Are you shopping for new floors and worried you will make an expensive mistake? Many people feel this way, especially when it is something they have never done. There are so many choices and information to absorb. Here are four more common flooring mistakes to avoid. (If you missed last month’s article, read it at https://aroundwoodstockmagazine.com/archives.)
- Putting too much importance on warranties.
It is becoming more common to see longer warranties on flooring. It is important not to give these warranties excessive consideration. A warranty exists to protect you as the shopper and the manufacturer. The bottom line is a warranty does not cover normal wear and tear on a floor. Most of the time, a warranty covers only defects in the product, such as finish peeling off wood flooring or delamination (coming apart) of carpet. Product defects usually are noticed within the first few months, and problems covered by warranties rarely develop after 20 years. However, it is still advisable to seek a warranty for the installation. - Skimping on installation.
You may purchase the highest quality product on the market, but if it is installed incorrectly, problems will arise, and it will not last as long as intended. It is crucial to research installation methods. Considering the substantial investment in new floors, proper installation is paramount. When selecting an installer, ensure their familiarity with the specific product and their experience in handling it. You want your investment to last for years, so don’t cheat yourself by cutting corners with installation.The best installers usually do not install a wide variety of products; they specialize in certain areas, showcasing their expertise as true craftsmen. - Choosing a product based on a small sample.
Choosing the right color and shade for your new floor is very important. It should complement your home and create an aesthetically pleasing environment. Relying solely on a 2-inch sample makes it challenging to accurately assess the color’s appearance. Whenever feasible, aim to view a larger piece of carpet, wood, tile, etc., to gain a better understanding of how the color will work within your house. - Accounting for carpet seams.
Carpet seams are necessary when joining two pieces of carpet. The difficulty of concealing seams depends on the type of carpet. For example, Berber style is the most challenging, while shag is the easiest. Patterned carpets require additional consideration for seam alignment, as you want the pattern to match. Certain types of carpet may require purchasing more material to achieve the most visually pleasing results, which increases project costs.Regardless, carpets will have seams. As the customer, it is your responsibility to ensure that you choose an experienced installer who knows how to minimize the visibility of seams when working with different carpet types.
– Elisabeth Stubbs is one of the owners of Enhance Floors & More, one of Atlanta’s top-rated flooring dealers, located in Marietta.
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