do i need to "stagger" tile effect laminate flooring?

Question

i have been told by the shop no, but i am not sure.

Answer 1

If the floor is intended to look like square tiles, all of the same size, you of course need to line up the squares in straight rows, like any tile floor. A single board of laminate will have 3 or 4 "tiles" on it though, making it possible to stagger the end joints and still line up the tiles. This is necessary. Staggering the rows adds a large amount of flexural strength to the floor, meaning that it will not peak or dip as much in the case of any unevenness.
Some tile pattern laminates have different sized tiles in different patterns on each board. In this case you don't have to use any pattern, but you must still stagger the end joints on each row. Using the leftover piece from the end of a row as a starter for the next row usually works well.

Answer 2

Tile Effect Laminate Flooring

Answer 3

I would be reluctant to use laminate in any area that is liable to get wet -- snowy boots, washing machine leak, plugged toilet etc. Laminate flooring is very durable but it swells when it gets wet and when it swells it pops up at the joins, then chips. I have had to replace two bathroom laminate floors for just this reason. Use a good quality tile and 3 coats of sealer on the grout. When people have trouble keeping grout clean it is usually because they failed to properly seal it. If you're concerned the tile may be slippery when wet, choose a tile with a bit of texture in it. It will look more "high end", give some protection against slipping when wet -- and it will last for as long as you own the home. -- Just be sure to seal the grout 3 days after completion and every couple of years thereafter.

Answer 4

Without knowing your reason for the Q, or the design you're installing, I have to suggest you look at a TILE FLOOR.

If the laminate happened to be pergo, the same would apply, in striaght lines, matched seams and edges, etc.

If the laminate is/was meant to look like plank, then staggering would certainl add interest in the LOOK of the floor.

Steven Wolf

Thousands of sq. ft. of flooring later

Answer 5

If you are trying to make it look like wood flooring then yes you want to stagger the tiles to give it a natural plank look. When you buy wood flooring they actually sell it to you in bundles of varying lengths.

Answer 6

No. but it does decrease the likelihood of the tiles coming up due to normal wear.
The pattern also determinds this.
If you plan on laying laminate read this first:
http://www.builddirect.com/bdu/bdu_laminate_1_a.aspx

Answer 7

tile look no don't stagger because your lines will be off, if it looks like would plank then yes atleast 6" between joints