If you're replacing a worn floor or doing it as part of a larger renovation project, you may be able to save a considerable amount of money by picking up discount hardwood flooring. But the results you get can vary, depending on the reason for the discount.
Let's look at three of the most common reasons that hardwood flooring might be offered at a discount.
Discontinued Stock
Most major flooring manufacturers, such as Bruce, Armstrong and BR111, change certain products in their lineup on a fairly regular basis. They may introduce a new series of hardwood flooring, using a new species or a different grade of an existing species, and often when this happens they will discontinue an older or less popular product to make room in the lineup.
These discontinued products are often sold at a significant discount to clear out the remaining stock.
This can be a good way to get a high grade hardwood floor for considerably less than you would normally spend. But there are two reasons you might want to think twice:
- You may not be able to get more of that series for future repairs or further renovations
- The style could be a little out of date, which could be a problem if you decide to sell your home
Damaged Stock
Hardwood flooring can sometimes be damaged during shipping or handling in the warehouse. In some cases this can be simple damage to the outer packaging, while in other cases it might be physical damage to the flooring itself.
This damaged stock is often sold cheap rather than just disposing of it.
The amount of damage will dictate how cheap it is, as well as whether or not you should consider it. If it's just damage to the packaging, there's no reason you shouldn't use it. If the flooring itself is damaged, it will depend on how severe it is.
If the damage is mainly to the ends of the planks, it might be fine to use in corners, edges or other places where the panels will have to be cut anyway. If the damage is more significant, it's probably not worth the discount.
Going Out Of Business
If a flooring supplier is closing the doors, they will often discount whatever stock they have left. This can be a good way to find deals on flooring, but you have to keep in mind that they will not be there to support you after they shut down.
If the flooring is a current series from a major brand, it shouldn't be a problem getting more if you need it, or getting any questions answered. But if it is discontinued or an in-house brand, you might be left high and dry if you need more for some reason in the future.