Advantages Looks stunning and modern.
Disadvantages I could write to much so you may as well read on...
There are a number of advantages and disadvantages with this but as with all laminated flooring. When i decorated my first house with my partner we chose this as choice of flooring on the ground floor and i remember distintively we swore never to get it again.
But i can now tell you a few years on, last week we were looking at buying flooring for our new house and we were very close to buying it again.
It is suitable to be used in all rooms, including the bathroom - the laminate has a special extra watertight core, which improves the floor's moisture-resistant properties - although personally I wouldn't have it in here as there would still be the danger of slipping.
It does come in a design of ceramic tiles with a coloured effect between the squares to mimick tile grout. This does look extrememly realistic. The squares are individually and uniquely shaded to give the 3D effect.Everyones taste is different and there is something to suit every style of decoration from Modern to Traditional.
The Uniclic idea works very similar to tongue and grove floor boards. Slot together, and press down until it clicks. Yes, it is easy, my partner did a 15x14 room in a day and comes with full installation advice and instructions but you will have to buy the fitting kit seperate (Approx £10)The floor lives so it will expand and contract. You are advised to leave a gap around the edge from the wall and you can finish this off with matching wooden beading.
As soon as these are clicked together there is instant tension - no gaps between each panel so no dust can accumulate between or under the floor.The floor can be walked on immediately after being layed. There is no glue involved at all.
You may need to cut some down to mould around alcoves and door frames, etc. A standard saw can be used for this.
Each panel contains for layers.
1. An impact-resistant top layer provides the finishing touch.
2. Underneath is the high quality printed design layer in the various Quick-Step colours and patterns.
3. A waterproof, glued and very high density HDF sheet.
4. The bottom layer of resin keeps the panel nice and straight.
Also we found the floor very cold, ok so we didnt have any central heating or double glazing and we had a severe damp problem but the floor didnt help and on visiting friends who have similar flooring it was a very uncosy cold room to be sat in. So unless you do have money to spend, an additional cost for under floor heating is out of the window too.
It is noisy to walk on with shoes or if you drop things, but generally stilettos, fag ash or keys will not damage your floor as many of them are protected against this (But check the stats before buying as each one varies depending on what you spend on your floor - if you read my comments, Wearsidelass informed me that her dogs have scratched her wood laminate that she has in her kitchen)It is uncomfortable to walk on bear foot/without slippers or shoes, especially if you have a cat who uses a cat box and likes to flick cat litter everywhere, when you stand on gritty bits it can be painful!
It's probably not recommended for people with animals, especially dogs.The dust/fluff/hair your pet occumulates and departs with often floats around and to the edges of the floor and in places you wouldnt think to clean often, its not easy to hoover so hard work with a mop and broom depends on how motivated you can be. (At least if you spill red wine, you can take your time and mop it up without worrying about stains!)
I many a time slipped on my socks when stepping off of the last step on the stairs and contol is often lost and you land hard on your bum. It can be very dangerous so purchasing non slip slippers is a definite. (Not really suitable for hyper children who forget to wear or dont have slippers.)You can buy the floor packs from most DIY, carpet and homeware stores such as B&Q, Homebase, Focus, Carpet right and even online.
For home owners - definetely a profit making idea as the buyers will love it!
The antique
Attention, this is the first review from this author
Instead of giving a negative rating, consider:

Help this member by giving your advice

Report fraud (for example plagiarism) or other issue with the review to the Ciao support team
Add your comment
Misslongstocking 12/03/2005 02:05
BananaMan111 13/12/2004 19:31
Jordon 24/10/2004 09:31
Not for me at the mo, my son & dogs would be slidding everywhere ;o) x
Andy0304 23/10/2004 15:26
I like laminate flooring, we have it in our frontroom which with the help from my partner we put it down ourselves, very easy to lay and looks good to!! Andy
mumsymary 11/10/2004 15:39