Be sure to ask any questions you might have before buying hardwood flooring from a seller, get more information.
1. Whom should I call in the event of problems?
Many flooring retailers will buy their flooring directly from distributors. They can also sell the flooring directly to the customer. It may happen that the product is imported from multiple distributors. If your flooring is not up to standard, the retailer will normally call the distributor and inform them. The majority of cases will be denied. If they’re lucky they might send someone out to address you personally. To please customers, many retailers will make the necessary repairs to correct manufacturing defects. The customer can choose to have their flooring replaced, but the retailer doesn’t have final authority. The manufacturer is so far from the client that they feel it is best to deny all claims. This is because the manufacturer assumes that they will not be required to resolve any issues as their warranties protect them. Imagine a person sitting at a desk holding a stack wood flooring claims. On it is placed a large stamp with the words “denied”.
2. How durable can the finish be
Prefinished hardwood floors have to be strong. The floor is going to be used for walking, so the finish should be long-lasting. Most imported prefinished flooring is very fragile and can be easily removed with 150grit. Two options are available for testing hardwood floors. First, rub off the finish using 150grit sandpaper. Second, apply a coin to the finish. A high quality finish will not cause dent. High-quality companies will use aluminum oxide or titanium dioxide tougheners. While many offshore manufactured products claim they contain aluminum dioxide they actually do not. A microwave can be used to heat hardwood floors. The finish will then sparkle. It may sound odd, but hardwood flooring is a substantial investment.
3. What is the structural warranty and/or the surface warranty?
This is an important consideration in choosing hardwood flooring. Anyone can provide a finish guarantee for their product of 25, 30, or 40 years. But the important thing is whether they will honour that warranty. Hardwood flooring warranties can span as many as ten pages. Clients are given the impression that there isn’t a warranty when they do not fully understand the entire warranty. Many consumers do not want to take the time necessary to understand the warranty. Many consumers are surprised when they find that the problem with their flooring is included in the warranty exclusions. Most warranties will specify that there is an industry standard allowing for 5% deviation. The manufacturer is allowed to allow for 5% deviation after the floor is finished. A finished floor measuring 1000 square feet can have approximately 100 boards with any defect.