Laminated floors

suncika

Hi,

could anybody from own experience tell me which of the following brands of a laminated floor is better to install:Quick Step 700 or Floormaster ToughLoc Hardwearing Laminate from B&Q.They both approximately cost between £9-10 per sq mtr.

Many thanks.

treb

Hiya, i bought the toughloc I think 25 quid a pack from B & q and everyone who sees my bedroom and living room say how nice it is. Ive been using a leather office chair on wheels across mine now for 3 months and you cant even see any marks\scratches.

Nile

Hello treb


Welcome to the MSE site.:wave:

NastyMatt

I don't know which of those two is best off the top of my head but I was under the impression the thicker the board the better quality. Then it's a case of which is easier to fit.

Matt

SammyD_2

we put down the toughloc from B&Q 2 and a half years ago and it still looks good (well as good as laminate can do!). But don't believe what they say on installation - even though it is just click together, it is still a right pain to fit. Took DH and my Dad three days (done in the August heatwave of 2003) to do our downstairs. Also, the leaflets are a bit vague on how you fit it in the door frame area...you either have to put in a joiner (which I think looks a bit ugly) or pull off the door surround and then put it underneath so you then have one flat surface going from room to room. Then you put the surround back and repaint. But they don't mention that in the leaflets!

calmgirl

the cheaper the floor the cheaper the construction some of the very cheap stuff is only compressed cardboard with a painted lamminate on top its oaky for low traffic areas but if its in the sun or heavy traffic areas dont bother buy the more expensive stuff I know it costs more but buy it a pack or 2 at the time and it will soon be all there ( if you are in rented property speak to your landlord and try to come to an arrangement)

NastyMatt

SammyD wrote:

Also, the leaflets are a bit vague on how you fit it in the door frame area...you either have to put in a joiner (which I think looks a bit ugly) or pull off the door surround and then put it underneath so you then have one flat surface going from room to room. Then you put the surround back and repaint. But they don't mention that in the leaflets!

The joiners are good if you want to change the direction of the laminate between rooms. Makes it easier in the future if you wish to rip up a piece.

You do get into a groove (excuse the pun) when fitting it.. and you start to do big areas fast.. I had parts that went from lounge to dining room and had to connect 4 strips.. put one end in.. the other end pops out rinse and repeat MANY times..

bernlyn

if you have a tops tiles nearby you go there and tell them that you are fitting a laminate floor and you are going to buy from them. ask them for thier diy dvd and it shows tips on how to fit the flooring and tiling and a few others diy project tips. you dont have to take the door surround off you just cut off the tip of the surround at the bottom [ the thickness of the laminate strip] so that that flooring fits right up to the door frame and doesnt leave a gap. it is easy enough to do but is time comsuming when you first start but it gets quicker.

Doonhamer

Don't just go for the cheapest stuff. Some laminate flooring can look quite old fashioned and dated now. Take your time choosing, try and get a sample from a shop or offcuts from a joiner or someone who has had it installed already.

code-a-holic

Be careful with the laminate!!!
Dont use it in a kitchen! We live in a rented house and laminate was put in just before we moved in so we were first to use it. 9 mths after installation it has risen in places and edges are chipping away....its also very cold on the fet. Landlord is going to replace it, apparantly the person he got to lay it said laminate is pathetic in anywhere there may be water!!
And just got a new washing machine - in the book it warns that you should not use a washing machine on a laminate floor as it can damage the floor and the machine may not work to full effectivness!
I've also been warned not to ever use a mop on it - just wipes!
And it wasnt the cheapest laminate used either!
My friend will also say dont use it in a living room when you have kids because her's is scratched from 'cars driving!' and theres marks from the sofas feet - and she paid a fortune for hers!

NastyMatt

Not adhering to the 10mm gap either end is a sure way to have your laminate flooring rising in no time. NEVER mop the floor, it's wood.. wood and water is not a good combination.

Use floor wipes, Tescos own are about 1/3 of the price of most.. I should buy shares in them because I have a dog and go through them buy the lorry load but it get that floor clean adn the room smells nice

I was in a kitchen the other day which had a laminate floor that was about 2-3 years old and it was fine... preparation is the key!