Archive for May, 2008...
Filed under Engineered Hardwood Flooring, General Wood Flooring, solid hardwood flooring
Hi all,
Possibly the most common question I get from customers is “will these floors scratch?”.
Of course, the answer is a big fat yes. Keep in mind that even concrete will scratch if enough pressure is placed on a fine enough point. That said, a good quality finish can go a long way to prevent/minimize scratches. The challenge here is to ensure the customer has the proper expectation for the product. It may very well be that a laminate or stone product is better suited for their application.
When considering prefinished hardwood floors it is important to remember that a factory finished floor is generally much stronger than a floor finished onsite. The reason is that most factory finished floors contain a layer of aluminum oxide which adds strength. This component cannot be added to a site finished floor. One negative to aluminum oxide is that if it does scratch it scratches in a light white color. This will be more noticeable on a dark floor. It also happens to be easier to do a greater number of coats with a factory finished floor. Most factory finished floors have between 7-10 coats. Just imagine the additional cost and inconvinience to the home owner doing this onsite!
There also seems to be a little confusion surrounding Finish Warranties. No manufacturer will promise that a finish cannot be scratched. When a warranty of 25 years is extended, it means that the finish will not wear through due to general wear and tear for 25 years. You know in old homes where the high traffic areas like the front entrance or right in front of the stove are worn down right to the raw wood? This is what the manufacture is assuring will not happen in those 25 years. They are not suggesting your 100 lbs dog will not scratch the floors.
Having said all that, the best way to ensure that you are comfortable with the strength of any finish product is to order a sample and put it to the test.
A set of keys is an old favorite.
Cheers,
Tom
Filed under General Wood Flooring
Hi all,
It is always a good idea to order a sample of the product before making the actual purchase. This is important because no matter how vividly a product is displayed online, aspects such as texture, sheen, and color cannot be effectively communicated via the internet. A sample helps set the correct expectation between the buyer and the seller and can be used as a reference point in the event that the customer is dissatisfied with the delivered product. This protects both buyer and seller and goes a long way for peace of mind.
Cheers,
Tom
Filed under Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Hi all,
Admittedly, there may be broader topics that warant the prestigeous “Item#1″ distinction, but the following really burns my hide. I think we would all agree that an online retailer should provide the visitor with all possible information necessary to make an informed product comparison. Right? Why then, when would the vast majority of online retailers carrying Engineered Hardwood fail to mention the top wear layer thickness?
As discussed in a previous blog, I’m of the opinion that the importance of a thick top wear layer thickness is over emphasized. However, it remains a key product characterist and on goes a long way in determining price. I would argue that not advertising this feature intentionally misleads customers and prevents them from comparing apples to apples.
When shopping online for a Engineered Hardwood floors, and before ordering samples, be sure to ask about the top wear layer thickness. You may want to go one step further and ask why the supplier is not forthright with this key information.
Cheers,
Tom
Filed under Uncategorized
Hi all,
Increasingly, flooring consumers from contractors to DYIers are recognizing the merits of working with an online retailer. Traditional store-front retailers are reacting to a lose of market share generally in one of two ways: either rushing to supplement their current business model with an online presence, or, quite frankly, fear mongering. Common indictments are that online retailers either don’t offer or won’t honour a product waranty, or the old standard “fly-by-night” label.
The truth is, the online market place is no different in this respect to the traditional market place; there are the good and the bad.
The good news is that long term success in business still rides predominantly on two virtues: honesty and integrity. These virtues and the guidelines they offer are just as necessary and easily followed running an online business as any other- perhaps more so.
The trick is determining what side of the fence any given online retailer resides on. Going forward I’m going to be offering tips for shopping online. I encourage your participation!
Cheers,
Tom
