Hi all

I know elements of this subject have probably been covered here 100,000 times, but please bare with me as I have some specific questions, following some fairly lengthy reading and research on the subject.

I am in the process of replacing warn out carpet with either laminate or vinyl plank floating floors throughout my 2 bedroom unit. The unit has concrete floors. I've been to heaps of flooring retailers in SA over the past few weeks and some give more advice than others, some spin stories to push their point and some really dont give a crap what you buy. Here are some of the things that i've read on the two types of flooring and I guess I am looking for a bit of consensus on how factual it is. Here goes:

1) Dont buy laminate flooring that is thinner than 8MM as it's generally less durable, cheaper and nastier. 12mm thick is generally recommended.
2) Laminate flooring has a better/longer warranty than the vinyl planking alternatives
3) Laminate is fairly resistant to spills, but any major spills on it or water left on it for any length of time will ultimately damage it
4) Vinyl Planks are effectively water proof, more durable and more expensive (typically 1.5-2X the price) than laminate per Sq metre.
5) Laminate has a rating system called A1, A2, A3, A4 (or something similar), the higher the number meaning it is harder/more durable/better quality
6) The underlay type for laminate really doesn't make that much difference in terms of noise.
7) Vinyl planks come in two types, interlocking and self-adhesive (the latter being more popular/easier to get). When using the latter, over time the glue can dry/wear out in parts and the vinyl can pop up in places and is difficult to re-stick without removing large chunks of the surrounding flooring.
8 ) Every store has their own preferred brand of flooring it seems. I have been unable to get a consensus on what constitute the good and not so good brands. Can anyone recommend any good quality laminate or vinyl planking brands?

Anyone care to comment on how accurate any/all of the above statements are? It is hard to believe salespeople when their advice conflicts one another and they're ultimately just hoping for a quick $4000 sale.

Basically in the next 2-3 years my current place where I am doing the flooring could end up being a rental when we decide to upsize. This is being factored into my considerations in terms of durability.

Thanks
JT

Thanks HN Flooring Team. Interestingly, of all the retailers i've visted (at least 5). Harvey Norman and one other have been by far the most helpful.

That's what we like to hear.

Ask to speak to Michael at Gepps or Paul at Munno Para , they are the respective franchisees and will be able to assist you to the highest level.

Best wishes for your flooring project. If we can assist more online, please don't hesitate.

I've decided on a change of tact.

Having had a look at the various vinyl plank options available, I can't really see any colours that I really like. At least not by recognised brand names. Also, the retailers I have spoken too have either had limited range, or not really known alot about the laying process.

I think given the range and the fact that it is nearly always cheaper per square metre, I have settled on laminate.

I have decided I won't go any less than 8mm thick laminate, as that seems to be widely recommended. I am open to 12mm laminates if they are cost-justifiable. Can anyone tell me the reputable brands available through large flooring retailers (particularly in SA)? Every flooring retailer literally sells different brands... It's not like going and buying a TV where you can be virtually guaranteed that all the big retailers will sell Sony, Panasonic, LG and Samsung in their range....

I am leaning towards Quick Step as an option, as the vast amount research i've done suggests that it is widely accepted as being the top-shelf of laminates, but am also open to other manufacturers too. My research has suggested I will be paying about $39/Square metre excluding laying costs for Quick Step. Happy to hear any thoughts on whether this is average, or expensive or what not.

I am definately open to other brands...

We would suggest (of course visiting Michael at Gepps Cross or Paul at Munno Para on either Saturday or Sunday (27th & 28th) next week with your measurements. Can't say more than that at this early stage, but you will see what we mean

In relation to brands, yes Quick Step is a quality brand that has a good reputation, yet can be a touch on the higher side price wise, but like everything, you get what you pay for We do not sell that brand as we source our own products and have products made to our own designs and specifications. You will find a large range of laminate, with new innovations and products always being added.

Unlike many products sold in Australian flooring stores, laminate flooring purchased through Harvey Norman is designed, imported and warranted by Harvey Norman and as such your warranty is held by the company that sells it to you. A useful point if you ever have cause to call on your warranty.

The current ranges on offer include;

Dezign 8mm matt standard
Fastlock 8mm matt embossed
Wood Trends 8mm piano finish high gloss
Timber Impressions 12mm piano finish high gloss long boards

Plus there will be other special buys, bulk buys and one off designs to look at, particularly at the larger of those two stores being the one run by Michael at Gepps Cross.

