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Not all attic floors are created equal—size, layout, and square footage often vary. The amount of weight an attic floor can hold depends on several factors including the joist size and position, any structural supports or subfloors, and the original intent of the attic design. Without structural reinforcement, your floor might only be able to support about 10 pounds per square foot of floor load before collapsing.

Vinyl and laminate flooring can have a similar life span. Both well-maintained laminate and luxury vinyl flooring can last up to 25 years. The exception is the thinner type of vinyl flooring that comes in sheets and lasts less than 10 years. It’s important to note that vinyl is waterproof, whereas you can ruin laminate if it absorbs too much moisture.

No, thick carpet padding isn’t necessarily better than thinner padding. The appropriate padding thickness will depend on the type of carpet and the amount of foot traffic in the area. 

For example, thick padding works well in low-traffic areas, like bedrooms, where you have soft and plush carpeting. However, thick carpet padding can damage low-pile carpet, which is used in the busiest parts of your home (like hallways and entryways). For that reason, it’s best to use thinner, heavier padding underneath carpet in high-traffic areas.

One reason that laminate flooring has grown in popularity is that it can be installed on top of some kinds of existing flooring, therefore saving money and time. However, don’t install laminate flooring over carpet since it may void the manufacturer’s warranty. Plus, carpet is often too plush and soft to properly support a laminate flooring system.