Discount Laminate Flooring
Homeowners looking to save money on laminate flooring have lots to choose from - and you don't have to settle for second-best when it comes to quality.
Like other branches of the home flooring industry, there's a large secondary market for laminate flooring that specializes in discontinued product lines and "leftovers" from high-end retailers, department stores, manufacturers and distributors. Often, you can save 50% or more of the original sticker prices on the brand of your choice.
Whenever there's substantial savings involved, you need to be informed and alert to make sure you're getting what you pay for. Some discounters are selling factory "seconds" or off-goods - which is fine, as long as they tell you so up front!
Some other things to watch for:
- Check the thickness of the discount laminate product you're buying. Thinner products are cheaper, less durable and have shorter warranties. You can usually tell these "value-priced" lines because they have little or no surface texture.
- Read the warranty information carefully. Is the manufacturer's warranty still valid? And does the store itself offer a return policy?
- Look at the backing. Inferior products have thin paper backing which leaves the floor vulnerable to water damage.
- Check the edges of the flooring. Inferior brands are brittle and may break off at the edges.
- Most important, make sure you have personal access to the store or its salespeople. If you're shopping online, it's a good idea to phone the store to find out how well they deal with customers directly.