Choosing a floor can seem overwhelming when faced with all the materials and designs you must choose from. Luckily, Fante Flooring in Newtown Square has you covered. Not only do they have a wide selection of flooring you won’t find anywhere else, but owner Eric Fante and his team also take immense pride in seeing the finished products in their customers’ homes.
From decorator fine hardwoods, the latest carpeting or tile and a vast array of modern engineered solutions, Fante Flooring offers a variety of flooring types that can turn houses into dream homes. Eric said he created Fante’s expansive 4,200 square-foot showroom so that customers can see the best and widest variety of flooring types all in one place.
Eric opened Fante Flooring’s Newtown Square location in 2016, but the company’s roots started long before that in South Philadelphia. “My great-grandfather, Thomas Fante, came to the United States from Italy in 1901, where he opened up and ran a successful furniture business,” Eric explained. “My grandfather, Dominic, worked alongside his father and was particularly interested in and knowledgeable about flooring. They opened Fante Flooring in 1946. The business grew, and by the 1970s, Dominic had turned the store into a beautiful showroom.
Eric grew up in South Philadelphia in the 1970s and spent much of his childhood helping his dad, Ron, and grandfather in the family business. Eric remembers being a young boy and learning the many aspects of running a flooring business from both his father and grandfather. “I started as a young kid putting tools away and sweeping the floors,” explained Eric. “Then, as a teenager and young adult, I took on more responsibilities and learned how to take measurements and install floors. They showed me how important it is to be a helper.”
Eventually, Eric took over running the business, and since 2001, he has owned and operated Fante Flooring. His father passed away in 2011, but Eric said Ron’s legacy is in great hands. His family’s traditions and techniques are what helped him run the store successfully. “My dad taught me everything in both business and life,” said Eric. “From him, I learned the business from the ground up and how important it is to pay attention to all the little details. They are the most important aspects of being a business owner.”
Over the years, as the business grew, Eric was serving more customers outside of the city. Traveling frequently to the Philadelphia suburbs and the Mainline prompted Eric to move the location to Newtown Square in 2016. Located where Route 3 and 252 intersect, the showroom has a large selection of designer floors that aren’t always found in large retail stores.
Eric spends his days in the showroom talking with his customers and walking them through the process of selecting, designing and installing high-quality beautiful floors. For customers who can’t come into the showroom, Fante offers a showroom on wheels. Eric can bring the floor samples
directly to customers’ homes so they can look at flooring under their own lighting to decide what works.
“There is a growing demand for warmth in interior spaces that have led to an increased interest in wood-inspired flooring, where natural shades like oak, maple and walnut dominate,” Eric said. “These warmer tones create a sense of intimacy and comfort, making spaces feel more homey.” He added that these natural hues often come with more pronounced grain patterns and textures that add depth and character to a room.
Wide-plank wood floors and wood-look vinyl are especially popular, as they combine the rustic beauty of natural wood with modern durability and ease of maintenance. These materials offer homeowners the chance to create cozy environments that still feel luxurious and timeless. Other recent trends include bold colors and patterns, textured finishes and soft flooring with dynamic designs.
What sets Fante Flooring apart from the big box stores is Eric’s approach and attention to detail, which he takes very seriously. “I sleep better knowing a job went smoothly,” said Eric. “Many customers become friends, so I’m elated to see them happy with the finished product.” Eric also employs sub-contractors who have worked for him for over 15 years. “I thank them every day because they help keep my business alive,” he said proudly.
If you are ready to upgrade one or more rooms throughout your home, Fante Flooring has you covered. Visit their website at FanteFloors.com, call them at 610-232-7080 or visit the showroom at 39 South Newtown Street Road (PA Rt 252) in Newtown Square. The showroom is open Monday–
Friday 9:30am–6:00pm and Saturday 10am– 4pm. After-hour appointments are also available by request.