Is it possible for laminate to deteriorate?
by
Jean N
+4
We got 43 boxes of Kraus laminate 3 years ago, and couldn't find anyone to lay them out for us til recently. The man who is laying them out for us says the laminate is brittle, but the store where we got them said they're just fine. (It comes with a 27 year guarantee). Anyone else have problems with Kraus laminate?
7 answers
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I just wanted to add that the laminate has been stored in our living room all this time. No exposure to weather elements, or water.
Jean N
on Nov 25, 2012
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Does the warranty cover 27 years no matter when you install it? Also, is the contractor able to work with it at all?
3po3
on Nov 25, 2012
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There are lots of laminates that are brittle if they are not being installed correctly. Does this contractor understand how to properly install the product? There should be nothing wrong with the product. Warranties do not cover brittle or not anyway. They cover wear on the surfaces. I would tend to agree with the store on this. Perhaps you need to wait a bit longer and find someone else who is not damaging them. I also assume that its the end edges that are cracking?
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Nov 25, 2012
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Woodbridge...yes it's both the end edges and along the sides. Steve...those are good questions. I will ask about it.
Jean N
on Nov 26, 2012
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Having had experience with several brands of laminate, I think you will find that all of them can be "brittle"....that is, crumble if not treated properly. Using the proper tools as well as proper method of hammering pieces into place can certainly damage or crumble the edges...which is not the fault of the product. If the installer is not using wooden blocks to maneuver it or is using excessive force, that could be your problem. I cannot believe the product has deteriorated. You might want to take a sample to the store where you bought it and have them look at it...this should answer your questions.
Jeanette S
on Nov 26, 2012
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It is the installers poor technique / handling. Those wafer thin edges are very vulnerable. The "profile" of some are better than others in terms of how much "force" is needed to "snap" the slats together. If you use brute force like when installing regular hardwood strip flooring the laminate will suffer greatly. I stopped doing laminates years ago due to the fact that I have not seen a product look halfway decent after 3 years or so...I want my client's to have long term value. Real hardwoods provide this. BTW the warranty will not cover a crappy install...sorry. http://www.laminate-flooring-installed.com/Kraus-laminate-flooring-review.html
KMS Woodworks
on Nov 26, 2012
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All your responses have been helpful, and we've been able to move forward. Thanks!
Jean N
on Nov 30, 2012
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