Vinyal Slats for Flooring

davespann · 03-03-2003, 05:07 PM

I read all the threads about locking laminates and worries about water. I don't see anyone mentioning vinyal slats that are glued down. I used this in my house 10 years ago and people still think their hardwood floors when they come over. The latex glue is easy to use and slat replacement can be done with a hair drier and mineral spirits. No explanning or contraction problems. No sub pad problems, and it cuts with a razor knife. The pieces can be cut to fit and are very pliable.

Anyone ever tried this option? One problem.....it's alittle more expensive.

Dave Spann.........gearing up for a floor project.

3Ms75Argosy · 03-03-2003, 07:59 PM

I've seen this system used before in our hospital rooms, looks very convincing...I tried to get the name of the brand from our plant-ops personal, but they didn't know themselves. Do you know the brand? I do know that they had to use floor leveling compound on the cement prior to installation.... I assume that if you have a flat floor, this is a non-issue. I'm weighing (pun intended) the options of using a one piece Armstrong wood-look laminate vs. the tongue/groove wood-plank laminate. Since my tow vehicle is not the strongest, weight is the enemy.
Marc

Tinsel Loaf · 03-03-2003, 08:12 PM

Vinal slats sounds interesting. I want to replace my new carpet and the wood laminate seems a bit heavy not to mention the difficulty installing. Do you have a picture of your current floor? Would like to see what it looks like.

73ANDY · 03-03-2003, 08:38 PM

Hello, we installed some of this type of vinyl planking about 7 years ago and we are very pleased with it!

You have to be careful about chairs with sharp or pointed legs.
Make sure you use scuff protectors, we use the felt type.

The brand which we used was:

CONGOLEUM FORUM VINYL WOOD PLANK

I do not know if it is still manufactured though, I tried to find it on the web to post a web site for you but came up short.

rick

BobbyW · 03-03-2003, 08:56 PM

http://congoleum.com/residential/tile.php

http://congoleum.com/products/productinfo.shtml#tile

davespann · 03-03-2003, 09:38 PM

I used an Armstrong slat. They still make it and it's only $0.50 more per sq. ft. than I can get the locking laminate. It is very easy to install but you do have latex glue to deal with. I just used mineral spirits to clean up everything. The slats are about 3" wide and 36" long and 1/8" thick. If your floor is not level and smooth I was told by the floor guy to just sand it smooth and paint with a latex primer before applying glue. He should know. I was told to use leveling compund in my house but didn't ($500 more) and it looks fine. I asked for "seconds" and got them even cheaper. I can't see any difference.

Dave Spann