Laminate flooring

[HRSx2]

So I'm in the process of tearing out the 10 year old carpet and replacing with something that is NOT carpet. I first thought I'd go with hardwoods, but while at Lowes I spotted the laminates. I picked up a couple boxes of Pergo to see if I might like. Well, everyone has an opinion and it didn't take long before someone started telling me the shortcomings of laminates. Of course they don't have such a flooring but they had heard this or that. So I thought I'd ask those of you who do to add your input. How do you like yours? Did you install yourself? I thought I might. Looks to be simple enough. Also, what about water/moisture damage? Has that been an issue for you? Seems to me that if you had a BIG accident, replacing the affected area shouldn't be a major deal seeing as how it is a floating floor. (Just my thougths there) Anyway, Merry Christmas and looking to hear from you.

 

[reb]

The wife and I installed Formica brand laminate flooring in our house about 6 1/2 years ago. I researched carefully and found that brand offered a 25 year (as I recall) warranty against water damage. Even with the warranty, I would hesitate to use it in a kitchen or bathroom. Installation wasn't difficult, though it required gluing and clamping. I think replacing a damaged section would be a bit difficult, but the literature that came with it explained how to do it.

We are happy with it.

 

[anojones]

We had it installed throughout our house, don't remember the brand. We have it in the kitchen but not in the baths. We do have one are where there was a bit of water damage when a dog relieved himself and we didn't find it for awhile- it wasn't much damage, and it's difficult to find that area when looking for it even now. If you wipe it up right away, no problems. No water damage in the kitchen- water drips on the floor all the time, but any big spills are cleaned up right away. Over the past three years it has held up very well, including wear and tear by several dogs.

 

[bamatoolmaker]

We installed some in our dining room 4 years ago.It was fairly easy to lay and looks good.No problems whatsoever.Planning on laying our sunroom floor this spring.

 

[AlanB]

Some folks (me included) do not like the feel of the floating floors underfoot. For me, they just do not quite "feel" right.

That said, when we install a floating floor for someone, we like the one that has the foam pre-glued to the back of the board. It just makes it easier, and one less thing too fool with.

We like the bamboo nailed down, that is what we put in our own house and a flip house this year.

All of them are definetely something you can do yourself. Good blade on a chop saw. Some patience, careful measuring and read the directions and they go really well.

 

[czechsonofagun]

Put it in living room over floor heating (electrical cable in mortar) about 3 years ago. Looks good, feels fine, holding up well, but with the price (Costco) we feel we can replace it when it wears out.

 

[Bird]

We had Mohawk glueless laminate installed in the living room/dining area/entry area in early July on a concrete slab foundation. Of course, they had to remove carpet and a partially glued down pad, then put their own pad down. We like it; however, about a month and a half ago, I noticed that sometimes (not always) stepping in certain areas resulted in a squeak. I called the company that did the job last month, they sent an inspector who quickly found all those spots (3 places), ordered more material, and sent the crew back to take up a good bit it of it and replace it. And they showed me what they think they missed getting completely clean under the original laminate, so it's too soon to know how well it wil hold up; so far, so good.

 

[Bill Barrett]

My kids have maybe 1200sq ft installed. Some is the first generation that you had to glue, maybe 800 sq ft of the snap together. I don't like it, it curles from water, and in high traffic area wears fast. Look how fast counter tops wear, and you don't walk on them! Trim and misc. parts are expensive. As you can tell I'm not a real fan, nor are the kids. The kids use it because its cheap and easy to install yourself.

 

[HRSx2]

Thanks to all who have replied so far. I've pulled carpet in two bedrooms and hallway so far. Going for the master bed next and then the great room. So I've got plenty of time to decide as I want to have everything old out of the way before I start on the new. Apparrently, like everything, there must be different grades of this stuff you can buy. The boxes I picked up were nearly $4 a square foot and it has the backin already on it. I've heard that some is advertised for $1 a square foot. So maybe it is a case of you will get what you pay for. I'm not worried about the baths, already have tile in them. The only area I was a little concerned with would be the kitchen. But then again I don't ever leave water on the floor. Actually I have 3/4 wood in the kitchen now, but I want everything to match when complete, so everything is going. I don't want it to look like a patch job once complete.

Thanks again

 

[AlanB]

I think the Sams club stuff was about $1.50 a foot, and the cheapest stuff from the surplus places I found was about $1 a foot (about the same as cheap carpet)

As you said, quality and price are all over the map, you just have to sort out what you are comfortable with.

Good luck.

I would suggest walking on it somewhere in someones home prior to purchasing it.