Thoughts and opinions on "Trafficmaster Allure" flooring from Home Depot?

ashley1226 · 08-05-2008, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 26yrsinflooring

Traffic master has a 4 mil wearlayer it is a Konecto product but it is so cheap they only sell it to Home Depot.

On a scale of 1-10 it gets a 3 for quality, wearability.

You will never see these at Home Depot:

The next line that is availabe is the: Country Collection from Konecto.
It has 6 mil wearlayer and a urethane finish.
I rate this a: 5

The second line availble: Sierra Plank from Konecto.
It has a 12 mil wearlayer and urethane finish.
I give this a:7

The best line that is available is: Prestige Plank from Konecto.
This has 12 mil wearlayer and a Aluminum Oxide finish.
This gets a Perfect: 10

In reply:
1. If your walls are not straight and you start at the wall how do you insure it does not go off kilter when you get to the end piece, on the other side, the last thing I want is a floor that does not look straight, or an itty bitty edge for the last piece.
Measure the room and find the straightest most visible wall; start here.
The floor will square of itself only, just like laminate after you get the first two rows down remeasure to confirm you are straight as you can be.You can adjust at this point if required.

2. What type of knife would you use for the best in cutting edge?
A simple utility knife, you can score it and break it.( If it is allure you can breathe on it and it will fall apart)

3. Since it will get glue on the knife what would you suggest to eliminate the glue factor when cutting, one person mentioned room temperature? Has anyone else had a good experience with room temps, I am in Canada where we can get 90 degrees, or should I turn the a/c on to 70 degrees or so for easier cutting.
You will not get much glue on the knife it you do some simple mineral spirits will work. These floor must acclimated on the room they will be laid in at 65-85 degrees for 48hours before installation and 48hours post install do not deviate or it could lead to floor failure!

4. I plan on using a straight edge to cut it. Are there any other tools you think I might require?
A speed square, very handy!

5. It is an open concept flooring design and the staircase swirls around the area we want to do, how do I hide any imperfections. For the walls we will be pulling the quarter round off and re-installing new ones so that will eliminate any unsightly imperfections. But how would you suggest the staircase area?
Make a cardboard template for each stair it will be worth the trouble.

6. I have laid many floors in laminate and it worked so well just click and go, for a better seam would you suggest butting it up on an angle and then drawing it down to the glue I really don't want to see a seam.
Work your corner and long side first sometimes the planks ends will be slight uneven but that is very normal and within tolerances.

7. Lastly, whew (Thank you for reading all these question) If you suggest I start off at the wall do I start with the glue side next to the wall, or cut it off.
I feel like a fool asking so many question since I have done electrical, put my own eaves troughs up, fencing, and other household DIY stuff, but this product is new to me and I feel a little uncertain about it, but I prefer to do it right,
Kudos to the 82 year old woman who did it by herself, I admire her spunk.
Always start with the glue side out or you will have issues.you want to lay the plank into the gluestrip.If you try to come from under it will drive you nuts!
Do not feel like fool these are all good questions.

I second the Kudos to her!

I cannot send a personal message as I have posted 20 times yet (I am new to this). I am considering purchasing allure since the konecto sierra Laporta that I want is kinda expensive. I have 1200 sq ft to floor. I got a quote from my local Carpet One but I have had several complaints from friends about installation and service and am kinda leary about using them. Please email me as I may never find my way back here

lollygirl732 · 08-06-2008, 10:26 PM

I've just installed TrafficMaster Allure Cherry Plank flooring in my kitchen, diningroom, livingroom and hall. It looks fantastic. I've gotten so many compliments on it! It feels great underfoot. Of course the dogs are having trouble adjusting to the lack of traction(we took up their carpet), they can no longer stop on a dime and there are no more sharp turns. But they're fun to watch!!!!
I bought a Shark Deluxe Steam Mop, because I wanted to be able to clean the floor without using chemicals that wouldn't harm my dogs. I couldn't find any information online, so I called Halstead New England (203-299-3100) and they said that although they recommend heat to reseal any lifting seams/corners, that the steam MAY compromise the adhesive with long term use.
By the way, the Swiffer Wet Jet solution is very harmful for your pets.
Just thought you may want to know.

ashley1226 · 08-06-2008, 10:39 PM

Thanks- I do have one dog but I try to keep her outside most of the time since she chews everything in sight. Thanks for the advice but I think I have given up on the vinyl planks altogether. I am getting a quote from the tile guy tomorrow.

