HELP! We are going to have a hardwood floor installed in our family room (about 600 sq feet) and hall. I have been pricing 3 1/4 inch wide 3/4 inch gunstock solid oak. I am getting prices from 2.99 square foot to over 6.00 a square foot. Each store I go to tells me their wood is quality and better than anyone else. I don't know who to buy from. Lumber Liquidators had good prices but TERRIBLE reviews online (great reviews on their own website but anywhere else were horrific). The Floor trader has some for 3.79 per square foot. Today I found a store called Surfaces Direct that says they have it for 2.99 per square foot. Has anyone dealt with Surfaces Direct?? What about the Floor Trader? Those are where I am finding the best prices. The Floor trader was a Bruce floor (waltham plank). Not sure what the Surfaces Direct brand was. This is worse than buying a new car!
Thanks for any advice you can give me.
Cathy (confused in St. Louis!)

IMO you should consider keeping your business local. A reputable Hardwood Flooring Dealer, or better yet, a reputable Independant Licensed Contractor, that does his own installations , ( this will also save you money in the long run ). Ask around and find people with a proven track record.

If your installing the floor yourself...You can still purchase the material through a Contractor. Usually Contractor's have more product knowledge than the typical salesman, and the "hands on" experience, and can point you in the right direction. Some actually purchase at the same cost as dealers, but dont have the overhead.

Well Said. Buy local and then you have someone to go to for help or if by chance there is a problem. And keep the local economy working.

Both places that have the best price are local companies. I just wondered if anyone out there has dealt with Surfaces Direct or Floor Trader. Thanks for your input.

Ask your local independant flooring contractor/installer.