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?
Just one experience. Our offices have laminate flooring. Certainly not the cheapest. I don’t know the price. It’s totally fine, since people always walk on it with outdoor shoes, and after years it hasn’t aged at all. Plus, it doesn’t build up static electricity, which is nice too. So, I wouldn’t reject it outright.
Hello,
laminate flooring rated for commercial use (class 33) is really durable and no longer looks like plastic. It also works very well with underfloor heating, even when installed as a floating floor. I’m actually standing on this exact type of flooring right now...
However, you have to budget around 15 €/m² (about $15/sq ft) plus another 4–5 €/m² (about $0.40–0.50/sq ft) for high-quality impact sound insulation.
I think people tend to be more price-sensitive with laminate and often want to install it themselves. With hardwood flooring, people are usually willing to pay an extra 30 €/m² (about $30/sq ft) for professional installation. Although floating installation is basically the same work for hardwood or laminate. We installed ours ourselves!
I wouldn’t glue floors down anymore anyway. Why bother? It’s not necessary for underfloor heating, and why would I want to bring hundreds of kilos of smelly adhesive into the house without reason?
We have laminate in the basement and oak hardwood on the ground and upper floors, including the kids’ rooms. So far, the hardwood is holding up really well, and it seems tough enough to withstand building blocks, toy ships, and cars.
Sure, over time there will be scratches, but relax – this is a home to be lived in, not a museum!
Best regards,
Andreas
laminate flooring rated for commercial use (class 33) is really durable and no longer looks like plastic. It also works very well with underfloor heating, even when installed as a floating floor. I’m actually standing on this exact type of flooring right now...
However, you have to budget around 15 €/m² (about $15/sq ft) plus another 4–5 €/m² (about $0.40–0.50/sq ft) for high-quality impact sound insulation.
I think people tend to be more price-sensitive with laminate and often want to install it themselves. With hardwood flooring, people are usually willing to pay an extra 30 €/m² (about $30/sq ft) for professional installation. Although floating installation is basically the same work for hardwood or laminate. We installed ours ourselves!
I wouldn’t glue floors down anymore anyway. Why bother? It’s not necessary for underfloor heating, and why would I want to bring hundreds of kilos of smelly adhesive into the house without reason?
We have laminate in the basement and oak hardwood on the ground and upper floors, including the kids’ rooms. So far, the hardwood is holding up really well, and it seems tough enough to withstand building blocks, toy ships, and cars.
Sure, over time there will be scratches, but relax – this is a home to be lived in, not a museum!
Best regards,
Andreas
Hello,
The animal just needs to learn to brake in time. After the third time they fall flat, they should get it. If not, that’s tough luck... I would never even consider adjusting my furniture to accommodate any animals!
Everyone has their own priorities. I don’t mind my kids scratching the hardwood floor, but I would never get a dog in the house.
Animals belong in the barn or on the plate!
Best regards,
Andreas
Elina schrieb:
It takes quite a bit to prevent a pet from sliding another meter while braking at full speed.
The animal just needs to learn to brake in time. After the third time they fall flat, they should get it. If not, that’s tough luck... I would never even consider adjusting my furniture to accommodate any animals!
Everyone has their own priorities. I don’t mind my kids scratching the hardwood floor, but I would never get a dog in the house.
Animals belong in the barn or on the plate!
Best regards,
Andreas
About the laminate flooring and pets: we have smooth laminate in the apartment and 3 cats. When we moved in, each of them had to learn which corners should be approached slowly and where they could dash through without worry. It works perfectly. Only when they get really wild does one occasionally bump into something.
Alex85 schrieb:
If you’re looking for affordable engineered hardwood flooring and are located in NRW, try searching for ter hürne and Bocholt. They offer large quantities of "B-grade" products for under €20/sqm (then you just take about 10% extra and sort out the really bad boards). There are usually 3-4 offers online, and on-site you can order the entire ter hürne product range as B-grade in the quantity you want (unbelievable, but true )Just to be clear, this is only available at certain times. Or did I misunderstand something?
RobsonMKK schrieb:
Note, only on specific dates. Or did I misunderstand something?Just give them a call or take a trip over there. They also process orders for seconds.
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