Author Topic: Laminiate Flooring... (Read 487 times)

skernsk · « **on:** June 15, 2003, 09:51:58 PM »

We are doing some renovations and want to go with a Laminate Floor. Any experts out there have any advice on what to llook for or avoid?

IKEA has laminate for 0.99/sq.ft but I am hesitant to go with something so cheap.

SOB · « **Reply #1 on:** June 15, 2003, 10:13:48 PM »

Heya Skernsky...I think my friend's dad used Ikea laminate flooring when he redid their family room and living room. I'll check with him and see how he liked it.

SOB

Nash · « **Reply #2 on:** June 15, 2003, 10:52:02 PM »

Hey skernsk... I checked their website to see what kinda flooring you are talking about, and there was an announcement about a new IKEA store that just had its grand openning in Edmonton. I'm not sure how far away that is from you, but it might be worth a look 'cuz they're having an openning sale that starts this Thursday... could save you a few bucks.

The website doesn't show anything about the flooring however...

Lazerus · « **Reply #3 on:** June 15, 2003, 10:57:25 PM »

For cheap floor covering, laminate has come a long ways. I'm not familiar with the brands, but I have put down a lot of flooring ranging from vinyl to laminate to marble. My personal opinion is that ceramic is the best way to go, or true wood floors, for long term and resale vs initial cost.

Dux · « **Reply #4 on:** June 16, 2003, 12:40:38 AM »

I've heard a lot of horror stories about Pergo (sp?). Apparently if the room is not always completely moisture-free, there is a very high risk of it buckling. And it's pretty damn expensive in the first place.

In all fairness, this is all hearsay... I don't know anyone this has happened to; I've just "heard" it. Really do a lot of research before jumping into this one.

Caveat Emptor.
Good luck.

Steve · « **Reply #5 on:** June 16, 2003, 02:31:37 AM »

We have a room w/ Pergo in it, looks great! I cannot comment on problems w/ moisture though. I live in AZ, moisture in the air is a rare thing.

Dowding · « **Reply #6 on:** June 16, 2003, 03:21:56 AM »

My new flat has laminate flooring throughout the living and kitchen areas... but it isn't built until October so I couldn't tell you what it's like.

Harppa · « **Reply #7 on:** June 16, 2003, 04:18:43 AM »

Do not buy the cheapest, you'll regret that when putting it down.
Also choose the one which can be assembled without adhesive.

This is my opinion of laminates, I usually do plastic vinyl or cork floorings or ceramic tiles etc.

I made my bedroom's floor with 'clic' laminate, there has not been any problems with it. Of course it feels a little bit colder than real wooden floors, but it can resist the damage caused by falling objects much better.

Toad · « **Reply #8 on:** June 16, 2003, 10:00:43 AM »

I did a Pergo floor over a slab in my "office" behind my garage. It's been down over 5 years. Looks good, wears like iron (lotta dirt tracked in from gargage) went in easy, no problems with moisture.

They do tell you to underlay with 6 mil heavy contractor's plastic sheeting and lap the joints by a foot. I lapped them about two feet.

I'm happy with it where it is. I don't know that I'd use it in the kitchen or den of a truly expensive house as it doesn't look THAT much like real wood.

Wanker · « **Reply #9 on:** June 16, 2003, 02:25:49 PM »

skensk, I've got Armstrong laminate flooring in my living room and entryway. looks beautiful, and is tough as nails. No scratches yet from the dog or the kid, even after two years.

http://carpetone.com/data/brands/armstrong_laminates.cfm

Dowding · « **Reply #10 on:** June 16, 2003, 03:47:56 PM »

My parents have some sort of wood effect in their place. It was laid by a company using some sort of plastic. It looks really good and is textured with the wood 'pieces'. I think it was a lot more expensive than normal laminate though.

Anyway, they say carpets are coming back into fashion.

SOB · « **Reply #11 on:** June 16, 2003, 10:17:32 PM »

Checked with my buddy here Skenrsk, and his dad has had the Ikea laminate flooring installed for close to a year now, and it is holding up great. He's still got 5 rugrats running around the place.

SOB

NUKE · « **Reply #12 on:** June 16, 2003, 11:10:05 PM »

Carpet is horrible for many reasons. I have tile through most of the house and want to get a wood laminate for the master bedroom.

skernsk · « **Reply #13 on:** June 16, 2003, 11:21:13 PM »

Thanks for the info. I'll make a few phone calls to some local installers.