I have been looking at "distressed" engineered wood and I like the GARRISON COLLECTION ll, MAPLE, HARVEST COLOR. In the store the two samples I saw had gaps inbetween the planks. The owner said it was because the samples had been thrown around by customers. I can't understand that as the planks and the sublayers are glued down to a backboard. Is that problem indicative of their product? Is GARRISON a quality product?

Also on their web site, I wasn't impressed with all the conditions on their warranty. and they really didn't emphasize the wonderfulnness of their product or their finish. Is anyone familiar with GARRISON? I'd appreciate any info on their product as I do like the look of the wood.

I'm glad you guys are here, I appreciate any advice you may have. Newby too.

I personally think Patina Floors http://www.patinafloors.com/ and Owens PlankFloor http://owensflooring.com/ are the best distressed engineered products available. I would give them consideration as well.

The may have been there because it is a Maple. Maple will show gaps in the winter heating months and less moisture inside the living area, shrinking the board. Come spring and summer, those gaps disappear and sometimes the floor buckles or compression sets, because it was installed too dry and really tight, compared to what it is in the summer.