Just laid laminate wood flooring....when is it safe to move furniture back in?

[Doglover8180]

Just laid laminate wood flooring in the living room.... the locking kind (groove & tongue - not the glue kind).... When is it safe to start moving big furniture pieces back into the room... couch etc??? How long do I have to wait to let the floors settle??:shrug7:

[amy s]

my ex husband is a contractor. he says no wait at all as long as you acclimated the laminate to the house Before laying it...if not wait three days and you are set.

[Doglover8180]

Thank you, Amy :)

[disabledvetswife]

Asked my Dad and he said the same thing...if you acclimated prior, no wait. If you did not acclimate, then wait 72 hours. Also said it's a floating floor so there really is no settling per se...and also reminded to use clear mildew resistant caulk anywhere where it might get wet (along that 1/4" gap) like under windows, doors, etc.

[Doglover8180]

Do either of ya'll know if there is any kind of sealant or anything good to use on the floor when you first lay it? I have dogs & cats and I just really want to protect the floor - it was very expensive and took alot of hours to get put in so I don't want to do anything that will let the animals ruin it with their claws?? Right now, I am keeping everyone off of it.... I don't know when I will feel comfortable letting people walk on it :)

[Lori63]

My laminate has taken a fair amount of abuse (three boys and a cat) and looks great after 5 years.