Bought a roll of fairly (to me anyway) pricey armstrong flooring at HD in Jan. Finally got around to laying it. Ordered 24 ft exactly (19″ more than needed) to enable matching the pattern. Got shorted 2 inches which made us need to put a 1″ splice under the cabinet toespace to get the pattern to match at a crosswise seam down the midddle of the 15×24 ft room.
took the receipt into HD and they gave us a 10% adjustment , which was almost $100, so wasn’ too upset anymore. Probably would have been really upset in a job for hire with an irate customer v. PO’s self.
Replies
Art, just be glad they didn't refund you .69% (2/288).
Jon Blakemore
RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
What, You didn't use pallets?
Just kidding. :)
Na na-na-na-na na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na na-na-na-na !
I need somebody to help me say it one time!
Just kidding? I'm surprised Art didn't build a lumber mill to take care of the job. He could park it next to the drill rig, and the Cat, and the...Speaking of which, what ever happened to Bob Smasler?
Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
What, You didn't use pallets?
That actually was the first thought as I have a big stack of 12 ft 3x4 oak and maple bowling alley slices I could have ripped for flooring.
We redid the kitchen after 33 years and put in maple countertops (from salvaged free bowling alley maple).
DW deceided that with the wood countertops, teak cabinets (some from an old Navy cruiser), and the existing wood beam and car deck ceiling, a wood floor would be too much wood, so opted for off white vinyl flooring. Had enough old bowling alley maple to have done a maple floor too. Ach well.
Man that Maple floor sounds good. I have a buddy who had a buddy that built a work bench out of that.
Na na-na-na-na na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na na-na-na-na !I need somebody to help me say it one time!
Where do you keep all that stuff?
I have to throw a lot of interesting stuff away 'cause I have just no good place to put it or keep track of it.
"A job well done is its own reward. Now would you prefer to make the final payment by cash, check or Master Card?"
I 'keep' some of it at Luka's, but think now he refers to a few year old pile of laminated oak as a 'compost' pile <G>
Going to PHL next Monday evening and driving up to Princeton, then returning the 31st. If you are up north of Philly along Hwy 1 or 95, send me an e-mail, maybe I could come by some evening and meet you and yours.
Even though my mom always told me not to talk to strangers . . . and the folks here do seem strange . . .
I am nearby I95 and I'll shoot you an e-mail. There are a couple of good pubs nearby too we could stop in. Maybe grab a beer and you can meet my misses.
"A job well done is its own reward. Now would you prefer to make the final payment by cash, check or Master Card?"
I was about to say something about that !=0)I just finished "re-staging" the cockpit plywood yesterday. It was getting wet where it was, and I staged it under cover so it will dry before I use it.Still haven't figured out what to do for the driveway fill. Busted concrete and/or asphalt, (roads, sidewalks, etc waste)... It's a looooong way out to my place. Anyone that has the stuff wants a delivery charge, and if I drive the truck in there to get it, it costs a lot in gas. Either way, it is cheaper just to go to the gravel pit nearby and pay 20 bucks a ton.That has gone up, too. Used to be 20 bucks a pickup load. No matter what size yer pickup was. Now it's 20 bucks a ton. I carried three tons of gravel in that pickup, on several occassions.
All matter is created in the stars. We are stardust. We are golden.we are... Nuclear waste.
Sounds like a perfect pair HD and the do it yourselfer. You got shorted two inches by HD and that made you one inch short of your wall. So you think one extra inch is enough xtra. 19" for pattern match is not part of your xtra it is required for your job. You must have learned to install vinyl at the HD school. Just gotta give credit where credit is due this is not a HD error this is an estimator error.
Welcome, as seeing this is your first post.
Learned by doing. A 2 inch shortage on delivery is HD error, the estimate and measurement was correct.
As you apparently are a vinyl install expert, would appreciate your sharing how one goes about looking at the inside end of the roll to see if it is the same pattern as the outer end at the 18" pattern interval? Carefully cut the cardboard tube away?
View ImageSpeak the truth, or make your peace some other way.
Not a vinyl expert. My father was a warranty rep for a vinyl manufacterer. So I've been roped into my fair share of these. I only think when you have a complaint about a bussiness it should be legitimate. Even if it is a company with such an awful customer service reputation. You may be correct that HD did short you two inches. But you are saying that you only planned for 1 inch of waste, in my opinion thats just nuts. If you want to know how you go about estimating sheet goods of any kind: first you take the longest length of your space then add a few inches (I would add at least three). You do this for every cut. Then you add your pattern reapeat for every cut starting with the second cut. There is no need to know where the pattern will fall in the roll middle. You calculate for waste. I personally will often even add an extra foot or two to accomadate for scuffing in delivery. You may feel like this is a lot of waste but hey you came up an inch short. If I am reading your question wrong and you are asking about stretch in the pattern that you can not realign well that may be a manufacturing defect. Some seams you can pull around a little. I have been shorted several feet of sheet goods on special order material.
Jason,I think you picked the wrong do-it-yourselfer to pick on.
Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
I gotta admit, I'm curious about this vinyl stuff too. My tape show 24' at 24' If yur a vinyl install expert, you got a special tape that measures 24' as 23'10"?
Where can I git me one of those?
"A job well done is its own reward. Now would you prefer to make the final payment by cash, check or Master Card?"
Vinyl does not stretch. Your tape doesn't either. I guess carpenters only by the exact board feet of of wood they need, forget the knots and sapwood and damaged pieces. Hey run to Home Depot and get me another board will ya.
Juust so I have this all straight, yur now bustin on all carpenters on a site popalated by tons of carps?
Scratchin my head on that one, fur sure.
Oh, n' afore I fergit, what board do you want from the Depot?
Thing is, when I order #1 8' long. I expect grade stamped 8' long lumber. Knots or not, they're 8' long. I don't write 9' so I can have lumber that's actually 8'.
Maybe vinyl is different, I don't know.
"A job well done is its own reward. Now would you prefer to make the final payment by cash, check or Master Card?"
No I'm absolutly not busting on carpenters. I'm attempting to point out most construction trades calculate waste. When you frame a house that requires 450 2*4's you may estimate for more, how much is based on your own techniques. How you block/brace frame corners all effects the total consumed product. I was attempting to point out how these things work in other trades. The contention in this thread is that Home Depot Sucks because they cut a piece of vinyl 2 inches short on a 24' cut. So the problem is there is a seam in front of the cabinet. If the seam was unneccessary than it was un-professional to install. So now you have a job that is imperfect.......Who's fault is it.......I personally think it is unwise to order a non-returnable product in those tolerances. The vinyl could have been brought back before cutting to get a new piece of the correct size. The fact that the vinyl was installed makes it an installation error. When someone makes a mistake ordering a product not within a reasonable tolerance, then installs it, then goes on a national website to complain about how his installation is the fault of a 2" error on the part of a dealer is just weak. Personally I like to keep my mistakes to myself. By the way I only ever did any flooring as a kid. I am a GC and a proffesional carpenter. Sorry to everyone that my post was condesending and harsh.
Edited 3/23/2006 12:10 am ET by Jason99
i'm with you...these guys probably told their shop steward on you :)"I hate quotations. Tell me what you know" Ralph Waldo Emerson
How about hitting return every five or so lines, makes it a lot easier to read.
I have to agree with what you say but you might tone it down a little, in your face is very appropriate here sometimes but most tend to save that til justified.
Thanks, Bob
>>"I am a GC and a proffesional carpenter. Sorry to everyone that my post was condesending and harsh. "
'pology accepted.
Anyway, I think I got something valuable from this thread.
(1) Measure the goods before installation 'cause whomever you buy from, if the guy taking the goods off the big roll screws up, he's not the one takin the lumps.
(2) Order a little extra in case of scuffed or otherwise unusable materials.
(3) there's plenty of opportunity on this site to be condescending and harsh so don't jump the gun if there's no chance it could give the rest of the guys & gals a good chuckle. ;-)
"A job well done is its own reward. Now would you prefer to make the final payment by cash, check or Master Card?"
there's plenty of opportunity on this site to be condescending and harsh so don't jump the gun if there's no chance
Yeah ... don't jump the gun to be insulting. If this isn't the right time, another chance will come along real soon.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
1. If you note in the original post mentioned that if it was a 'for hire' (by definition 'professional') it would have been a big bucks loss as would have been compelled by ethics to tear it up and re-install.
That is the beauty of DIY, one can live with small errors that are hidden even is on the part of someone else.
It definetly was my error for not unrolling the entire 200+ pound roll and checking the length. I was pleasantly surprised at the $100 partial refund, all I asked for was the $8 that the 2 inches were worth, so did not intend to bash HD, simply a 'beware' post.
2. vinyl warranty, serious query. Years ago, bought some 12 inch sq vinyl tile that were about $2 sq ft , not cheap stuff - over a 15 year period, many of the tiles near the air register (HP, so only 100F air) SHRANK anywhere from 1/64th to 1/32 inch, leaving noticeable gaps - what is the mechanism or chemistry behind that shrinkage?
The asphalt asbestos tile I installed as a teenager in the 50's in Mom's house still has not shrunk, although a couble of corners have cracked up after over 50 years.
I'm with you on this one. I always order extra. In the case of lumber, it can be used elsewhere or taken back. In the case of vinyl...well, i'd rather have a scrap of extra than not enough.
I think some of the crowd jumped on ya because of the tone of your posting. Plus Junkhound has been around here so long, they'd hate to see a newbie (to the forum) jump on him. Stick around and give 'em time and the hackles will go back down ;)
Personally, I'm shocked that Junkhound would have bought anything from HD! I thought he had just about everything in his warehouses by now. :)
jt8
"When you take charge of your life, there is no longer need to ask permission of other people or society at large. When you ask permission, you give someone veto power over your life." -- Geoffrey F. Abert
you might want to check profiles and do some serch work 'cause I believe yer busting on the wrong body..Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I read the profile saw the thousands of posts. Maybe I'm jumping into your playground and taking a stab at the wrong guy. Sorry if that was irritating. Just because I have not posted here does not mean I haven't been around the block. I enjoy slamming Home Depot as much as the next guy. Ordering any building material without factoring in for waste just doesn't make sense.
it's the way you did it..Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Well, since I'm the complete a$$hole who started the 150-post discussion about the HD cashier who didn't bow and scrape to my every wish, I'll be the first to jump in here and commend HD for givinbg you a partial refund after 60 days. That was decent of them.
