Just a Statement on laminate flooring in kitchens/bathrooms?

Question

NO questions here, Just a statement so no one makes any mistakes with this. If you want to install laminate in your kitchen or bathroom DO NOT. Laminate warps with water. If you want wood in your kitchen, I suggest a high quality vinyl that looks just like wood, or real hardwood. Laminate also warps in bathrooms due to the high moisture. If you have a dishwasher, defianatly do not put laminate in your kitchen, the slightest leak of water will wreck your entire floor. I own a flooring business and have seen people make these mistakes for a long time. I really wish others wouldnt do the same, because your flooring may only last you a year in a bathroom, and that gets quite costly after awhile. Kitchens last longer unless you have a dishwasher that leaks suddenly, then you're faced with a new crisis of needing new flooring. Thanks!!!!!

Answer 1

I agree 100% with the original comment. Also the new Mannington Adura is a great alternative to laminate flooring. It has the look of real wood, is next to impervious to moisture, you can rack it out like real hardwood, and you can replace 1 piece at a time if necessary. I also despise the acoustical qualities of laminates. They sound as horrible as they look, and for the lady in Florida that had the leak with no problems, that's because the foam underlay soaked up the moisture. Call an industrial hygienist to come take air quality checks. You may have a mold problem! The foam is what causes 90% of the problems associated with laminates, the other 10% is the pressed particle board composition. It is just a poorly thought out product.

Answer 2

just a statement about laminate or engineered flooring.
I have been installing flooring for numerous years and dislike all of the fake flooring the look is ok but any person with an eye for detail can tell the difference and the cost is about the same as the real thing also with real wood flooring if it does take a beating it can always be re-finished unlike a laminate think about your choice first before deciding

Answer 3

Just so you know, I put 900 square feet of laminate flooring in my house 3 years ago. I did not put it in the bathroom because the installer told me it would buckle if it got wet over and over again. But I did put it in my kitchen and haven't had a problem. I once had a leak under my kitchen sink that caused the floor to buckle but we cut off the water and fixed the sink and the floor went back to normal. That was 18 months ago and we haven't had a problem since. I live in Florida so the hard wood is not realistic here. I wouldn't trade my laminate for anything.

Answer 4

I also sell flooring (among other kitchen and bath products) and have been told that the newer laminates are good for bathrooms or kitchens. I know in the beginingwhen laminates were first coming out they were not made for these areas, but there have been many advances in the recent years. I have laminate in the kitchen and bath in one of my rental units and I have not had to replace it, and my tenants can be brutal!!

Answer 5

I agree with the location recommedations and also have one other suggestion: If you want a wood look, get a laminate or engineered floor with real wood for the top surface. Mine looks like wood but is actually more like formica and is horrible to keep clean. It shows every damp footprint and is a pain to get clean with no streaks. It was here when I bought the house and I'm looking forward to replacing it one day!

Answer 6

How about engineered? That would be my choice. (I also work for a flooring company) I hate laminates, they sound hollow due to the floating nature and still do not really look like wood.

Answer 7

ya learn something new everyday!! ;) thanks

Answer 8

Thanks for the FYI