Yeah, flooring's usually a safer bet—I mean, worst case scenario, you're short a few trim pieces and have to improvise a bit. But vanities...ugh, learned that lesson the hard way. Had one arrive with a cracked countertop, and returning it was a nightmare. Local pickup all the way now.
Totally get your point about vanities—had a similar headache myself. Ordered one online to save a bit, and it arrived missing hardware. Spent days chasing customer service...lesson learned there.
On the flip side, I've found some decent luck with refurbished or gently used fixtures from local salvage places. Usually saves a good chunk of money, and you get to inspect things in person before committing. Has anyone here tried that route for flooring materials? I'm considering it for an upcoming basement reno, but not sure if reclaimed flooring is worth the hassle or if it's better to just stick with new stock from discount suppliers. Curious if the savings justify the extra legwork...
I've done reclaimed flooring a few times, and it can definitely be worth it—but only if you're prepared for the extra prep. First, you'll need to carefully sort through the batch to weed out warped or damaged boards. Then, plan on spending extra time cleaning them up, removing old nails, sanding, and so on. The savings can be substantial, especially with hardwood, but factor in your own labor too. Have you thought about what type of flooring you're after? That makes a huge difference in whether reclaimed is practical or not...
I've found reclaimed flooring can really add character, especially hardwood, but yeah...the prep is no joke. If you're leaning toward something like pine or softer woods, the savings might not justify the hassle. Have you considered engineered flooring? Sometimes that's a good middle ground.
Engineered flooring can definitely be a practical compromise, especially if you're tight on time or labor. Still, from a sustainability angle, reclaimed hardwood usually wins out—less embodied energy, less environmental impact overall. I agree about pine though; the softness can lead to quicker wear and tear, which might offset any initial savings down the road.
Have you looked into other reclaimed materials besides wood? I've seen some impressive projects using reclaimed brick or tile flooring that's easier to prep and still gives that unique character. Could be worth exploring if you're open to different aesthetics or textures...