dieselcake · 08-12-2008, 12:24 PM

Stay away from any Konecto over ANY type of concrete flooring

Many,many threads on how these floors are failing

I have had the same floor fail twice already, and the sample board says"great for high moisture areas like basements.

floorgal · 08-19-2008, 01:21 AM

i have been selling flooring products for over 16 years and have professionally installed for 7 years. yes, i do work at THD. but this is in no way meant to plug my company. First off, Trafficmaster Allure flooring is and has been the best selling flooring product in our store for more than nine months running now. As for the durability of this product, i have had numerous (almost daily) comments from DIYers and contractors on Allure. we have sold this product in our store for 1 1/2 yrs now and have had only three complaints- two was due to improper acclimation of the product and one was put done over concrete which showed signs of hydrostatic pressure (moisture weeping up). I have seen numerous concerns listed here and i will try to address them individually:
1. Sub-floor prep: hardly any is required. surfaces must be smooth and dry. if putting over bare concrete first do a moisture test- place a 2' x2' 6mil plastic over concrete and tape down around all edges. leave for a minimum of 72 hours. if condensation is present, you must seal your concrete. fill any voids or pits in the subfloor. if it is unlevel, try to level it within 1/8". this is a vinyl plank that will conform to uneven areas but for asthetics, it is best to level the floor.
2. laying the planks: YOU MUST ACCLIMATE THE PLANKS. this means you cannot buy them and install in the same day. you must take them home and put them in the room which they are to be installed for at least two days (48 hrs). TIP: if you are planning on installing this in rooms that are not or may not be at times climate controlled ( i.e. vacation homes, vacant rentals, etc) i do not suggest that you install this flooring as with extreme temperature changes ( no heat in the winter and no air in the summer) the glue on this product may fail causing the planks to separate. start your planks up against the wall. your very first row you should remove the glue strip from the underside (to understand this concept this is a floating floor hence, you don't want anything sticking to the subfloor) if you are not going wall to wall then it is ok to use double sided tape on the underside of the first row only. this is just to keep it straight as you are laying it. from your second row and throughout the whole area, you must stagger each plank a min of 8-12". this is so that the end joints are stronger and creates a better look. lay the flooring from left to right. you can use the cutoff pieces from the end (right) wall as long as they are at least 8-12" long. cutting them is a snap (literally). just score the topside using a straight edge and a SHARP utility knife. then snap the plank at the score line. it is best to roll the edges as you are installing this. you can use a kitchen rolling pin but i do strongly advise that you rent a flooring roller (70-100 lbs) after completing your install. also, leave a small gap around the perimeter of your floor where it meets up with any vertical surfaces such as walls or cabinets. baseboard or quater round will cover this nicely. 3. pets: this product will sustain most pets. if you have very large animals, just keep their claws trimmed. as for pet accidents- as long as the planks are installed tightly, you should not have a problem with staining or odor. 4. furniture: use felt pads, furniture coasters, etc. this is a vinyl floor which is not impervious to scratches or tears. i have even had one customer ( who is changing out all 26 of his rental properties with this product) tell me that he had placed a heavy chest freezer on this and after two days of removing the freezer, the indentions left by the feet came out! can't say that for all applications tho.
5. if putting down in water prone areas such as bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens- place a bead of silicone around the perimeter under the baseboards. this will help insure any standing water that may occur from toilets overflowing or busted pipes, etc. from penetrating under the flooring trapping the moisture and creating mold problems.

The great thing about this flooring is that it is very easy to install ( just ask the 82 yr old woman) it is completely water tight (when sealed around the perimeter with silicone) and very durable- can withstand most of todays active families- just don't let them walk around with cleats on or heelies as one person posted. but generally, for the price, the ease of installation and the look and feel, and the durabiltiy- this may be one of the best home improvements you can do by yourself!

sorry this was so long. thanks for reading. enjoy!

26yrsinflooring · 08-20-2008, 09:04 AM

Let me explain how Allure came about.

When Konecto hit the market they were selling at such a fast pace HD wanted a piece of the action.
They went to Metroflor and requested a private label. This private label falls under the manufacture name of Halstead.

Metroflor said sure we will sell to you but we must protect our flooring distributors base as well so we will thin out our wearlayer for you guys.

The took a 6 mil product and skimmed it down to a 4 mil this is the typical MO of Home Depot, sure the price is less because there is less product there, you are getting what you pay for.

Then they gave Home depot a choice from 5 colors, the flooring distributors got the rest.
They flooring distributors were disallowed from selling the Allure and HD was disallowed from selling the prime lines of Konecto.

