Floors

The Web is now the new shopping mall for most everything from nuts to bolts. It was hard for me to believe that the internet might be a good place to look for new flooring – particularly ceramic tile. A picture is one thing but how do you know if you’ve gotten the right flooring or tile without seeing it in person?

The short answer is you can’t.

However, by surfing the net you can get some really, really good ideas. All of the flooring manufactures have stunning web pages with professional quality pictures of flooring and tile. They also have some great tips on the other materials that will be need and how to do a self installation.

The main advantage of the internet is you can get a pretty good idea of the true market price. If you can buy the same flooring for 30% less online, even after paying for shipping, then you know the salesman is either has a child with braces on their teeth or one in college. I’m all for higher education and good oral hygiene but not someone else’s kid, particularly on my dime.

By using the web, you can get yourself a game plan before you go flooring shopping at one of those mega home stores or flooring shop. Do your homework online. Have a rough idea of exactly what you’re looking for before you head for the door.

And, be ready to spend more than you expected.

Morgan Jefferson
Reprinted with permission