On my way to a tool store picking up a wheel based ruler to measure distance, I saw this sign Lumber Liquidators next door. How Odd?
The store front displaces some of the lower priced flooring product price at rock bottom price. I doubt one can find that low price elsewhere. The display room was very organized with hard wood flooring throughout the show room. I told the salesperson I was just browsing.
He explained to me about their product line, laminated, engineered, hadscapped hardwood. I will skip the nickel dime materials and examined their ~10% real wood- 90% backing (.75" thick) cherry color from bamboo material to mahogany. The salesperson said they have teak(Thailand) floor. The quality is pleasing. I asked for rosewood they got that also. Rosewood is very hard and is more scratch resistant Not sure I saw anything less than $10/sf on any of them. They even label year of life as 35 year. It was explained that was the structure integrity life of the wood products.
In addition to traditional floor stores, they stock exotic flooring materials like rust resistant, barn, driftwood, real cork(sponge) flooring. The even have maple flooring. One thing about hardwood flooring. While solid hardwood can be ground down as saw dust, the engineered wood may be difficult to recycle. Most have Al2O3(aluminum oxide) finish which is probably not cool to use as firewood. I just wonder how they recycle them at waste disposal.
I avoided the lower grade of laminated material as I do not recommend to any clients use them. My feeling is if a customer wants to pay rock bottom price he is likely to get what some inconsistent quality. To reduce cost one has to cut corners in specification relaxation etc. Whether it is laminated, carpet, new car upholstery. It out-gasses chemicals used in the process like mad. I prefer to leave new car windows open. Some people even enjoy smelling the chemicals inside a new car thinking it smells good.
I also enclosed a link on the experience with their products.
Lumber Liquidators is a public traded company (LL). It claims it bypass the middle man to deal direct to get the cost low. Its stock price was stellar until recent months. The company stock jumped 10% after a quarterly loss. They have a new ceo from exisitng board.
If you are interested in purchasing or selling your home in Silicon Valley, CA. Feel free to contact Sam Shueh (408) Four-Two-Five 1601.
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