I am installing a laminate/pergo flooring in my beach house, what should i use as a sub floor? Plastic?

Question

Paper, Padding, or all 3. It is a beach house that is always very damp. Mold and Moisture is always a concern..Thanks

Answer 1

If moisture is a concern, don't go with laminate - tile it all! Laminate flooring is notorious for absorbing moisture - my brother's child spilled something and he didn't realize it - the next day, the floor was totally ruined where the floor had absorbed it all. It was all lumpy and uneven. He was so upset! So, do yourself a favor and choose something more stable than laminate!

Live! Love! Laugh!

Answer 2

If you are installing laminate flooring over a concrete substrate you must use an underlayment with a polyurethane sheet attached. If you are installing over a plywood substrate you can use any underlayment. I would recommend an upgraded foam for acoustics to avoid a hollow sound when you walk on it. For a beach house laminate is not a bad choice depending upon the quality level of the laminate. Things to consider when shopping for a laminate are the density of the core, the wear layer surface and the locking mechanism. The density of the core will determine overall dimensional stability. The quality of the wear layer surace will determine scratch resistance. The proper locking mechanism and core will prevent water from entering the fiberboard core. Some products use a green board core that resist moisture and water. You'll want a product with a water damage warranty. Some have a pre-applied adhesive that is activated with a damp sponge. That means that you'll be covered for things that are considered normal household use such as spills. Not floods or a dishwasher leak. That would be covered by your homeowners insurance not the flooring manufacturer. Clean your floor with a laminate cleaner. These evaporate quickly. Do not "swab the deck" with water. You may wipe up spills with a damp cloth. You may also use Windex in a pinch. Higher end Vinyl wood look floors like Karndean are very good to consider for your shore house if you like to clean your floors with water and a mop. The sand will be abrasive to any floor you have. Use walk off mats and area rugs at the entrances. Todays floor finnishes almost always have polyurethane with aluminum oxide (second hardest substance to a diamond) in them. Porcelain tile would be the longest lasting flooring option for a shore house. Seal your grout. Expect 30-40 years with proper installation. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are able to get wet. Laminates and high end vinyl flooring like Karndean you can expect 20 years depending upon traffic level, maintenance and abuse.

Good Luck with your project.

Answer 3

Laminate scratches too, so it may not be desirable with the sand & grit. I love my vinyl planks - they're virtually indestructable, but you could remove one & replace it if you needed to. I think the brand's something like "Karndean" - they look more real than laminate does, come in lots of designs - even a compass rose in your choice of combo's - great for a beach house - and feel good barefoot. They're about the same price as laminate.

Answer 4

Go agrigate, it looks good and is very durable it can stand up to moisture.

Answer 5

use the padding that the manf sells with the laminate.Also make sure your floor is level.