All Forum Posts by: Ben Stout

@Gavin S. I'm starting to lean this way for sure. Have you ever used Lumber Liquidators? This is one of the ones I have bookmarked: http://www.lumberliquidators.com/ll/c/Sadlers-Cree...

At $.59, this seems like something that could become a definite go-to if the quality is decent. 

If I do another Allure floor I will absolutely without a doubt put a moisture barrier under it. I believe the problems with lifting seams comes from moisture in concrete slabs. It says it isn't needed, but I really think it is. 

@RJ Reynolds

 I do allow pets... except the ones that the insurance companies don't like. 

@Shanequa J.

 That stuff looks good, but I'm calculating it at about $2.50/sq foot. I do know some stuff from Lumber Liquidators that is similar is selling for about $1.69. Do you think it will hold up long enough to be worth the investment? 

Over the years my preference in flooring has changed a lot. I started out with carpet, then moved to refinished hardwoods in older homes, then I started exclusively using Allure Vinyl Planks (glue ones). Now I'm not so sure. 

I've done many Allure installs with generally pretty good luck. Unfortunately, I have one house where the seams kept lifting and I was playing "whack a mole" with the crazy glue. After this experience, and due to the fact that I bought 5 pallets at $.99/sft way back when and nowadays it doesn't seem to budge from $2.09 or $1.79 (depending on style), I'm wondering if there's something better out there. I don't want a tenant moving in and immediately complaining about flooring... especially a flooring that's become so expensive. 

I used to prefer vinyl planks, because I could put all the boxes in the house, pull up tack strips, prep subfloor... then wait a day or so and lay all the flooring in about 2 days after it had time to adjust to the house's temp. It was quick and easy. 

Now I'm seeing products like this: http://www.homedepot.com/p/TrafficMASTER-Lakeshore...

At $.79 I can use a 10% off Lowe's coupon and be paying close to 70 cents for a laminate that gets great reviews. A great review like that is likely to be very well-reviewed by potential tenants as well. This is over a full dollar a square foot cheaper than Allure (more after you account for tax ) and I can make the process pretty quick by using a laminate cutter.

I could try porcelain tiles, but I just don't think houses are as appealing with tile throughout. Maybe this is personal bias. I'm thinking the way forward is a laminate like the one above and nice premium vinyl tiles for kitchens and wet areas. 

What are you guys using? What's your preference in 2015? Have you changed your thoughts over the years? 

If you need to replace a piece of allure, just hold a hairdryer close to the seams on low and be gentle with it, but the pieces will easily separate. The best thing I've found to re-stick with is Gorilla Glue's super glue (not regular Gorilla because it expands.) A small dot every inch or so does the trick. 

I noticed that Panda Express is also using plank flooring too. Funny how after you do this for a while you start looking at this stuff everywhere you go. 

No offense, but you need to read. A lot. Then come back and tell us all the info that Erik just mentioned and tell us if YOU think it's a good deal... or not.. and why. That will provide the most info/help to everyone reading/posting/learning. 

Same here... about 1 in 10 realtors actually seems to return phone calls. It's unbelievable to me. 

How high end are you going on the luxury vinyl tiles? The armstrong ones are like a buck a piece. 

Do you really think after years of long term tenancy that your hardwood floors are still gonna look good enough to market and sway a buyer? All it's gonna take is an icemaker leaking or a house party with someone in stilettos to make you regret the hardwood. That's just my opinion. I'd allure them and then think about it again once I decide to sell.