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Saturday, June 29th
2024 Flooring Company Reviews
Menard's
- Ship-to-store offered
- How-to's and buying guides
- "Ray's list" bargains offered
A Midwest staple, you'll likely know money from their commercial advertising presence ("save big money at Menard's" ), while less ubiquitous than their larger country-wide competitors, Menard's is well represented in the Midwest, and especially Wisconsin (from which it originates). While we ultimately found Menard's to be slightly worse-off than their non-regional competitors, they may still be worth your consideration if there is a Menard's close to you. As such, here's how we came to their review.
A nice selection with frequent bargains
Menard's is by no means lacking when it comes to product variety, and they have the exact same selection as their larger competitors, which includes cork, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and gym and garage flooring. While you can order these online, Menard's has many physical locations, so it may be worth your while to see if there are any store-specific pricing and deals as well. Menard's also has a "Ray's list" bargain section, which often includes significant discounts on flooring and related items. However, their "Ray's list" bargain section is quite difficult to navigate, and requires a significant amount of scrolling to find what you're looking for.
Good buying guide, bad website
Menard's buying guide is comprehensive, and contains almost everything you need to know about buying, installation, and care for all their floor types. We strongly appreciate the informative material's Menard's provides, however, when compared to more high-rated companies' on our list, Menard's guides are harder to read, and the huge-font Green-on-white color scheme with oversized pictures makes it annoying to navigate. In short, we appreciate the information, but we think Menard's would do well to pay a bit more attention to overall design and readability/accessibility of their guides, and their website overall.
Ship-to-store offered
Like other retailers with physical locations, Menard's offers in person pickup for free, meaning that you can save some significant money on large and/or heavy orders that may otherwise cost quite a significant amount in shipping. One thing we do not appreciate is that Menard's does not disclose shipping or delivery costs until you have completed checkout, which requires you give them your contact information. Even if you choose not to create an account, you will need to enter your address and contact information to determine the price. While small, this minimal foot-in-the-door technique is not appreciated by us; we prefer that companies' give all relevant information before they ask for contact info and the like.
Uncertified and an "F" rating
Even as a slightly-smaller regional retailer than its larger competitors on our list, Menard's still succumbs to their common Achilles heel: poor and variable service from both its customer service departments, and the independent contractors they hire for delivery. Reviewing the Better Business Bureau, Menard's has an "F" rating (maybe due in part that they aren't registered with them), and a 1.11 rating out of 258 customer reviews.
Poor customer reviews as well
Customer reviews regarding flooring report cracked hardwood, and difficulty contacting customer service. Difficulty contacting customer service is likely due to the fact that Menard's does not have a phone number for customer service. As such, you are only able to email them should something go wrong. All in all, customer reviews paint a poor picture of Menard's in responding to faulty products and customer complaints.
Not Recommended for big orders
While Menard's has all of the downsides of a major retailer, they have fewer positives than competitors. With no customer service line to call and difficulties with shipping contractors, all in all there is nothing especially compelling about their service, and-it seems-a slow response time should anything go wrong with delivery or installation. As such, while they may be worth your while if there is one close to you and you can pick up your small to mid-sized order in store, don't go out of your way to purchase your flooring from Menards.
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Where Can You Find the Best Flooring Retailers Online?
Online flooring companies have gained popularity as excellent places to buy flooring due to several compelling reasons. First and foremost, these platforms offer an extensive selection of flooring options, encompassing various materials, styles, colors, and patterns. This vast diversity provides customers with a broad spectrum of choices, allowing them to find the perfect flooring solution to match their specific needs and preferences.
While many flooring companies attest to the quality and care they place in their product, not all are created equal. We've winnowed the wheat from the chaff to find not only the best out there, but to offer a few helpful tips for you as well.
Continue reading below
Flooring Company FAQ
Flooring offers so many options, from traditional wall-to-wall carpeting to newer materials like bamboo. Other popular flooring types are laminate, tile, ceramic, hardwood, engineered hardwood, and vinyl.
That's a great question. Your first consideration is probably location: you wouldn't want carpet in a kitchen or bathroom, for example! Think about the type of use you anticipate having in that room. Next, decide how durable you need your flooring to be; this is especially important in high-traffic areas and if you have pets whose nails might damage easily-scratched flooring types. And, of course, you can't forget aesthetic appeal and budget!
The answer is obvious: you want to have as many options as possible to choose from, and you want the best price. Buying your flooring through an online retailer gives you both - with the added advantage of not dealing with a pushy salesperson in your home or at the store.
