novice on laminates!
#1
06-12-03, 12:03 PM
novice on laminates!
I'm looking to install laminate in my kitchen/dining/hallway. The kitchen is currently vinyl, and the dining/hallway is carpet. The subfloor is cement (I'm on the 2nd floor in a condo complex).
My question are - what type of glueless would be the best to go with? If I remove only the carpeting and not the vinyl - will it be uneven to lay it over the top?
Would you recommend a separate liner - or the type of laminate that has it attached already?
Any suggestions or tips would be appreciated!
My question are - what type of glueless would be the best to go with? If I remove only the carpeting and not the vinyl - will it be uneven to lay it over the top?
Would you recommend a separate liner - or the type of laminate that has it attached already?
Any suggestions or tips would be appreciated!
#2
06-14-03, 03:05 PM
Member
Laminate
Whether going with plastic or wood laminate (engineered wood), buy the best you can afford to buy. Most major manufacturers tend to have a good, better, best level of quality in their products. Shop around and compare apples to apples. Each laminate manufacturer tends to have its own very specific instructions for subfloor prep, acclimation, and installation.
Wood laminate products have a veneer layer of real wood over 3-5 plys of plywood. The more plys the better. The thicker the veneer layers, the better. A veneer layer of at least 1/8" is recommended. Some products have such a thin veneer layer that they cannot be sanded for refinishing.
Pre-padded planks sound like stick-down tiles, which is probably the least expensive floor covering on the market. Shop around and learn more about laminate floors before making your decision.
Wood laminate products have a veneer layer of real wood over 3-5 plys of plywood. The more plys the better. The thicker the veneer layers, the better. A veneer layer of at least 1/8" is recommended. Some products have such a thin veneer layer that they cannot be sanded for refinishing.
Pre-padded planks sound like stick-down tiles, which is probably the least expensive floor covering on the market. Shop around and learn more about laminate floors before making your decision.
#3
06-14-03, 07:47 PM
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if the vinyl is put directly to the same concrete subfloor or is a minor difference in height, the difference can be floated and skimcoated with a product called Ardex SD-F (ardex.com) It is pretty easy to work with, but sets fast(20 min.), so don't mix up a whole lot at once, and don't make it runny. Mix it just as the ratios state on the bag.
From my installation experience, the attached cushioned laminates make the hollow sound null, nonexistent.
Attaching the cushion, makes it a sound and vibration absorber. You will still need a poly moisture barrier, but costs pennies.($3 for 25'x10' 6-mil and a roll of clear packing tape for the seams, @ Home Depot.)
Have fun!
From my installation experience, the attached cushioned laminates make the hollow sound null, nonexistent.
Attaching the cushion, makes it a sound and vibration absorber. You will still need a poly moisture barrier, but costs pennies.($3 for 25'x10' 6-mil and a roll of clear packing tape for the seams, @ Home Depot.)
Have fun!
