First Laminate Job

MPT

Hey guys :
Been doing general carpentry for a while but am about to do my first laminate floor job. Homeowner has not picked flooring yet but is leaning toward a Mannington clic laminate. Any experience with this? The flloor is in the basement - concrete. I'll have to do lots of cutting since there's a utility closet in the center of the basement floor - so I get to lay only a few strips and then cut. I did some checking and it looks like Quiet Walk is the best underlayment for this - vapor barrier included, reasonably quiet, and protects from minor water problems.
Thanks.

Zero Punch

Undercut your casings and jambs work away from obstructions toward straight walls. Make sure you leave recomended expansion around perimeter.

John

PrecisionFloors

Another thing to remember is the recomended run length until an expansion (T-molding) joint is necessary. Most list 27-30 ft. I always try to break it in the most inconspicuos area. Some are even calling for a break in every doorway now. Aclimate your product especially in a basement install. I also agree with working towards your straight walls, it makes the finishing row ALOT easier to get in.

MPT

Thanks for the tip. I appreciate the advice. The expansion strip has me a little concerned. I've got a 33' run in front of and behind the utility room. I need to check with Mannington on the max length. Either way, this expansion strip is gonna look lousy in the middle of the room. How important is it? By the way, anyone have any experience with iFloors.com? Looks like they have some good prices. From reading through some of the posts, it appears there's a controversy on the use of 1/4 round to finish the floor. I assume that's because the finish of the 1/4 round matches the floor and not the baseboard - and that painting the 1/4 round would take too much time. Are there other options? Should I offer to paint the 1/4 round for the homeowner (additional cost)?
Mike

PrecisionFloors

I always use red/white oak or maple quarter round and stain it to match the product. It comes out great. I do the same for my Ts, reducers, and end moldings also. Make sure you put a couple coats of poly on anything that will get foot traffic. I have never used iFloor myself as I have suppliers in my area. The biggest concern would be shipping as laminate is a very fragile product if mis-handled.

MPT

Thanks for the suggestion. Any experience with Mannington NatureForm laminate?
Mike

Floorwizard

a fine product.

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