laminate tile anyone use? have a customer who was wondering - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

TurnkeyConst · 12-16-2007, 04:08 AM

Hey guys, Well I am going to build a sunroom for a lady as a referral from a sunroom I built for her daughter. As we are going through the details she finds she cant afford the ceramic tile. I offer that we can put hardwoods down for durability against dogs and cats. Then they were at lowes and seen the snap together laminate tiles. I dont know anything about them because personally I wouldnt have it in my house. Do you guys know anything about it ease of installation? or durability of it. not too worried about finding out about installation we can figure it out just wonder if it would be a worthy substitution or if they would regret it in a couple months or years. appreciate it guys in advance.

Jerry T · 12-16-2007, 08:33 AM

Good question. The only way you will safely get by with a laminate in a sunroom situation is to have it climate controlled year round. Along with that the homeowners need to keep their word on this.

I got pictures that show what "could" happen if they don't .

Please talk the into a porcelain tile or carpet. This is for their own good.

TurnkeyConst · 12-16-2007, 08:40 AM

could you email me any pictures you have that I could use to try to sway their thinking? turnkeyconstruction06@gmail.com thanks man

neolitic · 12-16-2007, 08:58 AM

Don't have any pictures, but I've seen some pretty scratched up stuff in kitchens and utility rooms.
One customer has it in her kitchen, looks pretty good after @8 years, but she is single, and hasn't moved any appliances yet.
I wouldn't put masonite in a "sunroom" situation, don't care what they call it.

Jerry T · 12-16-2007, 12:38 PM

I'll find the pictures and email them.

I would like to back up for a minute. I realize folks only have so much money and can only do so much with their budget. Just explain to them that no laminate manufacturer will warrant this type of install. The problems are maintaining a reasonable temperature and humidity level.

I am not totally convinced the temp. has a whole lot to do with this, but the humidity level does matter. You can get peaking at the joints. If not climate controlled they may could get by with just running a dehumidifier until they can afford porcelain tile later on.

Jerry T · 12-16-2007, 01:08 PM

See if this link works for the pictures.... http://picasaweb.google.com/jwt253/L...ey=GHcyJpvFb8M

Mike Costello · 12-16-2007, 02:29 PM

Whats wrong with that job?

Looks like one of mine after I get done bashing it together

Jerry T · 12-17-2007, 03:25 AM

That's called distressed laminate Mike... wake up fella

PrecisionFloors · 12-17-2007, 04:01 PM

Lol No extra charge for that

Mike Costello · 12-17-2007, 06:05 PM

Love it

cinder11 · 12-17-2007, 07:00 PM

I have installed a decent amount of the tile look-alike. It is the same material as the other laminates. It just comes in different sizes Some come in planks like the laminate wood look and others come in squares which is a little harder to install but still pretty easy. The tile can look nice especially if you offset the rows to follow a pattern. As far as the quality goes- laminate is laminate. It comes down to how much she wants to spend on her floor. Usually most people pick laminate for the simple fact that it is cheaper and they can afford it. Just make sure you seal the whole floor with plastic up to the basboards and still use your padding. If you communicate all this to the customer usually everything is fine.

PrecisionFloors · 12-17-2007, 09:55 PM

Welcome aboard cinder. Great first post! I agree.