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Today, hardwood floors are increasing in popularity, which is why we see the number of flooring manufacturers also increasing. Although carpeting is still a great choice, hardwood floors are extremely durable, strong, they do not promote breathing problems, they are easy to care for, and many times, affordable. If you want new hardwood floors, you definitely want to talk to a number of flooring manufacturers to ensure you are working with someone qualified and getting the best price possible.
Years ago, the options for hardwood floors were somewhat limited but today, you find some incredible materials such as natural cork and bamboo. With cork, the bark of a cork oak is harvested every nine years and then used for a number of applications to include flooring. With bamboo, tall grass grows throughout China and Southeast Asia where it reaches 40 to 50 feet at maturity. The benefit of a bamboo floor is that this type of grass grows in just five years, meaning production time is cut down immensely when compared to other types of wood. Obviously, if you were going to spend good money on flooring, you want to get estimates from a number of flooring manufacturers. During the process of talking to various companies, you want to identify the one that you trust. For this, we recommend you ask for references and then follow up. Additionally, take time to check with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) to ensure there are not any claims still unresolved. Of course, one of the best methods for finding quality, flooring manufacturers is word of mouth. For instance, if you know of someone, perhaps a family member, friend, or co-worker who has recently gone this route, ask the name of the company used. If you do not know of anyone, then check with your local home improvement company, along with a variety of lumberyards. Typically, finding good flooring manufacturers is not difficult but you need to keep one thing in mind – many will use subcontractors to do the work. The best solution would be to have three or four flooring manufacturers come to the property to provide you with a bid. In addition to the consultant, you should receive fair and professional treatment from any staff, whether in person or on the phone. We also suggest you do a little homework on the particular type of material you want. For instance, if you want natural cork or bamboo, get on the internet to understand what would be considered high versus poor quality. This way, when you are dealing with the different flooring manufacturers, you will be able to speak from a position of knowledge, which puts you in control of your purchase. Finally, make sure you understand the guarantee or warranty attached to the type of flooring you choose. Typically, bamboo will come with a lifetime guarantee since the material is strong and durable. Therefore, if you were to work with any flooring manufactures that only offer a 10 to 20-year back up on the product; you should be asking yourself why. |
Installation and Care