Flooring Direct

I wish that I could give this company a good review as things started out well. However, the incomplete work and subsequent refusal to correct it, left us with a very negative impression of the company. The initial consult meeting and product selection went fine and they were helpful in trying to find a hardwood floor to match our existing hardwood that had been discontinued. The project consisted of having the carpet on our stairway replaced with wood treads and white risers to match the existing white stringers and side molding. We also had the carpet in the adjoining upstairs play area and hallway replaced with the same wood flooring. We chose to reuse our existing baseboards as the house is less than 2 years old. The crew was careful in removing the existing flooring and baseboards with minimal damage. As far as the carpentry work, the crew showed very nice skill in making tight fits and nice patterns with the flooring. They took 3 full days instead of the 2 days we were told it would take, but this seemed reasonable for the amount of work put into laying the floors. However, my previous positive feelings were negated when I came home to see the finished project. The baseboards upstairs were reinstalled as agreed upon, but they had no caulking. The stairwell also had no caulking despite numerous new joints created by the installed risers and treads. The new white risers were an off white primed-only MDF board. They were scuffed and stained and the nail holes were visible. The project looked unfinished and not the high-end professional look we were assured we were getting during our sales agreement. I had expected there to be some touch ups and cleaning to do, however, I was not expecting that even after cleaning I would have to fully paint all the risers so they have a finished white paint coat. I also was very surprised that no caulking had been used. I even double checked the contract that clearly states quarter round and baseboards will be caulked. I brought this up to our sales agent and he proceeded to give excuse after excuse for why nothing was caulked. He tried to state it was only for “nail holes.” Then he tried to claim it was only in “wet areas.” I explained that caulking was recommended to prevent water damage and bugs as well as for a professional look but I was still denied. Unfortunately, after paying your 50% deposit up front, this company then automatically drafts the final 50% payment on the first day of install, so you have no leverage as a customer. Because we want our house to look finished and professionally done, instead of a DIY project, we spent 2 full days taping out and caulking the entire upstairs room, hallway and staircase. We will then spend another weekend painting the risers and doing touch up paint. My advice to would be customers is that if you are a skilled caulker and painter and don’t mind doing the last 10% of the job yourself, then this company might be for you. If you expect for your project to have a high-end professional look that you can enjoy almost immediately after some minor cleaning and touch up, then you need to avoid this company for your future projects. You will not get your money’s worth.

Flooring Direct installed my hardwood floors and carpet today. We love it! They were very informative and professional. The installation crew did a great job.