We purchased Wilsonart "Classic" laminate flooring for the kitchen/dining area of our newly constructed home in 2003. I researched many types of flooring before settling on this brand and made my decision to purchase Wilsonart in large part based on the 25-year "no problem" warranty with which I was presented by the salesperson.
By this past fall, we began to notice that seams of the boards appeared to be warping upward slightly, uniformly throughout the area in which it was installed.By Christmas, it became quite noticeable and was even pointed out by our guests.
I subsequently contacted the flooring store that sold me the product and the original salesperson came out to my home and inspected the flooring. He acknowledged that we clearly have a problem but indicated that Wilsonart would not be warrantying the flooring even though they are fully aware of the defective nature of their product and it is ubiquitous with this particular laminate nationwide.
He further stated to me that the product is failing due to shrink/swell resulting from air conditions. I asked, how is this possible since I live in an arid state and do not run a humidifier in my home, and further, if the product is so environmentally sensitive, why then is it sold all over the US and in places that obviously are subject to much higher humidity conditions. He responded that they would not be replacing my flooring and that was it.
The salesman did make one other comment, that this particular type of laminate is no longer sold by Wilsonart—I wonder why! The edges of each board are supposed to be self-sealing, but the laminate they sell now is sealed externally.
I have taken the utmost care of this flooring from the beginning. I love the ease of care, its appearance, and durability. The company website even advocates wet mopping the product, which I have never done. Weekly, I wipe the flooring with a damp Swiffer cloth and would never dream of subjecting it to regular mopping. Thus, I do not believe that the current defect is due to poor maintenance on our part or that we are responsible in any other way for its failure.
We are extremely unhappy with the appearance of this laminate and regret our purchase of Wilsonart products. We will be removing it this summer and replacing with tile.
Julie
Mandan, North Dakota
U.S.A.
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