Guide to Buying Wood Flooring Online: A Repairman’s Perspective

Hey, fellow DIY-ers! Wood floors - they’re classic, timeless, and bring a comfy, cozy feeling to any room. But buying wood flooring can seem like a minor nightmare if you’re not sure where to start - hardwood, softwood, laminate, oh my! Should you hit up your local hardware store, or can you really buy a decent quality wood floor online?

As a seasoned repairman and hardcore DIYer, I’m here to guide you. Yes, you can absolutely buy it online! As long as you're smart and shop right, you’ve got no worries.

Ready to step into the world of online wood floor shopping? Let's jump right in.

The Benefits of Purchasing Wood Flooring Online

Hello, convenience! Buying any product online offers the luxury of shopping from home. Let's face it, who doesn’t like the idea of purchasing their new flooring in their pajamas while slurping a homemade cappuccino?

Moreover, online retailers provide an almost infinite selection of wood types, finishes, and shades. The breadth of options generally far exceeds what your local shop can offer. Plus, by purchasing online, you can skip the pushy salespeople, take your time, and choose the best fit for your home.

Browsing for the Right Wood

Let’s talk options. There’s a universe of wood options, each with their own charming qualities. Some popular choices include oak, cherry, maple, walnut, teak, and hickory. Don't be afraid to deep dive into the pros and cons of each. For instance, oak is highly durable but may show marks easily. Hickory, on the other hand, is very strong but can create a busy look due to significant color variation.

A Little Dose of Dos and Don’ts

Here are some of my top tips for shopping wood flooring online:

Do...

• Do your homework. Research companies, read reviews, check out their return policies - in essence, do some detective work.
• Hunt for samples. They’re usually free or at a nominal cost. It'd provide a sense of what the wood looks like in person.
• Measure your space accurately. Don't forget, you'll need a touch extra for waste and cuts!

Don’t...

• Fall for unrealistically low prices. Remember the golden rule - if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Rush. Take your time and make the right decision.
• Forget about subfloors and underlay. Sometimes, repairman me has cringed at botched DIY jobs that didn’t consider subfloor needs.

Additional Online Wood Flooring Considerations

A few other things to bear in mind:

• Shipping Costs: Check out the delivery or shipping costs up front. Some suppliers include it in their pricing while others place it separately.
• Warranties: Ideally, you’re looking for a lifetime structural warranty and a nominal finish warranty.
• Environmental Impact: If preserving Mother Earth is important to you (as it should be!), choose companies that source their wood responsibly and have certifications to prove it.

Wrapping Up: Making the Leap

So, folks, there you have it! While the concept of purchasing wood floors online may seem intimidating initially, it certainly isn't rocket science. With proper research, tactful consideration, and a DIY spirit, you’ll breeze through the process.

Just remember my golden rule as a repairman: Wood flooring isn’t just about the aesthetics! It’s an investment for the long haul, so don’t cut corners on quality.

Ready to step up your online shopping game? Get out there, click around, and may you find the wood floor of your dreams!