While HD is selling in large quanities the flooring distributors are far and above them in yearly sales this is why Metroflor protects them.

Metrflor had issue with 3 containers in 2007, they replaced all the offended clientels projects. If someone had floor from that time frrane that failed it is quite possble Metroflor does not know about or they have refunded the retailer and the retailer has not followed up with the client.

I started in the this trade as an installer at the tender age of 15 I was big for my size so I fit in well.I quit school and worked for my dads flooring business for years.
When I got out on my own I say many retailers lying cheating and stealing from customers on a daily basis.I was appalled to say the least.
Many times they would tell me to lie to the customer,I was not used this this and went against my very grain,I did not do well getting along with them.

I could supply a list of impropriaties I was ask to do while working for Home Depot but what would it gain.
I left Home Depot and went to Lowes and found the same suggested indescretions, I trust non of them, but I would rather shop at Depot than Lowes for my basic remodel needs.

I found that my Dad was the most honest man I knew and that he had been telling telling the truth to clients if it took the skin off his back.That is perhaps why he stayed so small.

Metroflor has released a new line tile that is of top-grade quailty with a 4 mil wearlayer. The name of it is Homescapes.

They have two more lines coming out that will never be seen in any box store. One is called Patina and the other is yet to be named publicly but is for highend commercial applications.

p.b. · 08-22-2008, 03:07 PM

Can anyone comment on the odor after installation? I have 4 pieces in my kitchen right now as samples, and I can smell them very strongly. Does this fade quickly?

laxmom · 08-28-2008, 09:04 PM

I've read all the posts about the Allure flooring. I would like to try it in my basement. My house is over 120 years old. My basement floor is concrete, but it's not in good shape and it's not level.

I am considering using a floor leveler product before installing, so my questions are:

Does anyone have any tips or suggestions on the type of leveller to use?
and
What do you use to fill in the pits?
and
What do I do if it's just not that smooth, or not that level?

Should I really be putting down something else? Any help would be appreciated!

mike costello · 08-29-2008, 08:06 AM

"They didn't listen to what their customer wanted."

Now thats funny right there. Your telling me other than the initial marketing research HD still practices this?

I had a HD workroom for 2 yrs..ahh no they dont.

wdjohnson · 09-14-2008, 09:35 PM

The smell may very well be your septic or sewer, floor heat dries out the traps in floor drains, causing sewer gas to be allowed into your home, did you cover a floor drain when you put down your flooring? Try pouring a large glass of water down all of the drains in the area of the floor every day for a week, if the smell goes away , it is probably your floor drains, not your floor.

Cporter58 · 09-18-2008, 06:26 AM

My husband and I installed Allure Trafficmaster , (the tile pattern) in a 280 sf area in our basement. It was relatively easy, lucked out that our walls are nice and square, and we love how it looks!

Now comes the problem. Even tho we have a dry basement, (did the moisture test on the concrete beforehand), we decided to lay a 6mm plastic underlayment. It's the kind that has an adhesive strip so you don't have to tape. The underlayment directions say to leave at least an 8 inch overlap between pieces. However, the strip was a little wavy and there were some wrinkles after we layed it down, and then we installed the flooring. So now....you guessed it...everywhere over the overlapped/wavy areas of the underlayment, the floor rides that wave! Not visably noticeable but when you walk on those areas, it sounds like the floor is installed over bubble-wrap!!!

I'm so mad that we didn't take the time to make sure the underlayments was as flat as possible. My husband, (becasue this is now all HIS fault

), said not to worry as eventually the floor will flatten. I'm not so sure. I don't think the weight of the flooring is going to compress those areas and I'm doomed to walk on the bubble-wrap floors for the rest of my days and my husband, (did I mention this is all his fault?), has been relegated to the dog house.

Apart from ripping up the areas, (because...of course...they're in the middle of the floor), what can we do? Will it eventually flatten? Is there a way to remove just the tiles, (these are the 36 x 12 inch) over the offending areas and fix the underlament? Can we pull out the underlayment like a giant tablecloth, without disturbing the floor?

Help!

nlwrnc · 09-19-2008, 03:54 PM

We installed this product in our kitchen several months ago. We found it to be an extremely easy product to work with, in spite of the need to get things properly aligned before setting the tiles in place. The flanges of each piece have a sort of contact adhesive on them--it's only slightly tacky to the touch, but once you join the sections together they stay put.

