I think Ann Sacks will send samples. I'm lucky enough to have a showroom here in Dallas and I went down and got some but then I wanted some other colors and the sales person offered to have them Fed Ex'd to me but I drove down and got them. I would definitely call the showroom nearest you. Once I had the samples and the email address for the rep, we did all the buying via online docs and then they just shipped directly from their warehouse to us. We bought twice, first time enough to do some boards and second time enough to do backsplash. The big load came freight as LTL (less than a load) which is pretty standard for stuff like that and they sent a bob cat truck with a pallet dolly to bring them to the house. Painless buying experience, tile was packed perfectly and I think of all the tile we bought, one had a tiny chip. Shipping was not cheap but I don't think it was out of line for any kind of heavy purchase like that.

Our exterior is painted BM Charlotte Slate and have had many ask about the color. It is absolutely more blue than gray. If you use: for trim, white looked harsh with CS. We used a light gray (the name escapes me); it looks almost white, but much, much better than the white did.

All good points everyone. Thanks so much for your input. Shari - SA I am not looking for higher maintenance floors, you bring up a good point re the white. So nobody likes the idea of gray floors? Not sure I like the pale wood tone. Is there another contemporary shade of wood that would go well with modern finishes? Judy - Apparently laminate holds up best with dog claws. And I have a rescue dog, who definitely has claws. I know what you mean though about the thin sound when you walk on cheap laminate. I will be buying AC4 rated, 12mm thick laminate, and my contractors will be using a high grade thick under flooring - as required by the condo management. I am thinking this will help with the clack clack noise you talk about. Carolyn

Try Chic Gray by Behr.