Laminate flooring... quality?

daleuk_3

Can anyone help me distinguish what a good laminate is to use? is the thicker the better? (I know that 6mm is cheap stuff). It is to be laid down throughout downstairs (exc. kitchen), aprox 42m2.

Cost is an issue, as I would have loved to lay down some solid real wood oak, however the best priced realwood I can find (of decent quality) is £21.99pm2, £923+£200 glue for the project.

So far I am considering:

Wickes - New england oak effect. 8mm thick. Beveled. 15yr guarantee. £8.31pm2. £349+underlay.

B&Q - Aqualoc+ Dirftwood Oack Effect. 12mm thick. 20yr guarantee. £9.99pm2. £419+underlay. (if thickness doesnt give a better quality feel.. or acoustics when walking on it etc, then I would disregard this one)

Thanks for any advise.

ormus

generally yes the thicker the better. ive used both wickes and BQ and both are good value for the money.
dont take any notice of the warranty periods. they mean nowt. the chances of winning a claim in 5/10 yrs, is extremely remote. can you find any receipts from ten years ago???
and in any case they will only refund/replace the product. they wont pay any labour or time costs.

daleuk_3

ormus wrote: »

generally yes the thicker the better. ive used both wickes and BQ and both are good value for the money.
dont take any notice of the warranty periods. they mean nowt. the chances of winning a claim in 5/10 yrs, is extremely remote. can you find any receipts from ten years ago???
and in any case they will only refund/replace the product. they wont pay any labour or time costs.

Ok thanks for that. So basically go for the design I like the most? 8mm thickness is fine?

Hintza

Currently looking into this for our kitchen too. I visited friends who run a very expensive B+B (£100/night plus) and they have some laminate down in their kitchen.

I'm hoping they will get back to me with the make but it is something like this:-

http://www.flooring2floors.co.uk/quick-step/tramonto-quadra-tu402.html

I was very sceptical at first but our architect told me I should go and have a look at what is around now.

daleuk_3

Hintza wrote: »

Currently looking into this for our kitchen too. I visited friends who run a very expensive B+B (£100/night plus) and they have some laminate down in their kitchen.

I'm hoping they will get back to me with the make but it is something like this:-

http://www.flooring2floors.co.uk/quick-step/tramonto-quadra-tu402.html

I was very sceptical at first but our architect told me I should go and have a look at what is around now.

I think the main thing with kitchens, is that you definately have to have something designed for moisture areas.. not im not sure if all boards now incorporate this or if you should go for something that states it such as the Aqualoc+

mr_vampy

I normally use the big brand names for laminate like Quickstep, Balterio, Pergo etc. I've fitted laminate from B&Q and Wickes, and perhaps it's just me, but I found their click system difficult. The system used in the Homebase laminates are easy to fit together. As for thickness, I generally go for 8mm.

julianashcroft

I am looking at Quick-Step at the moment for my new Conservatory and the price was around £38.00 a metre plus fitting charge, Unlike your B&Q / Wickes stuff it comes in plank lengths instead of standard rectangular pieces and looks more natural when down. The guarantee period should be that bit longer too.

sillywilly

We investigated laminate for our kitchen but then went for tiles. Good job we did cos about a fortnight after finishing the floor we got back from work to find the washing machine had leaked all over the floor!

Would have been irrelevant how "suitable for kitchens or damp areas" the laminate was, it had been sitting in a pool of water for hours. Also water would have got underneath round the edges.

We don't find them cold. Yes they are hard - you drop a plate or a glass - it smashes!

But for the price - about £10m2 including tiles, adhesive, grout and tools we would choose tiles everytime.

Sorry if that doesn't help and you are definitely having laminate!!

themanbearpig

julianashcroft wrote: »

I am looking at Quick-Step at the moment for my new Conservatory and the price was around £38.00 a metre plus fitting charge, Unlike your B&Q / Wickes stuff it comes in plank lengths instead of standard rectangular pieces and looks more natural when down. The guarantee period should be that bit longer too.

You spent £38pm on plastic flooring?

You could have got High grade Solid oak for that much!

claire80

We went for quik step and its been great its been down 4 years and looks as new as the day it got put down , easy to clean and hard wearing , i believe it also comes with a 25 year guarentee . My husband found it easy to fit too.
The kids have cheap stuff in there rooms - wickes special offer as we havent had them decorated properly yet but you can tell its cheap after just a year , it chips and looks a bit scruffy .

foomanchu

Wickes do grade their laminate from domestic to commercial use. Heavy commercial should be toughest! Other manufacturers may grade also?