Looks like a trip to Gepps Cross on 27/4 is going to be the go

Hi, I have just had Cushionwood Tasmanian oak laid over the last few days; I first would like to say I am very very happy with the result, the fellows doing the work put in time ensuring the slab was completely flat, they removed the ceramic tiles, all 60 metres of them, the dust was everywhere. Then they spread levelling compound, which set as hard at concrete over the slab to ensure it was level, finally they spread glue over the ground and laid the planks.

The Cushionwood is neither self-stick nor floating; they spread glue onto the floor then lay the planks.

The layer told me that the glue takes about 24 hours to initially "go off" then it takes up to 30 days for it to be completely set / hard. He said that we shouldn't put any furniture back on it until the 3rd day; as if the furniture is heavy the glue will indent in that spot.

We haven’t finished yet, as my main bathroom, which I decided to renovate at the last minute, is not finished yet, the tiler should be finished on Wednesday this coming week, then the flooring guys come back and they will again, spread the levelling compound on the slab and when that’s dry they will finish laying the planks in the bathroom, laundry, and toilet.

I will post some photos when all complete

Can't wait to see your floors,l am having planks in all
wet areas no tiles,except shower bases.

So are we, I will post some photos hopefully the friday of our laundry and bathroom.

Yipee, we put the sitting area of our family room back together yesterday arvo

We still have to paint the wall in this room, it will be 1/2 strength hogs bristle, then my art can go back on that wall.

Here is a photo of our family room[ img ]

Hi Megg,thanks for pic looks so real,it matches perfectly
with your bricks and furniture, can't wait to see bathroom
and laundry.

Oh I read this and I so wish that I had bought my laminate from Harvey Norman instead of the retailer I went with, the laminate I have is poor quality even though it has an AC3 rating and 25 year warranty the retailer won't stand by the product - I plan to push and push because you can't even walk on it with wet shoes or jacket without it permanently flaring. These HN guys sound so helpful and knowledgeable, wish Id come across them first!

I went with Quickstep flooring myself, after going through the same thing ... Downstairs 2 bedroom unit in Kew - covered the kitchen, living and dining areas ... Have a staffy who lives inside, and after 12months the floors are looking as good as new (and she RUNS across the floor, scratching her nails etc) .... The issue with the vinyl direct-stick planks (I loved the Karndean range) was that the floor had to be SPOT-ON Level .. and being a 30+ year old unit, the slab was not great ... So the cost of getting the areas levelled made the direct-strick vinyl option more expensive!

I am REALLY happy with my floors - cannot 'wet' them, but I whipe them over once a week with one of those floor whipes from the supermarket ... floor comes up good-as-new .... I went with the dark brown floor ... EVERYONE comments on it!!!

Just a couple of photos to share of my new finished laundry, with vinyl plank flooring.

I pulled out one of my dirty washing drawers in the photo to show how they are. I have 4 large drawers. Top drawer closest to the washing machine is for dirty whites, bottom drawer is for dirty darks. Other top drawer is for my clean clothes waiting to be ironed and drawer under that is for DH's clothes waiting to be ironed. Now no confusion for DH if he does the washing.
[ img ]
[ img ]
I am still waiting for my shower screen, which should be in this coming week. When it's in I will post finished photos.

Wow,what an amazing look .That laundry will be so functional
as you said no excuses re DH .What colour did you select
for planks?,my flooring should start next Monday.

What colour did you select
for planks?,my flooring should start next Monday.[/quote]


Hi, the planks are Cushionwood Tasmanian oak, It was such a hard choice, with so many companies and their ranges, it was very confusing , I'm very happy with the final result.

What is the brand and colour you ended up choosing? and please post some photos when finished

Have a look at the Freefit Vinyl Plank & also Laneway from Carpet Court.

Quickstep makes a number of different products at different price points ranging from 7mm to 9.5mm thickness.

I would not personally use the 7mm.

Quietstep u'lay is a must in my opinion in combi for slabs or quietstep std for timber, particle board etc.

We use Quietstep Combi under everything & that way We always have the right u'lay no matter what We are doing.

I can personally recommend Karndean Vinyl planks and they have a huge array of timber looks, stone/slate/mosaic tile looks in many colours to suit every decor. We have had them for over 4 years and they look as good as new.

Thank you for this recommendation. Will check it out soon.

What underlay do you recommend under the vinyl plank? Plywood?