Mrs D once wrote a review about Ikea Tundralaminate flooring, although she stuck it under my name on Ciao. In those days, she was getting me a name as a bit of a churner, and blow is the depth of opinion which she offered (PS this article also got the most reads I ever received on Ciao!): **************************************************
I have had my Tundra Laminate Floor from Ikea for 2 years now and I have to say that it is the best decision I ever made. It's easy to keep clean and maintain and still looks as good as it did when originally fitted. Tundra flooring has a 15 year guarantee and is very hard wearing. I have two kids and two dogs, I have no stains as I did with my previous scotchguard carpet. Spills are easy to clean up and marks are none existant! I would certainly recommend Ikea Tundra to anyone considering it. Before I checked the prices at Ikea I had a quotation from Courts who wanted to charge me in excess of £2000, I contacted Ikea, purchased the flooring and materials for less than £500 and had their contractors fit the floor, all for less than £800! ****************************************************
Now, tonight, I intend to move the world of laminate flooring forward just a little and I’ll try and give you the real lowdown on this smart little invention…
I’ve heard laminate flooring being pooh poohed (technical description) for years, but I have to say, THEY’RE ALL WRONG … laminate flooring is very good indeed, and very clean and easy.
Ikea, although they are responsible for many of the worse things in home furnishings and equipment, just like Habitat, are certainly a brilliant provider (is there such a phrase) of laminate flooring.
For those of you for whom this is all a little bit mysterious, laminate flooring is a man made creation which looks exactly like wooden flooring when laid. It’s formed a bit like tongue and groove in that the various panels slot together (like a very simple jigsaw) and lock into place. I’ve never sussed out how exactly you get the last piece in because surely the wall will stop you doing it, but then you have men to do that sort of dirty work for you, don’t you?
It’s (apparently) very easy to fit, but the real advantage is how clean and hygienic it is, although you can see the dirt which tends to be hidden in a carpet, so it does get a bit irritating, but you certainly feel a nice warm glow when you’ve swept and hovered it. It’s vital that you don’t get the flooring wet because it can warp, but we’ve had flooring all through Chez27 for many years now and never experienced this nasty little complaint, so I wouldn’t worry TOO much.
I also have to say that in my opinion it’s much cheaper and more cost effective than carpeting, and significantly preferable if there’s anyone in the house who suffers with asthma.
The only trouble is, I’m afraid that this entire subject is VERY BORING, and there is little to be said. She’s telling me now, goading me, “Try to beat me, would you, my fans will tell you where to get off.”
Ignore her, treasures, dave27 knows best and recommends laminate flooring…
PS As Larry said "Hi I thought you might have mentioned the glue you need, the tools you need, and the fact that it doesn't actually go right up to the edge - you need to leave expansion gaps, what about the insulated membrane you need to put down, I've laid one of these floors in my old house, I feel you've actually missed quite a bit about them. Larry"
Absolutely right, me old cock sparrer, whoever fits the flooring needs all that stuff (wasn't me so I don't care) and you have to do all those bits, 'nuff said...
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