Aqua Step is a manufacturer of 100% waterproof flooring, producing laminate-style products with wood and stone designs. The company has been in operation since 2003 and manufactures its products in Belgium. For consumers in the UK and other markets, the process of obtaining physical samples to evaluate colours, textures, and finishes is a critical step in the flooring selection process. Based on the provided source materials, the availability of samples, associated costs, and specific collection details can be determined. It is important to note that the information available pertains primarily to the US distribution network, and UK consumers should verify local availability and terms directly with UK-based suppliers.
Understanding the Aqua Step Product Range
Aqua Step flooring is categorised into distinct design collections, each offering a different aesthetic and finish. The core product line includes wood designs, a specialised Shipdeck collection, and the Aqua Step Mini line of stone and ceramic tiles.
The wood designs are available in 18 different finishes and feature bevelled edges on both the long and short sides of the plank. These V-grooves are designed to create a sense of depth and realism in the interior space. The stone designs, marketed under the Aqua Step Mini name, aim to replicate the look and feel of natural stone or ceramic tiles. These tiles feature a pearl embossed coating to enhance the natural appearance and have bevelled edges on all sides. A unique feature of the Aqua Step system is the ability to combine wood and tile designs seamlessly, allowing for visual division between rooms such as the kitchen, office, living room, and lounge.
The Shipdeck designs are a specialised subset of the wood collection. These planks are bevelled only along the long sides and feature distinctive black square grooves intended to mimic the authentic appearance of a ship deck. All Shipdeck styles are noted as being special order items.
The Process of Ordering Aqua Step Samples
The primary method for ordering samples is through an official order form. The process appears straightforward, involving the selection of desired styles and the payment of a fee. However, due to an ongoing inventory liquidation, there is a critical procedural step for consumers.
Before placing a sample order, consumers are advised to contact the distributor via telephone or email to confirm the availability of their desired colour and square footage. This is to ensure that the specific product is in stock, as the company is liquidating its inventory. If a requested product is unavailable, the distributor offers to help find an alternative from their list of other flooring manufacturers.
The sample order page lists ten specific wood design options available for sample purchase. These are: * Beach-house Oak * Canyon Pecan * Chambord Walnut * Lounge Oak * Parcolux – Cheverney Oak * Parcolux – Loft Oak * Parcolux – Oak Grey * Paros Brown * Ultra White * Vendôme Oak
Each sample is priced at $5.00. The listed price is in US dollars, which is a key consideration for UK-based consumers. The source material does not specify if international shipping or currency conversion is available for sample orders. Furthermore, the source material does not provide a direct link or method for ordering samples of the stone designs (Aqua Step Mini) or the Shipdeck collection; the listed samples are exclusively wood designs.
Costs, Shipping, and Promotional Offers
The standard cost for a sample is $5.00 per style. For a full flooring order, the price ranges from $1.85 to $2.99 per square foot, with limited colours available. This pricing information is provided by the US distributor.
A specific promotional offer is mentioned for customers within a 50-mile radius of the US postal code 01887. These local customers can receive free shipping by mentioning that they saw the offer on the Route One BNG website. This offer is geographically restricted to the United States and is not applicable to UK consumers.
The source material does not mention any other free sample programmes, no-cost trials, or brand freebies beyond the paid sample scheme. There is no indication of a mail-in rebate for samples or a completely free sample request process. The offer of replacement samples at no charge if the initial samples are not to the customer's satisfaction is a form of customer service rather than a free initial sample programme.
Eligibility, Restrictions, and Key Considerations for UK Consumers
Based strictly on the provided data, several key points and restrictions are relevant for consumers, particularly those in the UK.
Geographic Distribution: The distributor information and promotional offers are specific to the United States and Canada. The company description states they "delivery locally and ship all over the USA and Canada." There is no explicit mention of UK distribution, shipping to the UK, or UK-based sample ordering procedures. UK consumers must seek out an authorised Aqua Step distributor within the United Kingdom to obtain samples and full products.
Sample Availability: The listed sample options are only for wood designs. Consumers interested in the stone designs (Aqua Step Mini) or Shipdeck styles must contact the distributor directly to inquire about sample availability, as these may not be part of the standard online sample order form.
Inventory Status: The company is in the process of liquidating its inventory. This means that stock is limited, and consumers are required to verify availability before ordering. This could affect both sample and full product orders.
Cost Implication: Samples are not free; they are sold at a fixed price of $5.00 per style. For UK consumers, this cost would be in pounds sterling at the prevailing exchange rate, plus any applicable international shipping and import taxes, which are not detailed in the source material.
Verification of Terms: The source material includes a note to call or email for more details to place a full order. This suggests that final terms, pricing, and availability for full orders are confirmed through direct communication with the distributor. UK consumers should use this method to clarify UK-specific terms.
How to Proceed as a UK Consumer
For a UK consumer seeking Aqua Step samples, the recommended course of action, based on the available information, is as follows:
- Identify a UK Distributor: The first step is to find an official Aqua Step distributor or retailer within the United Kingdom. The provided sources are US-centric, so a separate search for UK-based suppliers is necessary.
- Contact the Distributor: Once a UK supplier is identified, contact them directly. Use the sample list as a reference for desired wood designs, but also inquire about the availability and cost of samples for stone designs and Shipdeck styles.
- Clarify All Costs: When contacting a UK distributor, confirm the total cost for samples, including any shipping fees to a UK address. Also, ask about the cost per square foot for full flooring orders in British pounds.
- Verify Stock Levels: Given the inventory liquidation mentioned in the US sources, it is prudent to ask the UK distributor about current stock levels for both samples and full products.
- Review Replacement Policy: Inquire if the UK distributor offers a similar policy of providing replacement samples at no charge if the initial samples are not suitable.
The provided source material does not contain information about a free sample programme, promotional offers, or no-cost trials for Aqua Step flooring. The only offer detailed is a local US shipping promotion, which is not applicable to the UK. Therefore, UK consumers should expect to pay for samples and should not anticipate receiving free products through a promotional sample scheme.
Conclusion
Aqua Step offers a range of waterproof flooring with wood, stone, and specialised Shipdeck designs. The process for obtaining samples, as detailed in the source materials, involves a paid sample order of $5.00 per style, with a mandatory pre-order contact to verify stock due to inventory liquidation. The available sample list is limited to wood designs, and a specific local US shipping promotion is the only promotional offer mentioned. Crucially, all provided information pertains to US distribution. UK consumers must seek out a local distributor, clarify all costs and availability in pounds sterling, and understand that samples are a paid service, not a free promotional giveaway. The source material does not support the existence of a free sample programme for Aqua Step products.