Experiences with using laminated flooring in apartment units

I'm posting to see if anyone would be willing to share their experiences with using laminated flooring (looks like real wood) in apartment units, common area hallways and stairs, and any other areas. We are considering putting this flooring in at the property and would like to see what others think. Thanks in advance for your responses!

My property has laminated wood flooring in about one fourth of the units. It is a really great marketing feature, but the problem that I constantly see is scratches. Not only does it scratch, but if the tenant has an animal, a water leak, or any wetness to it the floor looks like it is starting to warp. After the test run with the laminate wood flooring, we decided ceramic tile is the way to go. :laugh: Hope this helps

I am putting in Konnecto with great success. I am not wanting to push a brand here, but this is a real maintenance plus for us. Also there is Allure Traffic Master from HD.
If you are leaving VCT or Linoleum in place, get a transition filler between the concrete and the left flooring to avoid a "bump" as it goes over the left flooring. I also highly recommend you getting a power jam saw if you are going to be doing that much work. The real pain comes when you put down the quarter round or base, as for an old geezer like me, that means time on your knees!! I usually pre spray or stain the trim with my sprayer, and then shoot it with an air nailer. Still yet you got to get down there and fill nail holes. We use the flooring as said above which as a ceramic 6 mill covering and scratches very little and is pretty water proof as we like it in the whole unit, baths and kitchens. We get 10% extra and mark back for each unit. We use the same-same color and you need after a while to stop getting the 10% because you will have too much repair stock on hand. I would keep two boxes per unit back for repairs. Me, being one who hates carpet with a purple passion, loves the vinly laminate!!!!

The best answer is know your property and the size of your unit and whether you accept pets or not. Not all laminates are equal so you will have to know which grade you need to put in. I do not know who you use, but you can go to Lowes, Sherwin William, Wilmar, HD Supply, Maintenance Supply Headquarters, and ask their reps to come out and give you a spill as well as you can go to their location and talk to their experts. Here you want to get the pros and cons of each and then make an informed call. The first is of course knowing your property and where it will be installed will then dictate what it will be exposed to which says the grade and quality of flooring you need! Hope this helps!

We love to use Laminate flooring. It is easy to clean looks great. We buy a lot when it is on sale and then do as many units as we can.

Read my blog about KONECTO.
Thanks
Sam

The apartment block that I currently live in has laminate flooring in the hallways. I personally think that it looks really modern and clean (If well maintained) as appose to a carpet which can get dirty very quickly with people walking in and out of the place.

As for actually in my apartment I am always a number one fan of carpet. Laminate floors unless you have under floor heating (or live above someone else: P) can make the room feel cold. I also feel a carpet makes the room feel cosy and snug. However saying that if you have a pet such as a dog or cat then I would prefer a laminate floor. There’s also the point about allergies - carpets are like virtual magnet for allergens like dust mites and mould that can cause some people to cough a lot and have trouble breathing.

I just bought a 6 unit building with laminet click flooring throughout. In my opinion from using it myself, it would be the hardest fix when a section gets scratched or water damaged. You have to takle up all the flooring to the point of the damage and reinstall again. I will be going with glued down vinyl plank when I replace flooring. Replacement of damaged pieces is about an hour job. Heat it to soften the glue pull it up reglue and replace.

Oh yes big seller the laminate flooring. Saw a lot of great replies for advice. Going to throw something else in, make sure you get a good underlayment, even one that's waterproof. This can make a huge difference for the downstairs neighbors, with the spills and that echo effect. You could even use cork. If you're an HD customer, you can order rolls of cork through them. (Be sure to look up instructions on installing the cork) Also, something to take into consideration is the thickness. 8mm or above is going to be more costly, however 2mm is cheap cheap and will break/chip/wear very easily.

Hi, We have used Laminate flooring/plank flooring and have had a good experience with it. The residents love it. It also make the apartments look nicer, more modern etc. We really like using it.

Is this to replace a damaged vinyl plank? 1 hour to repair? So vinyl is now better than laminated flooring?

Are you asking about laminate flooring or vinyl plank flooring? Both install in similar fashion and have a variety of true wood-look finishes, and you will want to do an underlayment with both - to protect against water intrusion and help absorb sound.

I would caution against true laminate flooring in kitchens and bathrooms. Wood laminate does not hold up well in high-moisture areas. Vinyl plank flooring is much better suited. In addition, vinyl plank will wear better, resist scratches and is MUCH easier for the resident to care for (cleaning, etc).