Oops ... my error ...it's up to 270 posts.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Edited 3/22/2006 11:33 pm ET by FastEddie
Oops ... my error ...it's up to 270 posts.
Just to kick the bigbox azz.................
Man, I'm still laughing.
Corporate business today measures everything by the size of the silver dollar.
See what happens when you buy NEW stuff?
Joe H
Yeah, I should have put down the maple or oak for a floor. Heck, I don't even pay for a car what I paid for the vinyl.
The left over 4 extra yards ( see, I did order more than needed <G>) will get used as roofing on my next $2.00 shed)
I wonder if armstrong will honor a warranty on vinyl flooring used as roofing???
Edited 3/23/2006 7:59 am ET by junkhound
Only if the roof is properly vented.
Joe H
speaking of a shed.
ya oughtta see the one I have coming.
big ol' panel van 22ft long and 10ft high, sliding doors in the front and dual swing outs in the back. Shelving already in the thing.
Not a runner but the buddy just can't scrap it from sentimental value so he needs a place to park it.
be thinking this one will be designated plumbing and electrical
'Nemo me impune lacesset'No one will provoke me with impunity
Something like this?
View Image
jt8
"When you take charge of your life, there is no longer need to ask permission of other people or society at large. When you ask permission, you give someone veto power over your life." -- Geoffrey F. Abert
Edited 3/23/2006 12:24 pm by JohnT8
Edited 3/23/2006 12:24 pm by JohnT8
Roar! A couple weeks before this was offered I stopped down at the bus garage where I use to work inquiring as to what they did with their old bus bodies when they retired them.
Still wouldn't mind getting one. Instant shed for little labor.
be getting tired of building sheds
'Nemo me impune lacesset'No one will provoke me with impunity
Got one of those busses around here,parked in front of the junkyard. Cept this one has a Dish Network dish mounted on top.
We had a (fairly expensive) carpet runner installed in our house; the guy doing the install was left with a piece about 6" long. He looked at it, said, "Man, that was close. Who did the measuring?", obviously thinking he was going to have a chance to give me a shot.
"You did, last month." was my wife's reply. He turned red.
I love the Lowe's wheel well skirts!! Good job.
yeah T8, nice work ya did there.
'Nemo me impune lacesset'No one will provoke me with impunity
I've been truck-less for a while now. Suffering. It occasionally keeps me out of trouble, but usually is just a PITA. I'd even considered something larger like an old step van or such. That would let me pick up my K cabinets in one trip (when I get around to buying them) as well as allow me to haul my own stuff to the dump instead of paying dumpster fees...as well as the general trips to where ever.
jt8
"When you take charge of your life, there is no longer need to ask permission of other people or society at large. When you ask permission, you give someone veto power over your life." -- Geoffrey F. Abert
So what yer saying is that big yellow you have out back isn't running then, aye?
So what happened to the main ride, broke unrepairable?
be hoping it wasn't a ford
'Nemo me impune lacesset'No one will provoke me with impunity
So what happened to the main ride, broke unrepairable?
The main ride got converted to a reliable rice burner. But an Accord has very definite hauling limits, so I will have to track down a secondary vehicle for hauling. jt8
"When you take charge of your life, there is no longer need to ask permission of other people or society at large. When you ask permission, you give someone veto power over your life." -- Geoffrey F. Abert
ROFLMAOI'm glad I had already swallowed. I hate replacing keyboards after snorting water all over them.There are times when I prefer new materials. But to be honest I have actually come to prefer to use previously used materials. Maybe it's the challenge. Maybe it's just the fact that if you cut something wrong you didn't just waste big bucks. I dunno...
All matter is created in the stars. We are stardust. We are golden.we are... Nuclear waste.
OK, that's it! The Recycled Building Products Association is demaning their membership card back. Never thought I'd see the day that Junkhound would start buying retail. :)
jt8
"When you take charge of your life, there is no longer need to ask permission of other people or society at large. When you ask permission, you give someone veto power over your life." -- Geoffrey F. Abert
he didn't.... he got him a discount...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
he didn't.... he got him a discount...
I don't think it should count. He had initially purchased at FULL retail. It was just a fluke that he managed to get a discount. At the very least they should put him on probation :)
jt8
"When you take charge of your life, there is no longer need to ask permission of other people or society at large. When you ask permission, you give someone veto power over your life." -- Geoffrey F. Abert
Nope...
he stayed true to form....Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
purchased at FULL retail
gimme a break, it was NOT full retail, was on sale at 20% off to start with, Armstrong Rthyms pattern, pricey crap, butthat's what DW wanted once in her life vs. surplus as she said we'd both be dead before I ever recover the floor again <G>
Toll ya so....
even got some extra off... true to form....Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!