i love carpet but with all my pets and me having such allergies, i am just thinking it might be better to eliminate the carpeting. So does anyone have recommendations on where to go to start shopping for floors?
I got a great deal at Thad's Carpet One in Raleigh on both my laminate and vinyl for the kitchen back in late January. They were having a truckload sale (they do them a lot), and the laminate I got (Bruce American Home), regularly 2.69 sq/ft was 99 cents!!! They will pretty much beat anone's price for the same flooring,a nd they have a way bigger selection than the big box stores. Another place to look is Real Deal Flooring Outlet on South Sanders St in Raleigh. It's right inside I-40 next to the Red Roof Inn (right down from Sam's). It's nothing to look at outside (old warehouse building), but they carry good brand name stuff (Shaw, Bruce, Mohawk, some Pergo, etc) for very reasonalbe prices.
Here's the scoop... Hard surface floors whether tile, laminate or hardwoods are typically priced by the square foot so they seem cheaper at first glance than soft surface like carpet or berber priced by the square yard. So if the insurance company gives you a lump sum based on carpet by the square yard and you are interested in laminate sold by the square foot, make sure you are doing your math....multiply the sf price x 9 to = the sy price. Unfortunately when it comes to floorcoverings, there is not one perfect choice for everyone. Each flooring project should be based on the buyer's individual needs. So to "touch" on your original questions, here's a litttle "Flooring 101": Is laminate much more expensive than carpet? In most cases, if you can find items to purchase that are "in-stock" (sitting on a shelf or in a warehouse ready for immediate purchase) or that are "remnants" (small pieces from over-runs, discontinued, etc.), then the price is usually less than special ordering whether laminate or carpet. When buying stock items, there will not typically be a lot of choices in color or styles and when buying remnants, make sure they are warranty covered and that you purchase enough so you don't get caught needing to match a dye lot, get more of a discontinued item, etc. If your room size is over 12' wide and/or attaches to another room with the same flooring, remember that carpet should run in the same direction, is sold width x length and may require additional material to make seams (most soft surface flooring is available in 12' widths, however, you may find some available in 13'6" and 15' widths, especially berber). With that said, if a room size is 14'x16' (224sf) & a turn key price of base grade laminate costs $4/sf the cost would be around $940 including waste. Don't forget that you may need transition strips or moldings as well which will add to the costs. The same room using the minimum 12x14 with another 12x14 for the "fill" piece (336sf) in a base grade carpet might run around $600 turn key and you would have an 8'x14' pc of carpet left that you could cut & bind for a rug....even though you would have extra left when using soft surface, the hard surface would cost more...only you can determine if it worth the extra$. On a personal note, typically a "steal" or a "deal" or a "base grade" can cost more in the long run. Is laminate DIY install easy? Many laminate brands are "click or snap lock" but the "easy" part depends on the one installing. If you are a "handy-person" with the right tools, laminate floors can be installed by beginners. Check with local home supply stores that may offer classes. Use good cutting tools but since laminates "float" over the subfloor, glue and nail guns are not necessary. Be sure to install by directions and read the warranty guidelines....some manufacturers will offer warranties only when installed by "professionals or certified installers". The biggest point....weigh out the pros and cons of installing yourself....time, money, savings, warranties. On a personal note, it is best to try a laminate DIY in a small area before trying a large room on your own! Avoid calling in the calvary after you surrender! Is Pergo brand better? Pergo is to laminate, as Formica is to laminate countertops; as Corian is to solid surface; as Levi's is to jeans....All name brands. Each brand has different styles and grades. Though Pergo is a recognizable name, there are many laminate floor name brands available....Formica, Bruce, Wilsonart, etc. On a personal note, compare grade to grade...don't pay more for a "label" if the quality & warranty is the same and the style/color is similar. (Shop as if comparing grocery name brand items vs. reputable grocery store brand items). Where to buy? Many flooring stores have been mentioned in earlier posts but you can always check with your local chamber, retailers and/or designers. There is no charge for checking out what is available, but a fair warning....when getting advice from several places, you'll probably get several opinions and introduced to other ideas (cork, vinyl-ceramic tile, exotic wood, bamboo, etc.) which may become overwhelming. On a personal note, shop around and talk with retailers and designers that sell a variety of floorcoverings and visit the pros & cons to decide what best suits your personal needs! Hope this helps....Class dismissed!!!!
