Laminate Floor vs. Carpet and Static

Does laminate flooring really cause high levels of electrostatic discharge (ESD) that can be damaging to electronic equipment? I saw one other post on this topic and someone provided a link to an article that stated the contrary but the link no longer works. I was hoping someone else may have some input as well for me. I was told the flooring I chose has an aluminum oxide coating which is for anti-scratch. Due to a few reasons I cannot install real hardwood flooring. But I like the look of laminate and I'm guessing acoustics-wise it would be better than carpet? This is on the ground floor but is not on slab - there is a plywood subfloor and there will be an underlay beneath the laminate as well. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!

Welcome to the forum. :D That's a really good question. Could you please:

Edit your profile to include your location. This is very important, because this is a worldwide resource, and as such, material costs and availability vary widely. For example, masonry is cheaper than gypsum in some parts of the globe, whereas it's the exact opposite in other regions. We're not asking for your address or credit card number, just a country will do.

AND the reference section thread, 1st thread at top, bla, bla, bla....

Does laminate flooring really cause high levels of electrostatic discharge (ESD) that can be damaging to electronic equipment?

I can not say for sure BUT in reading, viewing and watching so many CR rooms go up on this site that have used laminate floor with out complaining electrostatic discharge damaging gear... NO. If Rod or others see this they could have better answer and reason then me.

I'm guessing acoustics-wise it would be better than carpet?

In a properly acoustically designed room... YES. Marc

Purely anecdotal experience here, but half our 2,000 square foot house is covered with the stuff, and I've never noticed any electrostatic properties myself.

Sorry - fixed the profile. Anyway, I'm in Los Angeles where it's relatively dry. I'm wondering if it's less of a problem in more humid locations. By the way, I love this board - thank you for all of your help.

I'm wondering if it's less of a problem in more humid locations.

Yeah, it pays to read the installation instructions for the various types of "hard wood looking" floor. Manufactures can differ to as to where WHAT can be installed. Remember there are basic 3 types Hardwood Floor Engineered hardwood (more common) Laminate ... and I'm sure that could be subdivided further. I'm going to be using Engineered Hardwood, 1st level install on concrete slab on sand, 10 miles from ocean in humid Florida. Marc

I haven't heard that laminate flooring can cause high levels of electrostatic discharge. You can install raised floor if you have special requirement for antistatic purpose. Laminate flooring is suitable for the places where there is too much water or moisture. Many type of soil are too damp. And it is not suitable to install laminate flooring on the first. Please check the soil under your house.

mikelol wrote:

I haven't heard that laminate flooring can cause high levels of electrostatic discharge. You can install (has embedded link:http://www.flooring-china.com/cable-management-system.htm)raised floor[/color][/url] if you have special requirement for antistatic purpose. (has embedded link:http://www.flooring-manufacturer.com)Laminate flooring[/url] is suitable for the places where there is too much water or moisture. Many type of soil are too damp. And it is not suitable to install laminate flooring on the first. Please check the soil under your house.

Not only are you full of garbage with this reply Mikelol, Spam is not tolerated at this web forum. Please do not post crap...we hate that kind of thing when we are just trying to help people get valid good information.

I was WONDERING about the rather curious post, but I completely missed the links! Well spotted, Brien! All his other posts are the same! And that explains why he had a habit of reviving old threads, form months or years back, with pointless comments. But only threads related to laminate flooring. Damn, but these idiot spammers are getting sneakier all the time. The should all be taken outside and shot, if you ask me. (Figuratively) You'd make a good detective, Brien! - Stuart -