The real wonder of it was how beautiful it looked once it was in place, and how nicely it floated over our old tile flooring. We completed an 18' x 14' room in a single afternoon. I couldn't be happier.

It seems to be particularly well suited to areas where the floors are not suitable for plank-type laminates or other products. We followed the manufacturer instructions and rented a 100# roller to fully seal all of the seams. We have had no problems with moisture seeping under it at all.

I would recommend this type of flooring to DIY-ers who are on a tight budget. The finished floor looks professional and pristine.

dgates · 09-19-2008, 04:42 PM

We have a basement floor in a vacation home that currently has vinyl covering in good condition. We'd considered several products (Allure, laminate, etc.) but seem to all have a draw back of some kind. Since this space is not kept heated in the winter all the time, apparently the Allure won't be advisable. Can anyone give advice as to a good product that can be put over the current roll vinyl and not be affected by the temps dipping to maybe 40 in winter? We have no moisture problem and keep a dehumidifier running year round. Thanks for any good advice!

hardwarejunkie · 10-09-2008, 12:23 AM

I bought almost $500 of this garbage for my laundry room. After about 3 months, the edges started curling as the adhesive let loose. Now I have to rip it up and pay to put it in the landfill. What a disappointment. The stuff looked great at first. All that hard work was a waste of time and money. I guess I should have known that stuff made in China is junk.....in this case, expensive junk.

Tim-Taylor · 10-11-2008, 11:21 AM

Could you share the address of the forum site you spoke of? I have 29 boxes in my garage. I just want a little more info on putting it down, Thanks.

08-06-2008, 10:26 PM	#77
lollygirl732 Newbie Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 1	Thoughts and opinions on "Trafficmaster Allure" flooring from Home Depot? I've just installed TrafficMaster Allure Cherry Plank flooring in my kitchen, diningroom, livingroom and hall. It looks fantastic. I've gotten so many compliments on it! It feels great underfoot. Of course the dogs are having trouble adjusting to the lack of traction(we took up their carpet), they can no longer stop on a dime and there are no more sharp turns. But they're fun to watch!!!! I bought a Shark Deluxe Steam Mop, because I wanted to be able to clean the floor without using chemicals that wouldn't harm my dogs. I couldn't find any information online, so I called Halstead New England (203-299-3100) and they said that although they recommend heat to reseal any lifting seams/corners, that the steam MAY compromise the adhesive with long term use. By the way, the Swiffer Wet Jet solution is very harmful for your pets. Just thought you may want to know.

08-06-2008, 10:39 PM	#78
ashley1226 Newbie Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 2	Thoughts and opinions on "Trafficmaster Allure" flooring from Home Depot? Thanks- I do have one dog but I try to keep her outside most of the time since she chews everything in sight. Thanks for the advice but I think I have given up on the vinyl planks altogether. I am getting a quote from the tile guy tomorrow.

08-12-2008, 12:24 PM	#79
dieselcake Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 32	Thoughts and opinions on "Trafficmaster Allure" flooring from Home Depot? Stay away from any Konecto over ANY type of concrete flooring Many,many threads on how these floors are failing I have had the same floor fail twice already, and the sample board says"great for high moisture areas like basements.

