LAMINATE - Best brands wood look? DPL vs HPL? 8 vs 12 mm?, etc.
FIO LAMINATE QUESTIONS – Quality brands that have best wood look? DPL vs High pressure? Cleaning easy w/beveled edges? 8 vs 12 mm? The best light “wood look” I like so far is Mannington Revolutions Plank Ontario Oak Natural (light wood-beveled edges). Am also considering Alloc Original Wilsonart Estate Plus (Arrow Cherry). I see postings that say “get 12 mm for sure” – what brand offers these quality 12mm’s? Armstrong Grand Illusions 12mm is beautiful but too “glassy” to be practical – fear kids foot/finger prints would destroy that look fast! Have read a few too many negative reviews on G.I. by those who have it in their homes. Alloc Original has underlayment attached – what are some quality underlayments for other laminates that aren’t too pricey? We need 600 sq. ft. Have heavy piano wall units – type of protectors to put under furniture? Not doing this as DIY but hiring someone. My first post – so thanks to any helpful responses! You're asking for a book on laminate. I'll give you what i have time to and maybe others can hit whatever i miss. DPL vs HPL: HPL is better for impact and dent/gouge resistance. Most people will never need the protection of a HPL or that would be a major complaint in the market. But it's nice to have the option out there. Anyone with a pool table should seriously consider HPL. I would not choose a HPL over DPL if i found the look i want in a high quality DPL. Pergo also makes a line of HPL if you want options besides WilsonArt. Bevels vs Square edge: I've had both and will never do a square edged laminate again. Besides bevels making the floor look less like a laminate, i found it easier to clean. I live in an area with lots of sand. The sand would find it's way into the grooves instead of sitting on top of the floor (i go barefoot a lot) and would easily vacuum out. Whereas my square edged lam would hold all the sand particulars on top requiring more maintenance. 8 vs 12: I don't have a strong opinion on this one. The thicker lams are just recently coming into fashion. The benifits of a thicker core are better sound quality. That's about it. More stable? maybe. But lams are usually destroyed by homeowner abuse or floods. a 12 mil is not going to last any better in these situations that an 8 mil. Go for the look over the thickness here. Mannington is great. I love the look of the Armstrong but i know what you mean about it not being fam friendly. I don't like the lams with an attached cushion. There are great aftermarket underlayments by companies who specialize in this area. And i want to pick the underlayment i want. Not what the manufacturer can get the cheapest. My favorite is quiet walk. http://www.mpglobalproducts.com/quietwalk_index.html I hope that gets you closer. Thanks a ton, Arkon - that DOES help me. Anytime I can add or eliminate things through this whole process, it's very helpful - and you offered me a lot! You are the only one who has responded so far and I very much appreciate your help. I'm glad these questions were asked because I was wondering the same things. The answer was VERY helpful to me too...thanks another brand to check out that is great is Quick Step. Forgot to mention that one. They make a great product. I've done at least 60thousand feet with almost no complaints. Have you had the opportunity to look at Armstrong/Bruce's new looks? They have an awesome new 13 mil product that looks absolutely amazing. These are all beveled with amatte finish not the High Gloss your so scared of... They also have approximately 7 new 8mil colors with great looks.. Armstrong/Bruce is your only laminate that carries your Good House Keeping Seal Of approval, which by the way is a huge compliment to the manufacturer. This is not something that can be purchased this means that Good Housekeeping backs there warranties. I hope I was atleast a little help..
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