Lumber Liquidators has been in the news quite frequently of late. Last month, we wrote a blog post detailing their troubles with laminate flooring products of theirs containing formaldehyde.
While Lumber Liquidators was dealing with that, they had other troubles happening behind the scenes.
What Happened
Table of Contents [show]In late 2014, the Rose family of Lake Orion, Michigan purchased Morning Star bamboo flooring from Lumber Liquidators for around $11,000. Installation started in February 2015. They hired a contractor named Tom Perry to conduct the installation.
Perry noted problems with the floors within days of starting the install. In his 40 years in the flooring installation business, he?s ?never had issue like this with any kind of flooring? he?s installed.
A salesman told the Rose family that they would not have an issue with the bamboo for 30 years.
The Class Action Lawsuit Against Lumber Liquidators
Stemming from that incident, a class action lawsuit was filed against Lumber Liquidators back in December 2014. The suit claims that Lumber Liquidators has communicated expectations to customers that its bamboo flooring will last 30 years.Yet, Lumber Liquidators still claims ?the product is subject to premature cracking, splitting, warping, and shrinking all well before the warranted useful life.?
The Rose family is considering whether they want to join in on the class action lawsuit and have contacted the firm behind it.
What Lumber Liquidators Said In Response
Lumber Liquidators shot back with a letter to the Rose family blaming the installation and humidity levels for the problems in the home. However, the contractor followed manufacturer specifications for the install and humidity in Michigan is regulated as good as anywhere else.The family has questioned why Lumber Liquidators would sell products in an area where they know humidity is an (alleged) issue.
Lumber Liquidators Statement
Lumber Liquidators released the following statement:?Lumber Liquidators? bamboo products are popular and beautiful flooring options that, like all flooring products, require proper installation and a suitable home environment for peak performance. Lumber Liquidators clearly communicates these processes and requirements to customers at the time of purchase. Nonetheless, we regret Mr. Rose?s experience and sent an inspector to his home. The inspector found that the contractor did not test for moisture as required and failed to install transition strips that allow floating floors to move as intended.
These issues were compounded by humidity levels in the home above 55 percent, a level that?s not only not ideal for flooring, but breeds mold and other health issues. Lumber Liquidators recommends ensuring a thorough understanding of the product instructions before purchase and installation.?
What We Can Learn from the Bamboo Flooring Debacle
The most important lesson that I think we can agree should be learned by all is to do your due diligence when it comes to flooring. Lumber Liquidators has been at the forefront of more than a few problems now and now, a couple of legal battles.Who produces and sells floors matters. That?s why we at Diverse Flooring place our trust in massive North American brands like Mohawk, Armstrong and Preverco, amongst others. These are companies that have invested billions, literally billions into developing their products and making them as great as can possible be.
Heck, take a look at what Mohawk has done with their SmartStrand carpets. That?s impeccable! So remember that your research is important and who you place your trust in will determine whether you walk into the troubles that the Rose family did or you walk away relatively problem-free.
