Flooring Types
Laminate Flooring in New Orleans
We install laminate flooring in homes and rentals across New Orleans, Gretna, Metairie and the Northshore. Laminate gives you a wood look in a click-together floating floor. Mohawk, for one, limits its laminate to climate-controlled rooms, so it fits rooms that stay air conditioned and never sit in standing water.
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What laminate flooring is
This page is for homeowners and landlords pricing out a wood-look floor. It covers what laminate is, the rooms where it fits in New Orleans homes, the rooms where another floor is the safer call, and how it compares with vinyl and engineered wood.
Laminate is a layered board with a printed wood or stone image under a clear wear layer. Most lines float over an underlayment instead of being nailed or glued.
Floating, click-lock boards
Mohawk's installation instructions say laminate movement must not be held back by glue, nails, screws or fixed objects. That's why a kitchen island or cabinet shouldn't be fastened through it.
Expansion space
The same instructions call for a 3/8 inch space for expansion on all sides. Keep that gap clear when baseboards or trim are replaced later.
Water-resistant lines
Some laminate is sold as water resistant. A water-resistant label doesn't change FEMA's rating for plastic laminate.
Built for New Orleans
Where laminate flooring works in New Orleans homes
Laminate fits rooms with steady air conditioning and a dry, flat floor under it.
Bedrooms, halls and living rooms
Mohawk limits its laminate to climate-controlled rooms at 35% to 65% relative humidity and 60 to 85 degrees, and says those conditions must hold for the life of the floor. New Orleans International Airport averages about 63 inches of rain a year, according to the National Weather Service, so keep the AC on, vacant rentals included.
Raised and pier homes
One water-resistant laminate's instructions call for a 6 mil polyethylene vapor barrier in crawl spaces, and another says crawl spaces must be dry and meet building codes. Check yours before laminate goes down above it.
Slab homes
Mohawk strongly recommends a moisture test of the subfloor, and the same water-resistant laminate instructions call for 6 mil polyethylene over concrete.
Floors that have settled
The City of New Orleans notes that houses not on deep pilings are seeing differential settlement. A floating floor needs a flat base, so uneven floors get subfloor preparation first.
- 890459Residential license
- 3667Commercial license
- 14Cities in the New Orleans metro
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How it works
Where to choose something other than laminate
A few rooms are a poor match, and it's better to know before you buy.
- 01
Rooms with floor drains or sump pumps
Mohawk says its laminate shouldn't be installed in them.
- 02
Ground floors that can flood
FEMA rates plastic laminate flooring as unacceptable for flood exposure, the same as engineered and solid wood.
- 03
Homes without humidity control
A camp or rental that sits closed up with the AC off can fall outside Mohawk's humidity range.
- 04
Under fixed cabinets or islands
Anything that pins the floor stops it from moving as it should.
How laminate compares with vinyl and engineered wood
These are the two floors most people weigh laminate against.
- Laminate or vinyl FEMA rates vinyl set with chemical-set adhesive on concrete as acceptable for flood exposure, while laminate is unacceptable. For kitchens, baths and slab rooms that can flood, look at our vinyl flooring page.
- Laminate or engineered wood Engineered wood has a real hardwood surface that can be refinished. FEMA rates both as unacceptable for floods. See our engineered wood flooring page.
Where we install laminate flooring and how to get a free estimate
We install laminate across New Orleans, Gretna, Metairie, Kenner, Mandeville and Covington. See every town on our service areas page, and how the job runs on our laminate flooring installation page.
For a free estimate, tell us the rooms, the rough square footage and whether the house is raised or on a slab.
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Reviews
What Customers Say About TurnKey Floorings
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As a builder, I’ve worked with numerous flooring contractors over the years, but my experience with Turnkey Floorings stands out. They were extremely professional, and their installation of carpet flooring for a big project was flawless. The client was ecstatic with the outcome, and I look forward to our future projects.
Charlie Cleghorn
They have transformed my hotel! Their suggestion of flake flooring for the lobby was a hit, adding an unexpected touch of luxury. Their team was professional and completed the project on time. They are the best flooring contractors in New Orleans.
Eve Harper
I recently had epoxy flooring installed in my garage by Turnkey Floorings. The quality of their work exceeded my expectations. They were professional, punctual, and their attention to detail was commendable. I am really happy with the outcome and highly recommend them.
Frank Johnson
I’m so glad I hired Turnkey Floorings for our floor heating installation. Their service was top-notch, and the crew was very informative and friendly. They made sure to explain everything and answered all of our questions. I wake up every morning to warm floors, thanks to them.
Josephine Lewis
Their team was incredibly professional and helpful when it came to choosing the right carpet flooring for my home. The installation process was quick and efficient, leaving no mess behind. The end product was fantastic. They really live up to their reputation as a top-notch flooring contractor in New Orleans.
Mary Lawson
We decided to upgrade our flooring and opted for floor coatings. Their team was extremely skilled, and the result was stunning. The floor looks sleek, shiny, and it’s so easy to clean. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing flooring services in New Orleans.
Walter Morris
We run a small chain of hotels in New Orleans and have been using Turnkey Floorings for all our flooring needs. From epoxy flooring in the kitchens to luxurious carpet flooring in the rooms, their workmanship is always top quality. They are reliable, professional, and always complete the projects on time. A fantastic company to work with!
Susan Whittemore
FAQ
Common Questions About Laminate Flooring
Talk to an Expert about Laminate Flooring.
Which is better for a New Orleans home, laminate or vinyl?
FEMA rates plastic laminate flooring as unacceptable for flood exposure, and its guide accepts vinyl only when it is chemical-set on concrete, not over plywood. Laminate fits dry, air-conditioned rooms like bedrooms and halls.
What is the downside to laminate flooring?
It needs steady humidity and a dry subfloor. Mohawk limits its laminate to rooms at 35% to 65% relative humidity and rules out rooms with floor drains or sump pumps.
Can laminate go in a raised house over a crawl space?
Yes, if the crawl space is dry. One water-resistant laminate's instructions call for a 6 mil polyethylene vapor barrier in the crawl space, so we check that first.
Can laminate go in a kitchen or bathroom?
Not in a room with a floor drain, which Mohawk excludes. For a kitchen or bath that could flood, FEMA's guide accepts tile set in mortar, or chemical-set vinyl on a slab.
Do you install laminate in Gretna, Metairie and the Northshore?
Yes. We install laminate across the metro, including Gretna, Metairie, Kenner, Mandeville and Covington.
Service Areas
Based in New Orleans, LA.
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Residential License # 890459 · Commercial License # 3667