ᐅ Laminate Flooring – Why Is It So Unpopular Among Sellers?
Created on: 27 Jan 2017 15:18
A
AndreasPlü
We are building a single-family house with underfloor heating for hot water. The entire ground floor living area will be tiled, but we are still undecided about the flooring for the children’s rooms and the bedroom.
We initially considered installing floating laminate flooring ourselves – expected to cost around €15 (about $16) plus impact sound insulation per square meter (approximately 10.8 sq ft). If the flooring wears out in 20 years, we don’t mind replacing it.
We visited three flooring suppliers, and all recommended vinyl or engineered hardwood flooring, both to be fully glued down. We are generally against hardwood flooring because it is not ideal with underfloor heating and, above all, expensive. When the children (currently toddlers) damage it, it’s frustrating. Sanding engineered hardwood is often not an option, and replacing it when glued down is a real hassle. We are suspicious of vinyl due to pollutant concerns, which were confirmed by Ökotest in 2012. Laminate, on the other hand, appears to be free of harmful substances according to the same test.
Why do all salespeople advise against laminate? Is it because they earn more with other types of flooring? Also, is floating installation of engineered hardwood compatible with underfloor heating, or should it be avoided?
We initially considered installing floating laminate flooring ourselves – expected to cost around €15 (about $16) plus impact sound insulation per square meter (approximately 10.8 sq ft). If the flooring wears out in 20 years, we don’t mind replacing it.
We visited three flooring suppliers, and all recommended vinyl or engineered hardwood flooring, both to be fully glued down. We are generally against hardwood flooring because it is not ideal with underfloor heating and, above all, expensive. When the children (currently toddlers) damage it, it’s frustrating. Sanding engineered hardwood is often not an option, and replacing it when glued down is a real hassle. We are suspicious of vinyl due to pollutant concerns, which were confirmed by Ökotest in 2012. Laminate, on the other hand, appears to be free of harmful substances according to the same test.
Why do all salespeople advise against laminate? Is it because they earn more with other types of flooring? Also, is floating installation of engineered hardwood compatible with underfloor heating, or should it be avoided?
Evolith schrieb:
About laminate flooring and pets: we have smooth laminate in the apartment and three cats. When we moved in, each had to learn which corners should be approached more slowly and where they could run freely. It works perfectly. Only if they get really wild does one occasionally bump into something.
I find that a bit "complicated" and would avoid that material.
I don’t have claws myself and usually wear socks without grips.
Regards
ypg schrieb:
I find that a bit "complicated" and would skip the material. I don’t have cleats myself and usually wear socks without grips.
Regards Why? Besides the fact that we didn’t choose the flooring in the apartment ourselves, it works without any issues. I do a lot for my animals, but I would never, ever install carpet in the apartment just because of them.
Evolith schrieb:
Why? Apart from the fact that we didn’t choose the flooring in the apartment ourselves, it’s not a problem at all. I do a lot for my animals, but I would never, ever install carpet in the apartment just because of them.
This is about the installation in a new build.
And reading your experience and taking it to heart, I know that I will avoid laminate flooring not only because of my animals.
As mentioned, these concerns are valid for old or low-quality laminate flooring, but definitely not across the board for higher-quality types. Yesterday, I visited my neighbors who have vinyl flooring—not a cheap one—and I did the slip test, comparing it to my laminate... there was no difference. Therefore, I wouldn’t generalize.
ypg schrieb:
This is about the installation in a new build.
And if I read and take to heart your experience, then I know that I would avoid laminate not only because of my pets But would you completely avoid laminate, vinyl, tiles, and by the way, also hardwood flooring just because you have pets? With all these floorings, animals with claws tend to slip to varying degrees. Of course, this can be reduced by choosing good quality materials.
I am building my house for myself, not for my pets. However, in the areas with more wear, the apartment/house will be equipped with runners or scratching posts.
Similar topics