Well, Carol - I put laminate in the back end of the house just before the holidays - the dining room, small bath off the DR, kitchen & laundry area -- I also put a doggie door in the kitchen (we were re-doing the kitchen completely) First - the laminate was a BITCH to put down - I have 2 guys helping me (they do construction for a living) and we really had a time putting it down -- I'd definitely recommend you have someone at least help you if not lay it for you! I put the extra heavy duty padding under - for more sound reduction & more insulation - and I am glad I did -
YES I would definitely seal that kitty pee area as much as you can before installing the new floor -- the cat(s) and the dog(s) will be able to smell it even if you can't and it will draw them to 're use' the area -- IF any new accidents get under the flooring & into the pad underneath, well - you can see that would not be a good thing, I think - I used the Armstrong that was sold at Lowes - and I'm happy with it -- so far - Price was not the only factor, but it was a consideration - Negatives I've noticed so far -- it shows each & every muddy paw print that is there - a lot with the doggie door! Oh well-- maybe I'm supposed to learn to be a better housekeeper <grin> It DOES clean up easily - just a damp mop & it looks great -- I use a lot of scatter rugs - it is slippery -- If I were you, I'd look into some inexpensive runners for the hallway / traffic lanes -- you will find all your critters appreciate it - and I think you will, too - I have found that these help 'collect' at least some of the wet / mud / dirt off their feet as they come in through the kitchen - at least some <grin> The cats and the dogs will be able to WALK on the flooring just fine -- they may have a bit of trouble getting traction to 'take off' -- and / or 'stop' <grin> I put carpet down in my living room, upstairs hall & bedrooms -- a financial decision -- you can carpet several times over for the same $$ as the laminate will cost you -- Now that I've gotten the laminate down - I almost wish I had put it down in the Living Room instead -- it is so easy to clean up -- Laminate with a nice rug over it will look great in your LR, I'd think! I do like the warmth & quiet of carpet in the bedrooms, though -- Just my personal preference -- Best of luck to you! Joan with Kiss & Kastle Gambler (Bernese Mt Dogs) and Justine (Cavalier) in New Castle VA Carol Richards wrote: > I am considering putting down laminate floors everywhere except the > bedrooms. My house is very small, so this isn't as big a project as it > sounds. I've found a wide range of prices, with the specialty flooring > stores being the most expensive. I have also heard that Mannington is much > better than the other brands. > > > > I would be interested in hearing from any of you who have laminate floors > and what your experience has been. I can get Armstrong from a flooring > outlet for about half price including installation. I don't want the > cheapest, but not sure that I have to have the best either. My housekeeper > says that Pergo chips and not to get it, although it may be much improved since > what she has seen was made. Price is a big factor, and I may not be able > to do this at all, but it is something that I really would like to do. > > > > I am interested in anyone's experience with the different brands, how it > holds up, etc. Is there a reason to go with a flooring center rather than > an outlet or some place like Lowe's? Another question I have is that I > realize if I were to go with carpet, I would need to seal/paint the sub-floor > where there are urination stains to prevent re-use of those areas. I am > having a particular problem right now with a cat going near the wall in the > hall. Do I need to seal/pant the areas if I go with laminate as > well? Why or why not? Also, I was planning on putting an area rug in > the living room, and the dining area (although the dining area rug may come > later). I was not planning on using a rug in the hall. Will the dogs > and cats be able to walk on the laminate easily without rugs? > > > > I do appreciate any feedback anyone can give me. Feel free to write > me privately. > > > > Thank you, > > Carol Richards > > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > http://www.geocities.com/carolscavaliers/ > > > > "My little dog, a heartbeat at my feet." > > > Edith Wharton > > ========================================================= > "Magic Commands": > to stop receiving mail for awhile, click here and send the email: > mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20NOMAIL > to start it up gain click here: > mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20MAIL > > E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] for assistance. > Search the Archives... http://apple.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ckcs-l.html > > All e-mail sent through CKCS-L is Copyright 2002 by its original author. > > ========================================================= "Magic Commands": to stop receiving mail for awhile, click here and send the email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20NOMAIL to start it up gain click here: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20MAIL E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] for assistance. Search the Archives... http://apple.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ckcs-l.html All e-mail sent through CKCS-L is Copyright 2002 by its original author.
