HELP! LVT/LAMINATE FLOORING

5 months ago

Hi all,
We have had a new kitchen put in and we had opted for LVT from Gillies....
As the floor wasn't properly prepared by our contractor, this ended up being a total mess. We were then advised by 2 other flooring contractors that the flooring was not good quality (despite paying out alot!)
So now we've had the floor ripped up, screeded and away to do it all again! We don't want to take any chances with any more unsuitable flooring amd want to go with a reputable brand - any suggestions?
Alot of people have recommended Karndean but then we're also being told you're mainly paying for the name and there are better alternatives.
We looked at Moduleo but they seem to have terrible reviews online, and have seen a really nice Parador sample but i cannot seem to find much reviews or info about them online which I automatically do not trust.
We have also been recommend Quickstep. Struggling to pick a reliable brand as we do not want to be ripping up the floor with any issues again in a few months time!
We also keep going between laminate or LVT. Good quality laminate seems to look more like real wood but have heard issues with warping etc.
We're also looking to go with click flooring rather than glue down from recommendations from our flooring specialist. This is for our hallway and kitchen/diner.
Any advice appreciated!
Thanks.

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Comments (2)

Sonia
5 months ago
What a nightmare for you. Now you say the LVT was from Gillies, but I understand they are a furniture and flooring company? Therefore they must have sold you a brand of LVT of some sort. Looking at their website they only sell Amtico which is a very good brand as far as I know, although I’ve never used them myself.

Now I would have thought the fitter should have advised about the floor base required, after all the base to any flooring is probably more important than the top, but I know some fitters are useless. Many years ago I had ceramic tiles fitted in my kitchen which had a base of wooden floorboards. The fitter said he would lay a mesh over the boards to stop them moving. Well of course after some time the tiles started to crack in places. That fitter was a lying so and so! We have since had the floor boarded and laid porcelain tiles and it has been perfect for 13 years.

Was the fitter someone you found or someone Gillies provided? If it was Gillies then I think a conversation needs to be had with them to resolve it. I know you have had the floor screeded now but if the issue was their fitter then they are responsible. Aren’t Karndean the top LVT suppliers? Many Houzzers have used LVT so hopefully you will get more comments soon.

Another option is porcelain tiles. Tough as old boots and very easy to clean. They can be a bit cold underfoot so best with underfloor heating although I have them in my kitchen without UFH and I’ve survived! Hope you find a solution soon.
Alex Burnett
5 months ago
Glue down LVT will be a perfect option, Amtico, Karndean and Moduleo are all good brands that should not cause any issues so long is everything is prepared properly.

Parador is a German flooring manufacturer and their product is excellent.

I would avoid any click LVT products, but Glue down with the right subfloor prep is brilliant, double check that your installer is completely happy with your subfloors history and the issues that you have had previously.

Good Quality Laminate like Parado and QuickStep are great products and should'nt let you down and will require less surface prep to get on the floor but you will need to account for the required expansion gap around the edge of the room that Laminate requires in it's installation.

Talk to your installer about the Pro's and Cons, or an Independent retailer who will spend the time on ensuring you get a product that suits your needs and budget.
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HELP! LVT/LAMINATE FLOORING

Comments (2)

Sonia

Alex Burnett

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