Finding Quality Flooring Products
Quality Flooring from FCI Cincinnati East
One issue that flooring customers wrestle with is where to buy their flooring materials. The big box stores seem to have incredibly low prices compared to some independent flooring retailers.
However, buyer beware. Not all flooring material is created equal.
For example, the other day we were chatting with one of our sales reps who had stopped by at our studio to update us on the latest trends in tile. “How is it possible that some of the flooring in these big-box stores is so doggone inexpensive?” we asked him. “Is it just that they buy in such large quantities that they can offer low prices?”
“Well,” the rep replied, “you have to be careful when shopping at one of those stores.”
“For example, consider that porcelain tile over there,” he said, indicating a display rack of one brand of tile that we offer. “Porcelain is rated for scratch-resistance on a Mohs scale. It goes from 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest. The range from 7 to 10 is commercial grade, which means it is suitable for installation at businesses. Now, that tile over there is rated a 7, so it’s suitable for light commercial and so is very durable in a private home, where it will typically last a really long time. Oftentimes, the porcelain tile at the big-box stores is rated about a 2, which means that in a couple of years, wear patterns will begin to appear in high-traffic areas.”
Many of our tile display boards have a list of specs on the back of the board, so it’s really easy to see just what quality you’re getting. However, it’s sometimes difficult to find the specs at a big-box store. One way is to write down the product number and then go to the store’s Web site and look up the specs there.
Of course, that’s kind of hard to do while shopping in the store. Wonder why….
The Mohs scale is just one way to rate tile. There are a number of ways to evaluate tile, including a PEI scale that indicates strength. Here is an excellent article on ceramic and porcelain tile from Better Homes and Gardens.
Of course there are measures of quality for all types of flooring, from hardwood to carpet to luxury vinyl tile. Feel free to contact the experts at Floor Coverings International for assistance on finding just the right quality of material for your home or business. We have more than 20 years of experience in flooring. Go to our Website and find a store near you.
-Katie Fitzgerald, president, Floor Coverings International, Cincinnati East