Which flooring?? Help, advice, information, answers and tips on all types of flooring from laminate and carpet to timber and vinyl

[frankino]

Hi there,
I am just about to move into a new house for the first time and would like to floor living room with a type of wood. Flat I lived in had laminate, but had beading which I think doesn't look as good as without, but then you've got to lift skirting boards.
Can someone tell me which is the most cost effective/durable floor covering which doesn't require lifting skirting boards,is easily maintained and looks quite good for a living room,
Thanks in advance,
F

[DUDE DIY]

Hey frank !

the choice of flooring is up to you. All flooring you can buy has pros and cons. Best to avoid the cheap ikea stuff though it just doesnt last. It might look great at first but after a few months will start to show signs of wear and movement. Speak to a few flooring retailers to get a bit of knowledge on flooring before you decide to buy. Eevn if your on a budget I would get the best floor you can afford. Keep in mind the depth of the flooring and flooring underlay, as you might find after fitting your new floor you have to start adjusting the doors in your room so they will open and close over the new floor.
Fitting beading around the edge of the floor is less attractive than fitting under the skirting but most flooring places sell the matching beading to any floor you buy so its less obvious once the job is done and a whole lot less work than lifting the skirting. As far as it goes for choice, I would advise on a style of flooring which is in keeping with the style of the house and complimetary to your overall decor. Most wooden/laminate floors are easily maintained with regular light cleaning, but avoid using lots of water. If your looking for a simple life avoid wooden floors which may need waxing or expensive specialist cleaning. When buying the floor add at least 10% to the square footage you need to cover any cutting and wasteage. Hope this helps dude....let me know how you get on Cheers.

[frankino]

Dude DIY ,
Many thanks for your advice. Plumped for good quality laminate.Fitted next Tuesday.

[DUDE DIY]

Great stuff. Happy new floor and have a great christmas!

[iunia.mars]

Wood floors generally are coated with special lacquers that make them resistant to moisture, impact or scratches. They can live a lifetime and they look very nice. But wood floors are more expensive than laminate floors but they definitely make all the money. If you don't have much time to lose you can shop on-line, is cheaper, easier and you can return them if they don't suit your needs.

[Tall Tone]

Just to clarify here:-
"Wood floors generally are coated with special lacquers that make them resistant to moisture, impact or scratches"
Modern lacquers are micro-porus which allows the wood to breath, although they will shrug off most spills if cleaned up fairly quickly they are not "resistant to moisture", impact resistance is down to the wood, not the lacquer so choose a denser wood, lacquers will scratch so get the best lacquer you can as they scratch less and check with the manufacturer for the best way to look after the floor
"you can return them if they don't suit your needs. "
As long as you are willing to pay the carriage!