Rec. 4Good laminate flooring?

I'd appreciate any advice about what is a good, reliable and reasonably priced laminate floor product out there. In particular, are the new NO GLUE, CLICK INTO PLACE versions the way to go? Please include any personal experience in installing this product and your opinion about a 1st timer, like me, doing the work? Has anyone purchased this product through the Internet and had trouble w/ it later on. Include any good website/retailer for this, if worthwhile. Thanks E

 

Select a well known, well recognized, established brand name. The unknown or unproven product is mentioned only because someone “found” or ‘thinks” they’ve made a great discovery when in fact we have seen the discovery did not concern quality, construction, utility, or satisfaction, only a low price. The best known brands of proven quality may be installed Very Well, only Ok, or poorly installed, resulting in commensurate satisfaction, or lack of it.Good, Bad and Ugly comes to mind. There are fewer failures or problems being reported when a high quality brand of glueless flooring is installed. I will suggest that the brand you buy should be advertised, well known and offered by a financially sound manufacturer. There are well known, highest quality specialty laminate floor brands just as there are well known Hardwood brands that are not associated with carpet or vinyl floor covering companies. Brand names have meaning and suggest value, good or not so good. I believe you should find a brand that will supply test data and test results for their products. Find a brand that offers all of the accessories, trim and moldings that you will need to match your flooring. Even if you don't use all the accessory items, the fact that most of what you will need is available indicates a manufacturer has at least considered the total satisfaction of the consumer. A local dealer with knowledge of the local climate and building construction methods and who has a good reputation offers value that is far more than a few cents per foot of flooring, especially laminate flooring. A respected dealer will also know the better installers or be able to help you access the probable success you might have if you DIY. A professional installer has the experience, tools and motivation to provide a high level of satisfaction. The most important thing is to choose a color and pattern that will compliment the decorating scheme and lifestyle of your home. Find a quality brand with a wide variety of colors and patterns from which to choose. Don't buy cheap... buy wise, it is the value of your home that you may compromise. JMHO