temporary solutions, or anyone uncomfortable with self-measurement and delivery logistics. If your flooring vision depends on a particular color match or you need the work completed by a set date, the outlet's inventory rotation makes it unreliable.
Arrive with room measurements in feet (length and width, plus note any alcoves or irregular shapes). Browse the warehouse floor where materials are displayed by type. Ask staff which materials are in stock that day; do not assume inventory from a previous visit remains. Pricing is marked on bundles; some materials are already cut to standard lengths or widths, others are full rolls. You can purchase a small quantity or bulk. If you plan to install yourself, confirm subfloor compatibility and ask about underlayment needs. Delivery is available for a fee but not always included; confirm before purchase.
Tom's operates by appointment or walk-in availability. Call ahead to confirm current hours, as warehouse operations sometimes shift seasonally. Parking is provided at the location. The business is accessible by personal vehicle; public transit is not a practical option for hauling flooring materials. Confirm exact address and hours of operation before visiting.
Tom's Carpet And Flooring Outlet fills a specific niche in Chattanooga's flooring market: buyers who prioritize cost over convenience and selection. If you have time to hunt and flexibility on aesthetics, the savings are real.
