Every great business has a beginning, and for Sid’s Carpet Barn, that beginning was a humble red building in National City. Founded in 1950 by Sidney Rubin, our company was built on a simple philosophy: treat people like family and give them a great deal. That philosophy has fueled our growth from a local discount store into a full-service flooring powerhouse. Today, as we sit among the top 50 largest specialty flooring companies in the U.S., we want to share the story of how we became Southern California’s flooring leader and what that legacy means for you, our customer.
The Early Years: The Foundation of Value
In 1950, 132 West 8th street in National City became the epicenter of the local flooring world. Sidney Rubin recognized that Southern California was growing rapidly following World War II and that families needed affordable ways to make their new houses feel like homes. In those early years, Sid’s was strictly a carpet store. We focused on buying in bulk—literally by the truckload—and passing those volume savings directly to the customer.
As the years passed, we realized that our customers' needs were expanding. They didn't just want carpet; they wanted tile for their kitchens, wood for their dining rooms, and rugs for their entries. We adapted, evolving from a "carpet barn" into a comprehensive flooring destination. We began stocking vast inventories of hard surface flooring, including sheet vinyl, wood, laminate, and more, allowing our customers to shop in one location for every room in their house. This "one-stop-shop" approach saved our customers time and ensured a cohesive look throughout their homes.
Strategic Expansion and the Birth of Curtis Allan
By the 1980s and 90s, Sid’s had become a household name across San Diego County. To better serve the broader community and the growing business sector, we expanded our operations. In 1983, we opened our Contract division to serve property management, hospitality, and new construction sectors.
In 1994, we took a major step by establishing Curtis Allan FloorCovering in Riverside County. This allowed us to service not just individual homeowners, but also local, state, and federal government projects, as well as the military. In 2003, we took another leap by opening our newest location in Corona, CA. This facility is a massive 70,000-square-foot powerhouse that houses both a retail store and our contract division. Whether you are at the border of Mexico or the foothills of the Inland Empire, there is a Sid’s expert nearby. You can find your nearest showroom and warehouse on our locations page.
The Power of Family and Community
Despite our national ranking and massive scale, Sid’s Carpet Barn remains family-owned and operated. In an era where big-box stores are run by distant corporate boards, being family-owned matters. It matters because when you call us or walk into our store, you are talking to people who care about their reputation in the community. Our name is on the building, and we take that seriously.
We employ over 250 dedicated people, many of whom have been with us for 10, 20, or even 30 years. This continuity of expertise is something you simply cannot find at a national chain. Our staff doesn't just know where things are on the shelf; they know the history of flooring, the chemistry of the adhesives, and the best ways to solve complex installation challenges.
Why "Nobody Beats Sid’s" on Price and Quality
Our secret weapon is our membership in the Abbey Carpet & Home Buying Group. This is a massive organization that allows us to combine the buying power of hundreds of independent stores across the country while remaining locally independent. We can source the highest quality floor covering material—the kind used in luxury designer estates—at prices that reflect our "discount" roots.
But price is only half the equation. Quality is the other. We don't sell "seconds" or inferior products. Every square foot of flooring in our warehouse is a product we would be proud to put in our own homes. We believe that quality should not be a luxury reserved for the few; it should be the standard for every family in Southern California.
Our Commitment to Your Dream Space
We know that choosing flooring can be overwhelming. There are thousands of colors, textures, and materials to choose from. Our goal is to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible. From the initial consultation to the final walkthrough after installation, we are with you every step of the way. We have the inventory, the installers, and the 75 years of experience to turn your vision into a reality. We aren't just selling you a product; we are helping you build the foundation of your life.
Join the Sid’s Family Today
For over 70 years, we have been more than just a flooring company; we have been a part of the Southern California story. We have floored the homes of generations of families, helped build local businesses, and supported our military communities. We would be honored to floor your next project. Come visit the "Red Barn" or any of our modern showrooms and experience the service that only seven decades of experience can provide.
Ready to start your home renovation journey with a team you can trust? Visit Sid’s Carpet Barn today and see why we are the top choice for flooring in Southern California!
