Hi all
My wife wants a new floor in the bedroom.
I have always used 3/4″ Oak flooring, nailed and everything.
She thinks the new Laminate flooring is fine.
3/8″ and no nailing, just tapped together.
How well does it hold up and any suggestions?
Jeff
Replies
Some people love it; some hate it. Your wife might think she loves it; you install it; then she finds she hates it. Could happen.
Reason being, you said you've always used oak wood flooring..therefore you (and the wife) are used to the feel of real wood. Laminate flooring is plastic and feels like it when it's walked on.
Me personally, I've had it in two of my houses and been pleased with it (but I have a bunch of kids who tend to destroy carpet and real wood flooring--so I have alterior motives). If you do decide to use it, buy the best stuff you can afford. I've had good luck with the Columbia and Wilsonart higher end lines. IN fact I used Columbia Clic, I believe, for my last house which got severely abused for about 3 years. Looked great installed. Looked great after the 3 yrs abuse..
Get it with the foam padding integral. The wider plank stuff looks better and is faster to install. You get what you pay for.
T&G hardwood, sanded and finished, is a floor that will last a lifetime. It cannot be compared to laminate, except that some laminates, look like a t&g wood floor.
Most of the laminate I've laid has a surface that is incredibly hard, is tough to scratch and is easy to clean. Cutting the stuff is hellish on sawblades. I never thought I would ever, ever, ever, say this, but laminate is an excellent choice of flooring for a bedroom and you can finish the job in one day.
Jeff - I'm against it. Did our bedroom floor last year w/laminate because it was faster and cheaper than oak or other real wood. I think it went down a little faster, and it looked okay for a laminate. But we just noticed that the plastic roller from the bed frame has already gotten through the top layer. It wasn't the most expensive one on the shelf, nor the cheapest. Did another room with a wood laminate gluedown and that one has slightly different problems. Give me the good old 3/4 anytime. Don