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twb15 · Apr 11, 2007, 07:37 AM

Just purchased a home and want to put wood floorings in. I need to know is laminate a good choice for the flooring or is solid hardwood better. I do have a tight budget and have checked prices. Solid wood with installation does cost a pretty penny. Most people are telling to go with laminate because of the price difference. Not sure I'd be satisfied with the laminate flooring over the long haul. Can anyone offer assistance or advice.

Thanks :confused:

iAMfromHuntersBar · Apr 11, 2007, 07:41 AM

I don't know much about solid hardwood flooring, but I will sing laminate's praises;

I've got laminate flooring throughout in my flat and I've got to say it's a God-send!

I've knocked over masses of food, booze and drink which is easy to clear up and dropped loads of heavy stuff on it which hasn't even marked it, which wouldn't matter anyway because it's cheap and easy to replace!

What's swaying your decision other than price?

twb15 · Apr 11, 2007, 08:02 AM

Originally Posted by iAMfromHuntersBar

I don't know much about solid hardwood flooring, but I will sing laminate's praises;

I've got laminate flooring throughout in my flat and I've got to say it's a God-send!

I've knocked over masses of food, booze and drink which is easy to clear up and dropped loads of heavy stuff on it which hasn't even marked it, which wouldn't matter anyway because it's cheap and easy to replace!

What's swaying your decision other than price?

Thanks for your quick response. Besides the price, I just don' t like the look of laminate it looks to fake to me. I didn't want to go beyond my budget, but to get the wood I may have to. Still unsure though. :confused:

iAMfromHuntersBar · Apr 11, 2007, 08:05 AM

Yeah, I agree with the fake looking thing, but I think it can look in certain spaces.

What size of area are you thinking of doing and will it be separate rooms?

ballengerb1 · Apr 11, 2007, 08:14 AM

Laminate wood will out last the original finish on hardwood. However, there is some pretty chessy stuff other there that looks bad and sounds funny when you walk on it. If you good laminate don't buy the cheap stuff. Engineered flooring is another option, real hardwood veneer over ply.

George818 · Apr 14, 2007, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by twb15

Just purchased a home and want to put wood floorings in. I need to know is laminate a good choice for the flooring or is solid hardwood better. I do have a tight budget and have checked prices. Solid wood with installation does cost a pretty penny. Most people are telling to go with laminate because of the price difference. Not sure I'd be satisfied with the laminate flooring over the long haul. Can anyone offer assistance or advice.

Thanks :confused:

My 2cents is that you figure out what your overall budget for the whole house (interior and exterior) improvements. Figure out what all needs to be done, prioritize this list and put a $$$ number to it. Then I would figure out what would get the biggest return on my limited investment(ROMLI)... i.e. If I spend $1 on improvement will I get $2 or more $$$ on ROMLI when I sell? What if you have terrific floors inside but outside looked like painting or landscaping is needed?
If you have already thought this out, then here's my thoughts... Besides the price differential & better durability, laminate can be self installed by yourself because most is easy snap and lock into place. If you have messy children and/or a section gets water damaged, one can unsnap and replace sections like puzzles. On the other hand if this is your personal residence and you will be living and entertaining there, solid hardwood flooring is better looking but usually requires professional installation, cost more per sq ft (material&labor) and requires $$ effort to maintain. I believe the price will prevail in the final analysis.:) Good Luck!