Laminate in 1998 Fleetwood 24X56

[Steve]

I'm considering removing original carpet from my home and installing laminate; I would like some input regarding materials and process.

I believe existing subfloor is particle board- Would it be wise to install new subfloor (OSB? plywood?) before laminate? If so, how thick, what grade?

Has anyone here had good success with a particular manufacturer/type of laminate? I am considerating many options, among them the Harmonics brand sold at Costco, laminate from IKEA, and others. I have not heard good things about what's being offered at Home Depot... namely, the cheaper Pergo, etc.

I would consider doing this myself, but it would be my first attempt. Any advise for first-timers for this kind of job?

Thanks for any advice offered in advance...

[Gene]

I used home depot during my home renovation some years ago and was completely satisfied with the installers because installers knew if their workmanship was not satisfactory - no one is perfect but too many complaints and they can't sub-contract for home depot.

I used home depot sub contractors for both carpet, laminate flooring, cabinets, plumbing and more. Different installers but all did good work. I would much rather have a major retailer to complain if needed and get the workers to come back than trust local maybe not licensed (cheap) unreliable help. At least you know the installer has to meet someones expectations to continue getting referrals. There are many decent sub-contractors but what are yours chances cold calling for workers.

Also the products they carry cover the entire price range and thus quality and as usual you get what you pay for. Buy cheap and you get cheap but they carry (like others) most major brands and price ranges.

My best advice is to research the web sites of different manufactures of the products you want to buy to understand what you are paying for in quality or lack of.

And especially be sure to upgrade whatever vinyl you buy or all the preparations, time and money will be lost with poor wearing vinyl. Understanding what mixed colors vs solid color hides wear and marks will also make you more safisfied in the long run.

good luck

[troy]

Don't bother replacing the subfloor if you are going to use laminate flooring. The substrate material in laminate flooring is particleboard, so you won't be gaining anything.

[GregL]

If your doing this yourself check to see if your floor is flat or wavy. Laminate flooring allows for 1/6 of an inch, if you have dips or waves that are more than 1/6 then you must either replace or fill in if not you will not be satisfied with the results. As far as using laminate in a MH it's a floating floor (it sits on sits on a pad and isn't attached to the subfloor) and is the flooring of choice at this time. I'm doing my complete home in it and so far it looks great.

[charlie]

to find a good installer in your area try going to the township office and ask the building inspector for a referal also you can call the manufacturer of the product you are going to use and ask them for a referal. either way you can ask the potental installer for the phone number of a few jobs that he has done and give them a call to see how other home owners like his work and attitude.

[Pat Williams]

I added laminated flooring to my kitchen and laundry room
it was more than I had experiance doing I had a handyman
carpenter put it in (to many angles) it looks great... added
value to the home, easy to care for.
Go for it, makes it feel more like a home!

[rmurray]

On the way....Have fun with your project..