Carpet or Wood Laminate Floors
Bells25
Hello,I'm in the process of buying a home. When house hunting I really wanted something with wood or wood laminate flooring in the main living area, but the house I fell in love with had all new carpet.So Would you pull up new carpet to put down wood laminate or would you just wait until later down the road? I just want the wood in the bottom level. The bedrooms upstairs would keep their carpet. I have a long haired cat that makes carpet upkeep horrible. Also I thought it would be good to install the floor before moving all my stuff in, but at the same time I feel like this is being really wasteful.
catwoman708
If you can afford it, do it now before moving in. It will save you a lot of effort and headaches.You can sell the salvaged carpet or donate it to a good cause. Some non-profit organization, underprivelaged family, or Habitat for Humanity might could use it. Some newpapers have a "come and get it" section, where you advertise things you are giving away if the takers will come get it and load it up. If the carpet is brand new, the company that installed it might buy it back, but probably only for pennies on the dollar.
Nixaunt
I tend to think the opposite. If you like the carpet, get a few years of good use out of it before chucking it out. Find out what kind of flooring is under the carpet. If it is a kind of wood that only needs to be varnished you are in luck. Also, if you are in a cold weather area you might want to put a decorative rug in the center of the room for warmth, then only laminate or put wood flooring on the edges of the room. I know that sounds odd, but it is done in several parts of the world and is catching on in America as well.There is no question that it would be easier to do the floor now than after you get alll your stuff moved in, and it is a lovely idea to donate your carpet to Habitat for Humanity or another charitable oraganization. It is just that you will be donating an expensive item and, personally, I would not be able to afford that great of a gift.
ju-ju
the answer lies with your budget. if you want wood floors and can afford them, go for it and do it before moving in....so you won't have to move everything out once you've moved in to replace the flooring. if you can't afford it now, then wait until you can afford it.
Bells25
Hi, Thanks to everyone that responded. I think I will let my budget decide. We do have a Habitat store here that accepts things like carpet and such. I will take exact measurements of the place when after I close, but does anyone know how much it would approximately cost to install laminate floors on around 600 Sq ft? I have been looking at Laminate flooring and I think I could get something I like for around 1.50 -2.00/sq feet, but what else will have I have to buy?
ju-ju
the cost differs dramatically depending on the flooring you buy, so, if you have a Lumber Liquidator store near you check it out. they are very cost effective and helpful. and don't worry, the people at the flooring store or at home depot will help you to get what you need.
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