Bend has always had a strong "buy local" culture, and for good reason. We support our neighbors because we know it strengthens our community. But when it comes to home improvements like flooring, choosing local goes beyond just the community. It also protects your investment while giving you the best value for your hard-earned money.
After more than a decade of installing floors here in Central Oregon, I’ve learned a lot about what works for homes in our high desert climate. As national retailers and franchises move into our market, I think it’s important to share what I've learned about how the industry works so you can make the best choice for your home.
Understanding the "Big Box" Model
National flooring franchises usually offering incredibly low installation rates and It can look like an unbeatable deal on paper. However, it's important to understand how those numbers are achieved, because in construction, as in life, you usually get what you pay for.
Large operations typically work on a volume model. They generally don't employ their own installers. Instead, they often sub-contract the work to local crews, sometimes paying them a fraction of the standard industry rate.
Here is why that matters for you:
When an installer is being paid bottom-dollar rates, they often have to rush through jobs just to make a living wage. They may not have the time to double-check the subfloor or sweat the small details that make a floor last. Furthermore, to make up for the low installation fees, costs often reappear elsewhere. These are usually found in significantly higher markups on the materials themselves or in "unexpected" add-ons for transition pieces and prep work.
The result isn't necessarily malice, but rather a disconnect. The person selling you the floor isn't the person installing it, and the person installing it is often incentivized to work fast, not carefully.
What "Local" Really Means at easton flooring
Choosing a dedicated local installer offers a different experience. It means working with a company where the owner is personally invested in the outcome of your project. At Easton Flooring, my name is on the line. My reputation around town depends entirely on doing right by my neighbors.
I Live Here Too
I shop at Newport Avenue Market. I ski at Bachelor. I see my customers at local breweries and coffee shops. That community connection is a powerful motivation to deliver exceptional work every single time. When you hire a neighbor, you get someone who cares about maintaining a relationship, not just closing a ticket.
I Know Bend’s Unique Climate
Central Oregon is beautiful, but it can be tough on floors. We have dry air, drastic temperature swings, and specific humidity challenges. After 13+ years installing here, I know how different woods acclimate and which products hold up best against our red dust and snow melt. A national chain is likely following a generic manual written for "average" conditions.
I Stand Behind the Work Personally
If a transition strip comes loose a year from now, who do you call? With a big box store, you might get a call center, a ticket number, or find out the original subcontractor has moved on. With Easton Flooring, you call me. I answer the phone. I come out and make it right because my business relies on long-term trust, not volume transactions.
The benefits of "going local"
Beyond just the quality of the installation, there are distinct advantages to working with a business that is rooted right here in Central Oregon.
Supporting Bend's Economy
When you hire Easton Flooring, your money stays in Bend. I pay local suppliers. I employ local craftsmen. I drink local beer. I pay taxes that support our schools and infrastructure.
When you hire a national franchise, a significant portion of that payment leaves Central Oregon immediately to cover franchise fees, corporate overhead, and national marketing budgets. You might be helping a local franchise owner, but the economic impact isn't quite the same as supporting a fully independent local business
The Knowledge Factor
National chains and franchises rely on training manuals and corporate policies. I rely on more than a decade of hands-on experience solving real problems in real Bend homes. I’ve installed floors in historic downtown bungalows with uneven original subfloors, and I've worked in brand-new luxury homes in Tetherow and Caldera Springs.
Every project has taught me something. I can look at your space and immediately know what challenges we’ll face, rather than relying on a generic script.
Flexibility and Personalization
Local businesses can be flexible in ways corporate franchises simply can't. Need to pause your project for a week because family is coming into town? Want to adjust your material choice after seeing it in natural light? Have a unique design vision? We can accommodate that because we make the decisions.
We aren't constrained by corporate policies or rigid contracts. Your project is about creating the home you want, not fitting into a standardized process.
Direct Communication
One of the biggest differences you’ll find is how we communicate. When you work with us, you text or call me directly. You aren't navigating through a customer service department or waiting for a project manager to relay messages to a crew you've never met. If you have a question at 7 PM, you can reach out.
This direct line prevents misunderstandings and creates a collaborative relationship rather than a transactional one.
The bend Difference
When I drive down Colorado Avenue and see houses where I’ve installed beautiful floors, I feel genuine pride. The next time you’re choosing a flooring installer, ask yourself: "am I working with someone who is invested in this community for the long haul?"
In Bend, we value authenticity, quality, and community. Your flooring choice should reflect those same values.