Quite often, yes. If you're buying from a retailer that is strictly internet-based, they don't have the overhead of a brick-and-mortar store and so they pass the savings along to you. Even with shipping/delivery costs, you'll likely save a significant amount of money when compared with local flooring stores.
No! That's certainly an option, but you can always hire a professional to install the materials you've purchased.
The best measurements are done by an expert, no surprise there. Believe it or not, some online flooring companies will send out a certified flooring consultant or estimator to take measurements - for free! If you already have an installer lined up, you can also ask if they'll do the measuring before you place the order. Otherwise, most online flooring websites have plenty of how-tos to measure the area on your own and determine how much you'll need in order to cover the space. (Expect that there will be a certain amount of extra product, since you can't usually order the precise quantity of materials to finish the job.)
Absolutely! Most companies have help lines you can call, email or live chat to get answers to all of your flooring-related questions. You can get recommendations for the type of flooring you're considering, find out what tools you'll need to install it yourself, or any other information you need before - and after! - placing your order.
Most of the time, yes, but with certain restrictions. You can usually return and get a refund for any unopened items, like a full box of ceramic tile or hardwood planks. Some retailers will charge a restocking fee, and you could be on the hook for return shipping fees if the flooring store doesn't have a brick-and-mortar location near you.
Continued from above...
Following the many supply chain issues of the pandemic, lumber (and building materials more generally) can be more expensive than ever. If you're going to be spending the money to renovate your home, or require bulk flooring for your business or a specific project, then you want to be sure as to not only the quality of the product, but the support you'll receive as a customer.
Though vinyl seems to be all the rage these days - many of us are familiar with the "landlord special" of flat white paint and lowest-cost gray vinyl - the best flooring companies today offer multiple potential installations for your home, from glossy laminate to luxurious hardwoods, tile, and even specialty floors such as high-impact gym floors and cork.
While shipping is important for all online retailers, it is especially important for flooring, as costs can often balloon simply due to the weight of materials you order. Many large retailers offer on-site pick-up or store delivery, and that can help you save a significant amount if you have the space to haul your order from the store to your home or renovation site. In short, be sure to check shipping costs for each supplier before you order, and also keep in mind that if shipping is advertised as "free" , they may be more than making up for it in the actual cost of the boards.
Convenience is another standout feature of online flooring companies. You can browse and purchase flooring materials from the comfort of your own home, eliminating the need for time-consuming visits to traditional stores. This convenience is particularly advantageous for individuals with busy schedules or those who may not have easy access to local flooring retailers.
Moreover, online flooring companies often offer competitive pricing. Lower overhead costs compared to traditional brick-and-mortar stores enable them to provide cost-effective options to customers. Additionally, many online retailers frequently feature discounts, promotions, or bundle deals that can result in significant savings for buyers.
One specific thing to watch out for when buying flooring online is this: some less-than-reputable retailers will disguise high-pressure sales pitches as informative "consultations" to get you to order overpriced materials. In short, an ounce of research is worth a pound down the line.
So, what can you use to decide which online flooring retailer is going to be your best bet? There are a lot of them out there, and it can get overwhelming quickly. Here are some criteria that can make the experience a little more worry-free:
- Variety: The more types of flooring a retailer carries, the more likely you are to find what you've got in mind. Look for a store that has multiple options of the flooring type you're considering, spanning several brands and color choices.
- Installation: Many major flooring retailers offer installation, but keep in mind this installation can vary in terms of quality. If you aren't installing the flooring yourself, take some time to look into who the retailer contracts to do the work and see if there's any customer feedback there.
- Educational materials: The best retailers on our list offer how-to guides and educational materials on almost every element of flooring. If you are buying and/or looking to install yourself and don't know where to start, the free buying and care guides provided can be an excellent resource.
- Returns: It's no surprise that things can go wrong with flooring. It can get left in a warehouse too long and warp/crack, it can come with manufacturing defects in the boards, or maybe they don't even ship you the right materials. Be sure you know your retailer's return policy before you click the "place order" button. If you might need to take advantage of returns and have a large order, inspect your boards on delivery, and be sure to note any defects when signing the proof of delivery form. Doing so will help you take advantage of your return in the long run.
Flooring can be a significant expense for your business or home renovation, so it pays to find a good, reliable supplier who works with you when something goes wrong. Top Consumer Reviews has done the legwork to find the most reputable flooring retailers out there today, and we're confident that this research will be helpful as you decide where to spend your hard-earned cash on new flooring!
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