Cheap Laminate Flooring-Tips when looking to Buy

I have published a few articles recently about the 5 tips to remember when looking to buy cheap laminate flooring and wanted to briefly cover these points in the blog this week. Some of these tips you may know, one or two you may not. Either way, it's a nice reminder for all of us. It seems that the market right now is full of consumers, but the trend is not only toward trying to save money on carpet - hardwood - laminate - etc, but also products in the lower price range. With that in mind, enjoy the following tips for saving money on laminate!

1. Be wary of "salvage" or closeout centers. They will probably not be able to get you more material if you need it later. There may also be an issue if you have a warranty claim. Some manufacturers will only honor claims from an authorized distributor. Often the product has changed hands 3 or 4 times by the time it gets to a salvage dealer. Sure the pricing may look attractive, but the backside is a toss up.
2. Where is it manufactured? USA, Europe, China? USA products seem to hold up fine. Laminate was invented in Europe so they are a manufacturing hub for this type of flooring and know how to make it well. Asian laminate in the words of Forrest Gump are "like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get". That's all I have to say about that (another Forrest reference).
3. Don't pay for samples unless your looking at a non-stock or non-standard laminate product. If it is a hot seller for the dealer then they have it in stock and should be willing to send you one via postal service or ups. Please don't go to the big home improvement store in your home town and buy samples and then go back and buy flooring! That's almost like test driving a car and the dealer asking for 2 bucks to pay for the gas you used on the test drive. It's an insult. Sure they may be times where it is necessary to pay for one but only if it is an oddball.
4. Don't pay hidden fees often called "less than pallet quantity" or small quantity surcharge. It's a bogus way of showing the price and it is misleading. Sure there are price differences sometimes between full pallet and short quantity pricing. The manufacturer's price many products to the dealer this way. Just make sure it is being represented correctly when you ask for the price. Make sure the dealer knows your quantity.
5. The obvious question to ask is if the cheap laminate flooring is first quality. Whether you buy first quality, second quality, drop styles or whatever else, that is up to you. The tip here is to ask and get in writing or on the quote or invoice the quality state of the laminate floor.

I know these tips aren't rocket science, but if you learned just one new tip then that's great! Please consider giving us at BecklersCarpet.com in Dalton, GA, a shot at your next laminate flooring project. Whether you are looking for a cheap economy laminate floorcovering, or a high end piano finish product with integral padding, we think we can save you money wherever you live and give fantastic service. Give us a call Monday through Friday until 6pm Eastern or even on Saturday 9am til 4pm, 1-800-232-5537.