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please help with floor decision

newtoremodeling

16 years ago

We're in the process of remodeling our kitchen. No cabinets or anything right now. We've painted walls a Sunset Orange. Cabinets are going to be white. Counter-tops too.

My biggest dilemma is what type of flooring to use.

Laminate vs. Vinyl? Our floors that meet kitchen floor are oak. So I am thinking to use something with a stone / tile look for contrast. I am so confused with choices though. I just want something budget, easy care, easy install (preferably DIY). And GOOD QUALITY. We have a busy hosehold with children and guests, etc.

So yesterday I finally decided on Kronotex laminate but ... then read bad reviews on it here. While ConsumerReports rates it as a good choice. Vinyl seems more practical but what type to use? Help if you can. Thank you.

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Comments (3)

saskatchewan_girl
16 years ago
I'm not a professional, so this is just a personal opinion. I am learing of laminate in a kitchen just because of the water issue and the fact I have children, not sure if this is your situation also. Between the 2 you are considering I would suggest vinyl since it stands up to more, especially water!!
We are putting in tile but our flooring store did show us vinyl that looks VERY much like tile, so you have that option too.
GL
agardenstateof_mind
16 years ago
We installed a wood-grain laminate years ago and it has held up very well to moisture and has fared better than any vinyl flooring we ever had to the fine, silty sand that gets tracked inside (despite door mats) by four kids, dog, gardener (me) and husband.

I'll confess, however, that the acoustic properties make for a less mellow sound than either hardwood or vinyl.
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I'd vote for the basketweave (and not just because I used the floral on the wall in my kitchen). Mosaics generally aren't slippery - the grout lines make them grippier than a lot of large(r) format tiles. I have these crappy white 6x6's in every bathroom in this house (ugh) and you could like to kill yourself on those with wet feet. The issue with the floral is that onyx can be fragile. I got a pretty decent lot, but I also hand inspected every single sheet, removed the "uglies" and used two sheets to replace the rejected pieces. The marble also has some very distinct gray (which does not appear in your limestone) but does appear in my Corian, so I'm not bothered by it. And yes, I did use bright white grout and no, I would never use traditional white sanded grout on a bathroom floor. At a tile shop you'd likely have more choices in the white/cream family. I just think that overall the basketweave is a stronger choice for your space. If you got a very grey lot of the floral you'd be even more behind on tile - and stuck with it to boot. Lisa
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glennsfc
16 years ago
A 'quality' sheet vinyl by one of the major manufacturers is something to consider. Most are very resistant to damage and staining and the patterns and colorways are precise and realistic. If you want a good-looking, easy to clean and comfortable floor, sheet vinyl may be what you may want to consider.

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