Posted by Kay on August 02, 19104 at 20:24:51:
In Reply to: Re: ordering off the internet posted by Patrick on August 02, 19104 at 18:24:38:
I have to tell you Patrick, my sister's fiance works at Lowe's, and he hates Pergo. He said he has had more problems with that brand buckling and warping, etc. and then having to deal with the manufacturer, which he indicated was also a problem. He told me NEVER to buy Pergo. He does like Armstrong though. Also, since I have people here who know how to lay it and stuff, I am not so much worried about service. I want quality, and I want a good price. I'm curious about something though, since Europeans invented laminates, and most laminates are made in European countries, why are people over here not as up on European brands? I'm not trying to be difficult, just making an observation.
: Price, quality, service. Pick any 2.
: I just want to make sure everyone knows that you cannot get all 3, and if things sound too good to be true, then it probably is.
: Ordering over the internet can save some money (there is no arguing there), but you may give up service, or be misinformed.*****************
I have been trying to do some pretty extensive research. I haven't been able to find anything bad about Balta/Balterio, and I have searched some UK links as well. People over there seem to think pretty highly of it, but I don't know if I'm looking in the right places.***********
: All laminate manufacturers have different levels of quality starting at good, then better, then best. If you live the lifestyle that can make a good product last, then a good product is a reasonable price. If you want to more "live" on the floor, then a better quality would be better. If you want maximum results from common things, than the best would be the wisest choice.
: I happen to usually recommend to ALL clients the major manufacturers.
: Pergo
: Wilsonart
: Witex
: Quickstep
: Armstrong
: Allock
: Mannington
: There is a reason I do that. For 8 years, I have had great success with their products and service.
: If you can find someone online who will have lower overhead of these products and you can get it cheaper that way, then go for it.
: If there is some other company who is new in the laminate business, and you want to take a risk on their warranties and service, then you will just be taking a chance, that's all.
: For instance, I could make a laminate floor that is durable, but maybe not as stable as most products, or not as moisture resistant either, and I may not have excellent quality control, or the best core, or tounge and groove system.
: In other words, I may not make a floor as dent or scratch or moisture resistant, it may be harder to install, and have more warped boards.
: But it will be cheap, and I will slap a huge warranty on it, because I plan on closing up shop in 5 years anyhow.
: I am not saying all companies can be like this, I am just putting in a couple cents on the subject..***********
I'm not sure, but I think they've been making floors for a long time. (I'm still working on finding out about that.) They are a Belgian company, and that's where most of the stuff comes from anyway. That's where they make Armstrong. There is one company here that has a video of their six year old grandson installing it, so I don't think that'll be a problem. Of the people who do sell it, I have heard nothing bad about it. And, most places it is not cheap. It is comparable to Armstrong or Pergo or some of the other laminates you mentioned, but at internet floors, it is significantly less expensive. I don't know why. Maybe they buy direct from the manufacterer and get a really good deal, and pass it along. Also, it is on sale right now. Once the sale is over, who knows how much it will cost?***************
: I would recommend the manufacturers listed above at the best price you can find it for.************
Thanks. I will take that under advisement. :)