what is the best type of flooring to use in an enterance way? Will Pergo (Laminate) be okay for a wet area?
Answers:
A lot of laminate manufacturers advertise their products for wet areas, but if you don't read the fine print you can really get screwed. I handled several claims for laminate manufacturers. They only warrantied their product under these circumstances:
1) Installation of the material was done only with tools expressively installed with manufacturer approved tools. That is the installer's responsibility - yours, if you do it yourself.
2) Even if the product is a "click" or "glue-less" floor, you HAVE TO use glue to join the boards in areas where water can be anticipated, like kitchen, bath or entryway.
3) Manufacturer's (despite their claims in advertisements) only guarantee against water damage if it is considered a "topical spill". As you will read in the fine print that arrives inside the carton, a "topical spill" is defined as surface water that is cleaned up within 15 minutes. Damage due to water that get underneath the boards is NOT WARRANTIED AT ALL
In short, laminate is not exactly the best product for potentially wet areas.
What should you use in an entryway? I would recommend a heavy-duty vinyl floor (if possible inlaid) or ceramic tile. If it is a small area, don't penny-pinch with the vinyl, the relative cost to upgrade from a mid-grade to a high-end vinyl is small. Ceramic tile, however, is the only one that will add value to your house, but it is also the costliest.
Other answers:
Definately NOT! I did my whole living room in prego and the places where there is water are the places that are warped. Even though it is a small place it makes the whole floor look awful.
Definately NOT! I did my whole living room in prego and the places where there is water are the places that are warped. Even though it is a small place it makes the whole floor look awful.
It will be ok. They have a 10 year warranty on the flooring. Make sure you put the plastic barrier down underneath. I would recommend ceramic tile or vinyl tile for wet areas though.
I have the Pergo Hardwood laminate, and although it does have a ten year warranty, it comes with recommended uses and disclaimers. If you install it improperly or use it in areas not recommended by the manufacturer the warranty is VOID. You describe your entryway as a "wet area." We have a covered porch off the entryway with mats outside and there's a runner inside the house. We've not encountered and problems with accumulating moisture here. In the mudroom and kitchen we have terrazo that looks like Italian Slate and this takes wet conditions really well. Hope this helps.