Shopping For Hardwood Floors?

From Local Retailers, Big Box, To The Internet

Times have changed for hardwood floor shopping. Local retailers don't have the Shopping for hardwood floors luxury they had twenty years ago when few big box stores were on the map and competition was slim. Now that the internet has proven viable for great savings with large purchases, some are choosing this newest form of shopping by a considerable margin.

However there are many that prefer Home Depot or Lowe's. Since our last update on this page, the big box stores have increased their selections by adding some of the manufacturers we list on our site. Prior to those years we never considered them a good choice due to limited selection.

Unfortunately with the larger chains, obtaining what you want takes far longer than going through a local dealer or the internet. Local folks deal with distributors that run trucks several days of the week, or more depending on where you live. In other words, select something on a Wednesday for example, chances are good the product will be available to you before the weekend.

We should add one caveat however. As of this site update (November 2011) manufacturers and distributors have cut their stocking inventory because of the slow economy. Some products can take upwards of weeks to a month to obtain. This relates to practically all manufacturers and spills down into all distribution channels including the internet. Once the construction market improves shortages should be less prevalent.

Knowledge And Service. Before and After The Sale

Knowledge from local dealers cannot be beat. If they can’t answer a concern or

question, they have their distributors to turn to, who have local sales reps calling on them. It’s their job to support dealers by assisting in any way needed. Unfortunately this is not the case with big box stores nor the internet in relation to personnel and immediate service should problems rise.

Many will find local retailers still provide far better selections than that of the big box stores. They definitely have better informed people to help in your design needs. We do suggest looking for retailers that specialize in hardwood flooring. Those that specialize will offer more alternatives opposed to many with limited knowledge of hardwood flooring choices. Imagine yourself visiting a friend that may have the look you can die for, yet it’s too late.

Related Pages:

• Everybody's An Expert - Who to believe?
• Hardwood Floors At Home Depot
• Buy Hardwood Over The Internet?