Your dream flooring may be limited by supply chain disruptions. Availability of building products are fluctuating due to the changes in the global market from Covid and shifting product demands. A large quantity of hardwood, marble, and porcelain is produced or sourced in Europe’s forests and quarries. Shippers fill their containers with appliances and cars due to the higher profit margin before they take flooring with a lower profit margin. Made in America has taken on a whole new meaning for creating jobs, for self-supporting communities, and for American pride. American made products are readily available.
Flooring brands made in the USA include:
- Alterna by Armstrong (luxury vinyl tile)
- Anderson (prefinished hardwood)
- Mannington (vinyl flooring only)
- Marmorette by Armstrong (linoleum)
- Mullican (prefinished hardwood)
- Oshkosh (prefinished hardwood)
- Shaw (prefinished hardwood, carpet, vinyl)
- Sheoga (prefinished hardwood)
- Summit (prefinished hardwood)
- Virginia Vintage (prefinished hardwood)
- US Floors (cork flooring)
Sustainable woods last a lifetime. Oak floors are one of the most sustainable woods because United States Forest management and protection programs make sure these trees are regularly replanted in forests. Additionally, oak has a smaller carbon footprint and releases fewer toxic emissions during the manufacturing process than other options. Other environmentally friendly products include bamboo, cork, linoleum, recycled materials, and engineered hardwoods. Salespeople that can educate consumers about the risks and benefits of each product is an important factor in selecting a flooring store.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews on the website of the flooring company and through quick yelp or google should paint a picture of consumer response. Read for satisfaction level, work completion time frames, rehire score, and how specific problems were handled by the flooring store.
Written Contracts
Written contracts should be transparent including cost, all materials for installation, time frame to completion, business (liability) and team insurance (workman’s compensation), and warranty. A good warranty will depend on the products selected and the policy of the flooring company doing the installation and maintenance. Make sure you get a written warranty, and you understand exactly what is covered, what is not covered, and how long it lasts. If the flooring company does not offer any warranty, it should set off warning bells in your head.
Design
Design is the fun part of flooring. As you wander around the store get a feel for how products will look in your home. Bring basic measurements, including closet sizes, to let you estimate the cost of your project. Pictures of your rooms will let you lay the flooring sample on the picture to get a feel for the impact of different styles. Flooring company staff will be able to advise you about the risks and benefits of different products. Most good flooring companies will bring the samples to your home and finalize the contract with their measurements to provide you with an accurate price.