Why should I buy a $3.00/sf Laminate from River Park Flooring instead of a $0.99/sf Laminate from a home improvement centre?

Although home improvement centres and lumber stores sell laminates in all price ranges, there are a number of reasons why they will promote a $0.79/sf laminate more than a higher quality laminate, such as:

> A lower AC Rating.

> A poor Click System.

> A softer/thinner core.

> A poor wear layer.

> Limited quantities and/or discontinued colours/styles available.

> Poor storage/preservation of the product resulting in the product being compromised.

> The plain old advertising tactic of just getting people in the door by promoting a very inexpensive product.

All these factors should be given serious consideration before you purchase a laminate floor, along with the old adage: “If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is”.

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Why should I buy a $5.00-$7.00/sf Hardwood from River Park Flooring instead of a $2.99/sf Hardwood from a home improvement centre?

Again, although most home improvement centres and lumber stores sell hardwoods in all price ranges, there are a number of reasons why they will promote a $2.99/sf hardwood more than a higher quality hardwood. Some important factors to consider when buying a hardwood include:

> Where the hardwood is grown/harvested (i.e. Canada? USA? Russia? South America?).

> Where the hardwood is milled/finished (i.e. Canada? USA? Asia?)

> The grade of the hardwood (i.e. Tavern/Country grade? #1 Common? Select & Better?).

> The variation in and length of the boards.

> Limited quantities and/or discontinued colours/styles available.

> Poor storage/preservation of the product resulting in the product being compromised.

Again, all these factors should be given serious consideration before you purchase a specific hardwood floor. Remember, a decent hardwood should last you many, many years. By purchasing a cheaper hardwood, you will obviously enjoy immediate money savings. However, when your hardwood breaks down, deteriorates, and/or needs to be replaced after just a couple of years, you are no longer in a very good position.

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I have a buddy that says he can save me a few bucks by installing my carpet for me. Can I just buy the carpet from River Park Flooring and have my buddy install it for me?

Absolutely. However, in order for the carpet manufacturer’s warranties to be fully valid, keep in mind that most carpet manufacturer’s require you to have your carpet installed by a professional installer trained in installation methods as outlined by the Carpet and Rug Institute and/or an installer working for or sub-contracted by an authorized and accredited floorcovering retailer. Improperly installed carpet may cause delamination, buckling, wrinkling and/or loss of tufts in the seam areas. This will result in your warranties not being valid.