Any reason not to use laminate flooring?

[EffieRover]

Just going over some random thoughts in my head ... planing on sandwich-style floor construction and wondering if there's a particular reason NOT to use some scraps of laminate flooring I have lying around as my floor. No ply on top, just a vapor barrier and glue/staple the flooring directly to the cross beams.

I'm imagining that since laminate is meant to be installed over a sub floor that it doesn't have the same strength as ply, but could I be wrong?

[madjack]

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I'm imagining that since laminate is meant to be installed over a sub floor that it doesn't have the same strength as ply, but could I be wrong?

...IF there is a problem that would be it...without knowing about the type and makeup of the flooring it would be hard to tell...even a sheet of 1/4 ply would help to keep it from sagging into the voids.......
madjack

[Arne]

If you mean strips, I would avoid them because of moisture.

[rbeemer]

Most laminate flooring is meant to be installed 'free floating' to allow for expansion and contraction of the wood. If you staple it down it may buckle or develop gaps and come apart at the joints

just my $.02

[EffieRover]

The laminate pieces I have are about 8" wide by 3' long and about 3/8" thick. Looks like pressboard underneath, but I'm thinking it's probably a similar composition to OSB. But, it is designed to float, so expansion/compression would definitely be an issue.

That answers that question ... thanks!

[aggie79]

I am using engineered flooring attached to plywood "framing." The flooring is PL-glued and the flooring tabs are stapled to the plywood. I do edge glue the pieces to each other.

The engineered flooring is really five ply construction. I did let acclimate (meaning it sat in the garage until I got the motivation to build) for about two months so the flooring was the same moisture content as the plywood framing. I'm not worried about expansion since the flooring won't expand or contract anymore than the plywood it is attached to.



Laminate flooring is different than engineered flooring. Most but not all laminate flooring has a wood fiber construction, almost like masonite but not as dense. You may be able to use this, but I would at least make sure that it has to acclimate before applying.

Tom

[kennyrayandersen]

The thing about plywood is the it has continuous strength in several directions. It's not exactly quasi-isotropic (the same in all directions), but it is continuous. The laminate flooring isn't quite like that -- especially if you were to run it lengthwise down the trailer -- it would be kind of week across the short direction [where most of the load wants to go -- it always take the shortest path]. If you were to glue it (a vacuum bag would be best) to a 1/4 in or 3/8 inch plywood it would probably be OK (assuming the rest of the panels were joined adequately. You would also want to run the strips across the short direction.

[EffieRover]

Yeah, it's laminate, not engineered. Masonite is close to what it looks like from the bottom. I was hoping I could use the 4 boxes I've got in the basement and save a few bucks, but I don't know exactly what I'm doing to start with, so I'm not going there ... not knowing exactly what issues it would create. I have $0 to spend on this build, but that doesn't mean I want to create a piece of junk ...

I appreciate the thought and comments ... you guys rock!

[kennyrayandersen]

Yeah, it's laminate, not engineered. Masonite is close to what it looks like from the bottom. I was hoping I could use the 4 boxes I've got in the basement and save a few bucks, but I don't know exactly what I'm doing to start with, so I'm not going there ... not knowing exactly what issues it would create. I have $0 to spend on this build, but that doesn't mean I want to create a piece of junk ...

I appreciate the thought and comments ... you guys rock!

You certainly could use it for dressing up the project i.e. floor walls – heck even the ceiling! That could save you quite a bit there. The Yorkshire Scavenger would be a good place to look for how to make a pretty darn good trailer on a ‘budget’.

[Roly Nelson]

Reasons for not using it:

1. It would be added weight, attached to an already strong floor plywood.
2. Cost, this money could be better spent on wine and cheese.
3. No one would ever see it, since it will be covered with the mattress.
4. If used with no underlayment, would probably not be strong enough.
5. Finally, it might emit odors, if it has a formeldahide composition.
6. No number six, just thought I would throw that one in there.
Roly

[EffieRover]

You certainly could use it for dressing up the project i.e. floor walls – heck even the ceiling!

Oooh, I like the ceiling idea! I hadn't thought of that. I might try this stuff as ceiling cover if I have enough of the same pattern (building a 6x10 TTT, not a tear). I'm just thinking I could glue the strips together, cut it rectangular, put some L trim around the outside and have cupboard doors, too. Don't care so much if those expand a bit.

What the hay ... I've got it lying around, might as well use it. Hmmm. Think outside the box. I like it!

[ajricher]

I've seen laminate flooring in damp conditions (kitchen, bathroom) expand when wet. This was the very early stuff available, though, so the product may have improved since I saw this about 10 years ago.

Personally, I wouldn't go for it.

Alan

[EffieRover]

The laminate I have in the basement is the stuff we put in our kitchen and bathroom about 12 yrs ago ... but it's never given us a problem. I don't have an issue with it.

I went to Home Depot last night and there was a roll of 8x12 vinyl flooring with a gouge out of the side - I only need 6'6"x8'10" so I'll cut that off anyway. I asked and received a discount of 20% for damage, so that's my floor now. Or will be when I get there. Still sanding rust off the trailer frame an hour at a time between storms.

I hate rain.

[ajricher]

I hate rain. Sad

I hear you. Pulled the entire side off my TTT yesterday to replace a wall. GOt the wall in and screwed to the side frames, then ran out of steam and time.

Had a helluva line of thunderstorms come through last night...

I am sincerely glad I had the common sense to bring the power tools iun last night - though my small hand tools now have a light patina of rust that is thankfully yielding to an oily rag.

Oh, such fun....

Alan

[EffieRover]

Yeah. I'm thinking of sinking a couple of 4x4 posts off the cellar wall (I have a walk out) and stringing a canvas tarp off the house. But I'll give 10-1 the building inspector will want his say. If only it was behind the house where it couldn't be seen from the street...