08-19-2008, 01:21 AM	#80
floorgal Newbie Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 7	Thoughts and opinions on "Trafficmaster Allure" flooring from Home Depot? i have been selling flooring products for over 16 years and have professionally installed for 7 years. yes, i do work at THD. but this is in no way meant to plug my company. First off, Trafficmaster Allure flooring is and has been the best selling flooring product in our store for more than nine months running now. As for the durability of this product, i have had numerous (almost daily) comments from DIYers and contractors on Allure. we have sold this product in our store for 1 1/2 yrs now and have had only three complaints- two was due to improper acclimation of the product and one was put done over concrete which showed signs of hydrostatic pressure (moisture weeping up). I have seen numerous concerns listed here and i will try to address them individually: 1. Sub-floor prep: hardly any is required. surfaces must be smooth and dry. if putting over bare concrete first do a moisture test- place a 2' x2' 6mil plastic over concrete and tape down around all edges. leave for a minimum of 72 hours. if condensation is present, you must seal your concrete. fill any voids or pits in the subfloor. if it is unlevel, try to level it within 1/8". this is a vinyl plank that will conform to uneven areas but for asthetics, it is best to level the floor. 2. laying the planks: YOU MUST ACCLIMATE THE PLANKS. this means you cannot buy them and install in the same day. you must take them home and put them in the room which they are to be installed for at least two days (48 hrs). TIP: if you are planning on installing this in rooms that are not or may not be at times climate controlled ( i.e. vacation homes, vacant rentals, etc) i do not suggest that you install this flooring as with extreme temperature changes ( no heat in the winter and no air in the summer) the glue on this product may fail causing the planks to separate. start your planks up against the wall. your very first row you should remove the glue strip from the underside (to understand this concept this is a floating floor hence, you don't want anything sticking to the subfloor) if you are not going wall to wall then it is ok to use double sided tape on the underside of the first row only. this is just to keep it straight as you are laying it. from your second row and throughout the whole area, you must stagger each plank a min of 8-12". this is so that the end joints are stronger and creates a better look. lay the flooring from left to right. you can use the cutoff pieces from the end (right) wall as long as they are at least 8-12" long. cutting them is a snap (literally). just score the topside using a straight edge and a SHARP utility knife. then snap the plank at the score line. it is best to roll the edges as you are installing this. you can use a kitchen rolling pin but i do strongly advise that you rent a flooring roller (70-100 lbs) after completing your install. also, leave a small gap around the perimeter of your floor where it meets up with any vertical surfaces such as walls or cabinets. baseboard or quater round will cover this nicely. 3. pets: this product will sustain most pets. if you have very large animals, just keep their claws trimmed. as for pet accidents- as long as the planks are installed tightly, you should not have a problem with staining or odor. 4. furniture: use felt pads, furniture coasters, etc. this is a vinyl floor which is not impervious to scratches or tears. i have even had one customer ( who is changing out all 26 of his rental properties with this product) tell me that he had placed a heavy chest freezer on this and after two days of removing the freezer, the indentions left by the feet came out! can't say that for all applications tho. 5. if putting down in water prone areas such as bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens- place a bead of silicone around the perimeter under the baseboards. this will help insure any standing water that may occur from toilets overflowing or busted pipes, etc. from penetrating under the flooring trapping the moisture and creating mold problems. The great thing about this flooring is that it is very easy to install ( just ask the 82 yr old woman) it is completely water tight (when sealed around the perimeter with silicone) and very durable- can withstand most of todays active families- just don't let them walk around with cleats on or heelies as one person posted. but generally, for the price, the ease of installation and the look and feel, and the durabiltiy- this may be one of the best home improvements you can do by yourself! sorry this was so long. thanks for reading. enjoy!

08-20-2008, 09:04 AM	#81
26yrsinflooring Get out of the box! Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 333	Thoughts and opinions on "Trafficmaster Allure" flooring from Home Depot? Let me explain how Allure came about. When Konecto hit the market they were selling at such a fast pace HD wanted a piece of the action. They went to Metroflor and requested a private label. This private label falls under the manufacture name of Halstead. Metroflor said sure we will sell to you but we must protect our flooring distributors base as well so we will thin out our wearlayer for you guys. The took a 6 mil product and skimmed it down to a 4 mil this is the typical MO of Home Depot, sure the price is less because there is less product there, you are getting what you pay for. Then they gave Home depot a choice from 5 colors, the flooring distributors got the rest. They flooring distributors were disallowed from selling the Allure and HD was disallowed from selling the prime lines of Konecto. While HD is selling in large quanities the flooring distributors are far and above them in yearly sales this is why Metroflor protects them. Metrflor had issue with 3 containers in 2007, they replaced all the offended clientels projects. If someone had floor from that time frrane that failed it is quite possble Metroflor does not know about or they have refunded the retailer and the retailer has not followed up with the client. I started in the this trade as an installer at the tender age of 15 I was big for my size so I fit in well.I quit school and worked for my dads flooring business for years. When I got out on my own I say many retailers lying cheating and stealing from customers on a daily basis.I was appalled to say the least. Many times they would tell me to lie to the customer,I was not used this this and went against my very grain,I did not do well getting along with them. I could supply a list of impropriaties I was ask to do while working for Home Depot but what would it gain. I left Home Depot and went to Lowes and found the same suggested indescretions, I trust non of them, but I would rather shop at Depot than Lowes for my basic remodel needs. I found that my Dad was the most honest man I knew and that he had been telling telling the truth to clients if it took the skin off his back.That is perhaps why he stayed so small. Metroflor has released a new line tile that is of top-grade quailty with a 4 mil wearlayer. The name of it is Homescapes. They have two more lines coming out that will never be seen in any box store. One is called Patina and the other is yet to be named publicly but is for highend commercial applications.

Thoughts and opinions on "Trafficmaster Allure" flooring from Home Depot?