KmS,Kevin)Steve etc, I am about ready to start the vinyl plank project.

However , I am now leery after reading the advice of how to find an installer, I remember some controversy in another thread. So if I buy from HD do I have the installer from HD, or find my own, if so, how? Am thinking of Lumber Liquidator, altho we havent gone there yet, another city 2 hours away. Also thinking of carpeting too.

12 Comments

Debi M Washington, NC

Decsions, decsions...makes life difficult doesn't it. Here is my two cents worth. If you don't have a contractor, and not familiar with any local installers, I would go with the installers from the store where I chose my product from. Just make sure when you read the contract that it states somewhere in there "safisfaction guaranteed" When your sales rep is writing everything up explain to her that you need someone who has been with them for a long time, as you do not want to have ...»
issues. The company, be it HD, Lowe's, LL or any other reputable company realize that if the installer that they recommend screws up the floor, they will have to make it right at their expense. We've been working on upgrades and remodels for over 20 years, so I am pretty well versed in these issues. I worked for a company out of Chicago as a property manager for 500 homes. It was my responsibility to maintain these homes, insuring that they were in great condition. This included flooring, painting, upgrading, lighting, etc. Choosing between types of flooring is a personal choice. For ease of cleaning, laminate is nice. No chance of ground in dirt, fleas or odors to worry about. Some people prefer carpet for warmth and color. Tile floors are beautiful but you have to decide if you are in the right area. LOL, I wouldn't want tile floors if I lived in Alaska, but would love them in FL. My favorite is hardwood, but they do require a lot more care than laminate. Just look at your lifestyle before choosing your flooring. If you have a house full of children and pets you may not want carpet in the main areas of your home, same with hardwood. Different rooms can have different flooring. hmmm, guess you got more like 25 cents worth of advice instead of 2 cents, lol. Good luck

on May 27, 2012 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

The "plank" vinyl I have done is pretty easy to install. So a basic handyman with an attention to detail should be able to do this with ease. A good sharp utility knife and a straight edge are about all you need. Where a little more effort comes in is how you plane to work the edges. The best installs are done when the baseboards and removed and then reinstalled...here a good trim carpenter will be worth their salt.

on May 27, 2012 · Like 0
Steve G Fort Collins, CO

I agree with the above. The plank vinyl will be easier to clean and healthier, especially with those cats. I am fairly allergic to cats, and it's easier for me to be in a home with wood or vinyl or tile floors than carpets.
KMS is right, too, about any conscientious handyman being able to install the plank vinyl. I would recommend asking around with your neighbors to see if they know someone good who had installed ...»
that type of flooring in a mobile home. I know working on mobile homes can be different in various ways than other homes.

on May 27, 2012 · Like 0
Bernice H Yakima, WA

So.... I dont presently have baseboards, but with planking I will need base boards?
And the kitchen vinyl will have to be considered, it will have to be removed? And then plank put down?
Because it will have to be made unified, Or I will have 3 different floors within inches of each other. ...»

Should I post a picture of what I am dealing with?
I am also considering commercial carpet such as you see in banks, offices etc. I am tired of nap packing down. And this might be our forever home and floor. This carpet has been here for 16 years, according to hubs....only the traffic areas are bad, but they drive me crazy!

on May 28, 2012 · Like 0
Debi M Washington, NC

Bernice, baseboards are really the best thing to "hide" the way the floor meets the wall. By using baseboards, any gaps between the floor and the wall are cover. 99.9% of the time there is going to be a gap along side of the wall. If you don't want to use base boards, simply use 3/4 molding. It will do the same thing (and a lot less expensive)

on May 28, 2012 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

You will need a smooth surface to instal on. If you have different heights of flooring in adjacent rooms these will need to be pulled or filled to bring them all up the the same height.

on May 28, 2012 · Like 0
Lou B Titusville, FL

I put Allure vinyl plank flooring, from Home Depot, in my birds room about 4 years ago.....It cleans up great with messy pets like birds. My tile guy put it down in about 2 hours (200 sq.ft) for a hundred dollars...best investment I've made.....easy to clean. You do need baseboards with it. Allure from Home Depot is the best vinyl plank on the market.

on May 28, 2012 · Like 0
Bernice H Yakima, WA

Thank you Lou, Debi and Kevin, Steve... Kevin (aka KMS) told me about Allure several months ago. Since then I had heart surgery and flooring fell to the bottom of the list. However ..now I have enough go juice to make it happen.
But the thought of all this furniture to be moved...aaacckkk!
I am relieved Kevin and others moved me to explore Allure, because it has been 16 years since ...»
I did any of this, and I know there must be zigillions of new products out there, some good and some not so good.
Thanks Debi, , I understand. Didnt have the baseboard problem with carpeting, but it is going, except for living room and bedrooms. As I said , now I want industrial short carpet. But it has to be soft too. hmm ???SUGGESTIONS???
And STEVE!! I only have one cat! I know you see her in many of my pictures, so you must think I have 6 black cats! Please don't worry, dear Kiddo..there's only one! Besides, in our m.h. court we have to pay 5 bucks a month for each pet..and my roommate, ie hubs,balks at that. But I WOULD have more if I could! However, she is a nosey one, so is in just about all my pictures. I am so sorry you can't be with cats.
You mentioned the difference in Mobile home and house, what should I be aware of?
I watch a lot of Holmes inspection, some scary workmen out there!!!!

on May 28, 2012 · Like 0
Jeanette S Atlanta, GA

We had a brother-in-law who had flooring experience do ours. It is a Bruce product that was put down in 2005 and today looks like it is new! Love this flooring. Husband and son learned to install by helping BIL so they put it in my kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, den and it has withstood dogs with wet feet and messy guys! I would never use anything else! I have real wood in my living/dining rooms and it is beautiful, but could not use it in the active areas. It is easier to leave the ...»
baseboards in place and when finished, add quarter round...we purchased the one made by Pergo...LOVE IT. When removing baseboards, there is always a chance of damaging walls which brings in an entirely new set of problems! All it takes to clean it is a damp mop. I am cautious about water because I don't want it to seap between boards and damage subflooring or cause mold! Water does not damage it, but there is no flooring that is 100% water proof!

on May 30, 2012 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

Jeanette S....Tile floors can be built 100% water proof....shower bases are built like that all of the time. Any potential wet area should be built with tile. Kitchens, baths, laundry rooms are the top three.

on May 30, 2012 · Like 0
Bernice H Yakima, WA

UPDATE
I have a guy coming out tomorrow (thurs)to measure and give me install estimate. Then a week from Monday HDepot is coming out to measure also and estimate. This fellow on Thursday is the person who installed my neighbors new bathroom , top to bottom. Neighbor is very pleased with his work.And his timeliness.I have a guestimate from HDepot today, so if the fellow is in the ballpark,I may ...»
just go ahead with him. I picked out the floor, , but still have to decide on carpet color etc.I had been looking at commercial, but guy at HD said residential has good very low nap carpet also. I just dont want to see any more flattened carpet! I want it easy to clean and vacuum.

on May 30, 2012 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

Sounds like it starting to come together for you...let us know how it works outs.

on May 31, 2012 · Like 0

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KmS,Kevin)Steve etc, I am about ready to start the vinyl plank project.

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