They both subcontract out their business to local companies. I'd take the quote to some other store and see what they offer.

NEVER use either one. Look to a real flooring store.

I've had carpet installed by Lowe's several times, with good results. I don't know why hollysprings is so against them.

Deals actually vary by local market. The "$99 whole house install" deals tend to happen in an area when one store does it, the other matches it. It's not universal/nationwide.

Thanks,

Looks like HD wins in this case due to the free pad upgrade then.

No reason to hate big box stores, they sell inexpensively and do just fine in my experience. The"real" flooring stores can't compete and usually come in about double in cost. Though I just did spend $15K in wood flooring in a "real" store only because the big box guys couldn't get the product we wanted.

If I were just a little more patient and willing to hire subs, I'd buy my own materials online and hire an installer myself and cut out all the middlemen and taxes.