what is the best type of laminate flooring you can use for a kitchen, I am looking for a wood effect style?

Question

I am looking for seamless laminate, ie you can't see the joins inbetween the planks of wood, and also a wider style which looks natural.

The floor is also going to be the same as the lounge, so slate etc wont work, and I don't want a lino in the lounge, I want to add value to the house, so need to get a very nice floor as the two rooms downstairs are the only rooms I have so have to be right.

If some of you suggest not getting laminate wood effect flooring, why do they sell some of them as suitable for kitchens with a 20 year guarantee?

If laminated floors are no good for kitchens and bathrooms, why are so many of them sold with a guarantee of 10-20 years and state on buying them, that they are suitable for kitchens and bathrooms? I am getting very conflicting advice?

Dear Sandi! Thanks for your unhelpful advice!!!! If you ask any Estate Agent or property developer laminate flooring like Karndean or Amtico does actually add value to your house, so until you know what your talking about please do not offer suggestions which are pretty insulting!!!

Answer 1

The problem with natural wood or laminates is the age-old struggle of water---can't live w/o it, can't live too close to it. In addition, the kitchen is the second-most used room in the house---lots of traffic. Ceramic or stone are the most desirable because of durability and looks. Wood is least desirable because of wear and water.
The first thing to consider is the foundation. Is it concrete or pier-and-beam? Either one must have vapor barrier protection for a wood or wood-laminate floor. Choose the appropriate protection. The vapor barrier is mostly to protect against dynamic expansion and rot to wood fibers by water vapor.
The next decision is sub-flooring. Most laminates will install directly over the vapor barrier for a concrete foundation; but for pier-and-beam, a sub-floor must be installed (usually T&G plywood, avoid anything made from sawdust).
As for the finish flooring, the rule of thumb is "you get what you pay for." The more expensive laminates will be of best quality materials through and through. The ones with wood plies tend to be the best construction, but thicker. The ones with longer warranties and specify adequacy for kitchens and bathrooms have sealers in/on them to protect against water damage. But know this---water is insidious, so be diligent to clean it up; and take measures to deal with leaks. If you use a desicant to clean it up, don't forget to pick it up.

Another thought that comes to mind is the use of bamboo flooring. It comes in horizontal and vertical orieintation, a consistant grain, can be stained, is sturdy against wear, and is naturally resistant to water's damaging effects (mold, fungus, expansion, dry-rot).

It's good that you are taking time to research your decision before throwing money away on an ill-concieved project. I've witnessed too many. Good-luck.

Answer 2

Laminate Flooring For Kitchens

Answer 3

Sandi, a laminate floor can be any effect you wish, tile, wood, etc...

The best type of laminate flooring that I have used that is suitable for a kitchen is Aqua-Loc by Floormaster, this is available from B&Q and is very good quality, they have just brought out a new range which is being described as Aqua+ because it is thicker and better than the previous Aqua-Loc, they are available in a wide variety of wood effects.

Good Luck.

Answer 4

laminated floors look good but are no good in bathroom or kitchens as water will get between the joints and they start to split some laminated floors are made of mdf which is crushed paper and others are wood chippins the best floor to go with for something like that is reclaimed flooring from a victoren house this will not rot and will give the look you require most recliam yards will have it in stock at fair price good luck

Answer 5

Water resistant laminate is fine for a kitchen. Buy the hardest wearing your budget will allow. There is a sealer you can put in the joints as you lay, I've never used it but it must be like silicon. If you are laying over concrete you need a damp-proof membrane and when you clean it don't use a mop and bucket. Enjoy your new floor.

Answer 6

Best Laminate Flooring Uk

Answer 7

DO NOT USE ANY WOOD FLOORING in Kitchen or Bathroom unless you like living dangerously. If your w/mchne or freezer or fridge or waterpipes leaks you slippin' and slidin' all round the place. And try getting out of the bath or shower on to a wooden Floor, ever done the splits? painful.

Answer 8

You are going to have to buy the very best and then seal all the joints. This is hard work, I did it in a small bathroom. At the end of which I decided good old fashioned floor boards, that can be stained and/or varnished are a great idea. If they are not structural they can be layed to form patterns.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

water and laminate floor`s are a bad idea try amtico or karndean exphensive but money well spent need`s to be fitted by a pro