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?
Saruss schrieb:
I don’t find parquet any warmer, nor do I prefer its texture. I guess that’s a matter of personal taste. Real warmth would come from cork. Even though it’s not very clear in the photo, cork looks like wood (the lighting is unfavorable). And I don’t have a carpet over the laminate; my kids find it warm enough.
From the roadObjectively, wood surfaces do feel warmer than plastics because of their thermal conductivity. But subjectively, it can definitely feel different—the eye influences perception. Flooring choices are largely a matter of personal preference, and I don’t think there is a one-size-fits-all solution.
From experience, changing a smooth floor covering later on is not so simple. Heights won’t match, you might not fit under door frames, etc. So it’s easier to choose the "right" floor from the start when moving in. Whether that is parquet, cork, carpet, or laminate depends on personal preferences. We have parquet in the children’s rooms and are happy with it. Previously we had laminate, which neither the kids nor we liked.
When it comes to warmth underfoot, you should choose vinyl, cork, or carpet.
Replacing laminate with laminate is quite easy, as they are usually about the same thickness (minimal differences). Otherwise, you are of course right. Replacing laminate with hardwood floorboards is generally quite inconvenient. Our children, who are still young, have never complained about laminate, even though they are familiar with all types of flooring.
Replacing laminate with laminate is quite easy, as they are usually about the same thickness (minimal differences). Otherwise, you are of course right. Replacing laminate with hardwood floorboards is generally quite inconvenient. Our children, who are still young, have never complained about laminate, even though they are familiar with all types of flooring.
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