In business for 112 years…and counting!

With a strong tradition and history, Lanham has grown and prospered in the face of many challenges since its beginning in 1907. We are proud and excited to continue the legacy of the determined, people-centered leadership that has driven Lanham to succeed for more than a century. The people-centered focus keeps us going strong in today’s ever-changing environment of technology, product innovation, and a worldwide marketplace.

Lanham was founded by Charles Lanham as a material handling company.

WWII

The war brought change to many businesses. In the flooring industry, parquet flooring became less popular. The company remained in the material handling business for several years after the war, then decided to relocate south to be closer to lumber resources and a better labor market.

1953

A modern flooring manufacturing facility and sawmill was built in Greensburg, KY. The main office and distribution headquarters remained in Louisville, KY.

1963

Peter Lanham, Jr. and his son, Peter III, bought out Charles Lanham and continued to successfully operate the business until 1969 when wall-to-wall carpet gained market share and log supply became a challenge. This turn of events brought on a business decision to liquidate the factory and sawmill. Peter, Jr. took over the warehouse in Louisville. Peter III became General Manager at Greensburg for Jasper Corporation (who bought the property).

1980

Peter III returned to Louisville bought out his father and his father’s partner and continued to grow the business as a wholesale distributor of hardwood flooring and supplies.

1997

Steve and Anne McDonald purchased Lanham Hardwood Flooring, with the corporate headquarters and main distribution center in Louisville,KY and a second branch in Cincinnati, OH. They brought with them their sons-in-law, Blake Blythe and David Schmelzer, to run the business.

2000

Under the leadership of Blake and David, Lanham opened a third branch in Indianapolis. Additionally, having primarily been an unfinished hardwood flooring distributor, Lanham decides to expand and enter the prefinshed hardwood flooring business as well.

2005

As the business continue to grow, the need for more space in Louisville was apparent. The Louisville, KY location on Pinewood Road relocated to a larger facility on Bishop Lane, which afforded room to continue to grow the business.

2008

Lanham Hardwood Flooring acquired American Product of Kentucky, located in Louisville.

2014

Needing more space, the Indianapolis branch moved from Corporation Drive to a larger location on Ford Drive in Fishers, IN.

2015

Lanham expanded their regional market presence by opening its fourth branch in Columbus, OH on Paragon Drive.

2016

Due to the need for more space, the Cincinnati branch undergoes an expansion, doubling the size of the facility.

2017

Lanham expands its product offering by entering the vinyl flooring market.

2019

Lanham launches a new website and implements a new company-wide software solution to manage inventory, accounting, and to elevate customer service at all branches.

2025

Lanham Hardwood Flooring expands into the Cleveland, OH market by acquiring North Coast Hardwood Flooring, making this the company’s fifth location. Additionally, Lanham rolls out its Webstore to help customers by allowing them to log in to the Webstore to view inventory, place orders, etc.

Feature Photo: [A Lumberman’s Dream], Detroit Publishing Company photograph collection (Library of Congress); circa early 1900s