Stay away from Lumber Liquidators...

14 years ago

Live in NJ with full basement; chose to replace w-w carpeting, laying hardwoods. Chose Brazilian Chestnut prefinished 3/8 thick hardwoods from Lumber Liquidators, and used their suggested 'professional' installation service network. Installer required additional subfloor over our plywood base to match up with other flooring (tile & carpet). Done in February. Within THREE MONTHS (May)many cracks in top appeared, now there are about 40 which are up to 15" in length. Other areas are cupped, and then other areas (400 sq. ft. total in 2 rooms) are SEVERELY buckled creating dangerous situations. Independent appraiser said all conditions in home are fine; we have been offered total replacement, BUT are not sure what the problem is; appraisal report not yet shared. Our home has never had any 'moisture' problems, we'll see what happens. Although they followed up regularly, I think their grade of product and level of installers leaves alot to be desired. In summary, SHOP ELSEWHERE and read their warranty very carefully. Luckily,these rooms (formal living & dining room) need not be used by us.

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Comments (3)

floorguy
14 years ago
We all could have told you that.

It sounds like an acclimation issue. Where the wood gained normal moisture from the normal living conditions inside your home, swelling it across the grain, after it was installed tight. But then again, I don't know what the humidity level gradient from the basement to the upper living space, is.

Sounds like the case of installers that did not know what a moisture meter, or a thermo-hygrometer were. Two very important must have tools of the trade, no one wants to pay for, or learn how to use properly.

Just get it in as fast as you can and get paid, is what this country has turned into. There is a lack of PRIDE in ones craft, which is a direct result of the illegal aliens, lowering incomes for the true craftsmen, where they to have to gun and run too, to stay competitive, with the outrageously low prices that are being used today, compared to the rise in the cost of living.

But then again, you didn't go to Lumber Liquidators, to pay the highest price. Someone that knows what they are doing, and takes pride in their work, will not be subcontracting to Lumber Liquidators, period!
wildebloem
14 years ago
It sounds as if maybe the florring may not have been properly acclimated to your house before it was installed? One of our local flooring companies hurriedly installed a floor (cumaru, in fact) to coincide with the opening of their new showroom. The floor shows the nastiest cracks. Bless their pointed heads, they are leaving their mess to show clients what happens to an improperly installed floor.

And was the subfloor properly done? February to May can have tremendous changes in humidity where I live, so if the wood/subfloor was incorrectly installed in February, we would definitely see problems in the floor by May.

I have been considering using Lumber Liquidators. I do not know details of their warranty yet, but I am surprised they would warranty anything aside from their product. Sounds like at least they stand behind their warranty, which is a plus in my mind. Still, I would love to hear more of your complaint as you find out. We are just now getting to the flooring of our house.
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janewagner
Original Author
14 years ago
Going away for 3 weeks and will keep you posted-- it seems we are obliged to use same installer & LL again, but we may consider switching to engineered wood, which is said to be more flexible with moisture variations. We also are demanding that installer use the thermo-hygrometer. Thanks for identifying this, floorguy.

Stay away from Lumber Liquidators...

Comments (3)

floorguy

wildebloem

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Stay away from Lumber Liquidators...

Comments (3)

floorguy

wildebloem

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janewagnerOriginal Author

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janewagner
Original Author