Armstrong Grand Illusions Laminate?

aquilter

The only thing I can think of, for anyone to do, is make a video of the noise, like the ones on YouTube, titled Armstrong Grand Illusions Laminate Noise Problems,,,and make sure you get the noise problem on video, and only talk about the noise problem, and in your description of the video, state how you have tried to handle the problem....THEN, get on FaceBook, go to the Armstrong Flooring page, and post a comment about your floor problems. And, do that every week, to keep it on top and talked about. I have been doing this since 7/21/2011, and I got results.,,,,sort of.....long story. Armstrong revised thier warranty, to not cover noise problems. I had 2 previous laminates, from Armstrong, and neither one made the noise that Grand Illusions made. I am now going to tile my floor with porcelain tile, because I will never have lock & fold installation again, as the ends don't lock down, and you can see them move when you step on the floor, and that is what I am assuming snaps back.. I also have 1, 3 inch break and a chip, in my newest laminate, that will soon be replaced.... good luck. If you really want to be "heard", go the the manufacturer blogs and FaceBook, and post post post.....

aaron_david

Agreed. The locking system is perfect and I know a few people that have had this collection down for at least a couple of years with none of those problems that were mentioned. That being said, even though Armstrong backs this line with a 30 year warranty, installation is very key. While it's true that laminate floors are far more DIY-friendly than hardwood or tile, installation guides should still be read carefully and followed to a tee.

Hope this was helpful and thank you for your comment, poppameth.

aquilter

We had 2 Armstrong certified inspectors here, and 2 independent inspectors here for these laminates that use lock&fold, (over 1K in inspection costs) and no inspector said the installation was at fault. They blame me, because I do not like the noise, and for the second laminate, I ordered based specifically because the book, the sample board, and the website all stated that it used the Armalock system. I was told by my installer that Armstrong was not happy with my videos, and they said to get my flooring replaced pronto, so I ordered in August 2011, it was installed, then we found that the locking system was lock&fold,(on Armstrong Exotics Afzelia) which my installer should have recognized, and why he didn't I will never know. Anyway, I did not get what I ordered, because Armalock was discontinued in April 2011, and I specifically, in an email, asked my installer to verify it was Armalock, which he did not do. A simple phone call would have alleviated many problems. Now, did my installer do sub-par installation on 2 laminates that used lock&fold, and the inspectors could not tell? I had 2 previous laminates on the same floor, that never made a sound, and they were not lock&fold. There have been 4 inspections on the laminate floors, and not a single one ever ever ever cited installer error. I only got this last Armstrong refunded, because I can prove, I did not get what I ordered, and I covered my bu** by writing to my salesperson what I absolutely wanted, which the company no longer provides except from what we were told, it being available on the "cheapest" line of laminate. I will not get another laminate using lock&fold, I am installing porcelain tile. So, is it impossible for 4 inspectors to see subpar installation? 4 Inspectors?????????????? I also found, and downloaded Armstrong produced videos of the difference between Armalock and Lock&Fold, which again, proved I did not get what I ordered.

A lot of people may be very happy with the lock&fold, and if they never had laminate, and don't know that it is not supposed to snap crackle pop when walked on, they will never complain. But, I don't want a noisy floor, and there are many many more of us that don't want that either. I have hardwood, I have carpet, and I have vinyl, in a large house and nothing but the laminate snaps and makes a sound like rice crisp cereal when walked on.
Unacceptable.

abqwoody

From a 20 year installer, I have come across this problem more than once with this product. Armstrong has only resolved one claim out of 10 that I have put in for several different customers.. It really all depends on the Rep that goes out to the job. They will look for every out that they can find not to cover their material. I have turned down numerous installs when the customer is set on using this product.. My only recommendation is to stay clear of any Armstrong products.. Quik Step Laminate!

Awoodfloorguy

For the price of a laminate like this you could just get a real prefinished hardwood. Why get something that looks like wood, when you can get wood. Real wood can be refinished, recoated, looks better, adds more value, lasts much longer etc. I don't personally know about this product, so sorry I can not help on that. I do know Armstrong has good products. But, I thought I would offer some insight on another option to consider.

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