All Forum Posts by: Keith Lewis

 I sell that product. It works very well. The glue on the back is normally a contractor grade but be warned you must use a latex based FLOOR primer to control the dust and dirt on the floor prior to installation. I also recommend you rent a 100# roller to roll the floor with so you get the proper compression of the glue to make contact with the subfloor

Hi Karen,

Just want to make clear some confusion with my fellow posters. First LVT is NOT laminate so there is no such thing as a "laminate vinyl plank". There IS LVT that installs with a click lock style and those floors are great in most areas, though I would avoid them over any uninsulated and not properly vented crawlspace. Glue down using an adhesive is always a good floors though again I prefer an adhesive with a hard set and not a pressure sensitive that can be affected by temperature and other factors. The newer WPC/EVP core laminates are an upgrade to wood laminates, thicker but still has the same factors to consider if installing LVT click lock. Greys are just becoming popular in the Midwest to buy. East/West coast are always ahead of the trends. If you wish to install a click lock on upper stories look into a recommended acoustical pad to deaden the sound; thin , dense so as not to cause the product to unlock if walked on. Also get something with at least a 12 mil wearlayer AND a scratch resistant AO or ceramic finish over the wear layer.

Hope this helps

Without reading through everything, how uneven are your floors. you can get a cheap laser to shoot across the floor then run a tape measure out about 10'. Using a file cards go out in one foot increments and use a pen to mark where the laser hits the card. This can show you how uneven your floor actually is. Since laminate has to be with 3/16" on a ten foot span , I'm betting you're outside of that. 

The newer laminates called EVP or WPC, not a brand but a type, will be more rigid and allow you to install them over rougher floors. Still try to get one with a decent AC or at least a 12 mil wear layer. I'm not a fan of the cork backed EVP/WPC but they seem to be working out in most instances if you require some type of sound deadening.

Hope that helps. PM me if you have other questions

LVT would wear the best but of course it depends on what you intend top get as rent. If you want a ceramic or stone look there are some great looking products in the 3mm to 4mm range that are groutable. I usually prefer one with a rounded edge compared to  a pressed bevel; easier to grout IMHO. If you are looking at a main floor I'd suggest a 4mm click lock not an EVP or WPC; while these are good products they are new in our industry. Use a thin dense underlay on upper floors that is warrantied for use with click lock products. 3mm may separate if the maker is using an older locking system.

Glue down would be my preferred installation but not a pressure sensitive. Use a glue that cures to a hard set so moisture and temperature has less of an effect regarding the subfloor. You really need a pro to use that glue but it's well worth it. Also don't use luan ESPECIALLY INTERIOR GRADE. 1/4" APA approved plywood is best. If you insist, use EXTERIOR grade luan, smooth one side, exterior grades using moisture resistant adhesives. but I still don't recommend them.

Hope that all helps. Email me if yiou have more questions

Click and  Lock LVT is a great option. Look for one with a 12 mil or better wear layer and a scratch resistant finish like AO or ceramic bead. If you can find it, there are vinyl plank that have a releasable adhesive already applied to them that leave no residue if removed so you could refinish the floor at a later date should you choose.

Before you buy from Lumber Liquidators you should read this article. Nuff said

http://www.ecocenter.org/healthy-stuff/reports/vin...

Not sure how long you've had it down but the manufacturer spec for 12mm laminates calls for the same spec as thinner. I hope it goes well for you.

 You're right on the pricing. Unfortunately the standard laminate does not perform any better over uneven floors; it will possibly unlock or the tongue may crack. The core is either HDF or MDF and not meant to be stressed that way.

Laminates have really been surpassed by the WPC (wood plastic composite) and EVP (engineered vinyl plank) flooring as well as the LVT click lock floors. All follow the same restriction for expansion around the edge, the need to acclimate before installing and they no longer need a cushion under them for installation due to their construction besides being 100% waterproof. Waterproof means that water will not affect the product to cause swelling or worse. Water can still get between the locking system left there long enough and in enough quantity( Don't worry about spills. Think about pipes bursting and standing water. An overall thickness of 4mm would be my choice with a minimum of a 12 mil wearlayer combined with some type of scratch resistant coating like AO or ceramic bead. I also prefer the Unilin locking system( a tad more difficult to install but the overall strength of the locking mechanism seems stronger). If you want to use these with a pad make sure you get one approved by the manufacturer, usually very thin rubber or closed cell urethane. It doesn't give you any cushion but it may help with acoustics and warmth especially for second floors. Make sure you DON'T nail your mouldings to the floor but to the wall base otherwise you have locked the floor down and will cause it to buckle and unlock with time. Also tell your clients just to clean them with white vinegar and water and rinse. That's it ; the floors will look great for years.

Hi Renee,

First off remember while you are trying to rent this property for the highest ROI, this is your property. How much time and money do you have for maintenance? How often do you turn a property that would require the floor whether carpet or hard surface to be maintained or renovated? No one has asked but is this property on a second story where noise can be an issue? Certain cities actually have statutes regarding the flooring because of that one fact. I have to agree that hardwood is great for a single family unit; they tend to stay longer giving you time to recoup your investment. Otherwise an LVT/LVP is a better choice. If you can find one of the brands that has a releasable adhesive already adhered to the backing that would be the best. If you go with a click lock system in LVT look for one with a Unilin locking system, they usually hold up better. And don't go for anything under a 3.5mm thickness or a 12 mil wearlayer WITH a scratch resistant FINISH (The wearlayer is just the clear coat over the color, the Finish is what gives it its durablity) . The new EVP or WPC laminates are good for uneven subfloors but again look for the same wearlayer and finish.

Of course carpeting is the cheapest. Maybe look at the low profile pattern goods with a thin , dense cushion, no thicker that 3/8" no less than 8 # density. With a good power stretch installation it will wear very well. Look for BCF nylon or a good PET polyester for stain resistance.

Hope that helps.