Our Story
Derr Flooring Co. opened its doors in 1912 as the Derr Lumber Co. under the ownership of John Hartenstine Derr.
In 1928, the company merged with other distributors to become the Lumber and Millwork Company of Philadelphia.
Because of economic conditions created by the depression, John Derr left the Lumber & Millwork Co. in 1931 and reestablished the Derr name with the opening of Derr-Gibbons Supply Co. in early 1932. Joined by his sons, Chester and Robert, and 2 other employees, the company began distributing wood flooring and other lumber products including doors, moldings, millwork and wood stair components.
John Derr remained involved in the company’s success until his death in November 1970. His sons, Chester and Robert, grew the company until 1979, when it was decided that the business would be better served if it was split into two new companies. At the end of 1979 Derr Flooring Co. closed and two new companies emerged. Derr Lumber and Millwork Co. sold doors and millwork and the Chester Derr Flooring Co. sold wood flooring.
In 1980, the “new” Chester Derr Flooring Co. operated from one location in Philadelphia and employed 25 people. After 5 years, the name was returned to Derr Flooring Co. Today the company has grown significantly and now employs over 140 people and operates 7 warehouses in 4 states. Forty three vehicles now deliver material to customers in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
Even though we are one of the largest wood flooring distributors in the country, Derr Flooring Co. has diversified its product offerings over the last 30 years to now include commercial and residential sheet vinyl, commercial vinyl composition tile, wood treads, risers and other stair components, laminate flooring, rubber and vinyl flooring , rubber, and vinyl cove base. In addition, the company stocks a complete line of installation products including adhesives, underlayment patch, sandpaper, floor finish and every type of installation tool necessary for professional installations.
Four members of the fourth generation and six members of the fifth generation of the Derr family are actively involved in various aspects of the business.
With quality products to distribute and a growing customer base, Derr Flooring Co. is poised to continue the company’s growth for many generations to come!
Our Commitment to the Environment
Derr Flooring Co. takes pride in only distributing products that meet all federal and state environmental guidelines. We work with manufacturers who are like minded and committed to providing environmentally responsible products.
Our laminate and engineered wood flooring suppliers are CARB II certified and all of our imported wood products are Lacey compliant. Many of our products are GREENGUARD certified.
Most of our wood flooring comes from United States forests that the Federal government (US Forest Service) has confirmed are healthy, well managed and are growing each and every year. In fact, the volume of hardwood in the Eastern US Forests has more than doubled in the last 60 years and harvesting is far less than annual growth year after year guaranteeing us a stable, sustainable lumber supply indefinitely.
