[ladybug27]

we have been in the process of remodeling certain parts of our home. we would like actual hardwood, however, the price has kinda discouraged me in doing such. We have come across some hardwood that we like. its the kind you snap in place...? anyway, to get to my point, does anyone know the durability/longevity/advantages of going with this kind of hardwood flooring? thanks so much! any input would be greatly appreciated.

[ballengerb1]

Snap together hardwood flooring is usually a laminate. How thick is each board and what brand, do they offer a warranty? Some laminates are actually superior to real wood but you can't use them everywhere and they must be installed properly.

[glavine]

This will differ from floor to floor because of the thickness and brands. Some lock together tighter than others, somes finish are better.

A laminate floors are good on wear, with exceptions like dogs and cats , cleats if you play baseball... they'll advertise that there scratch resitstant but if it is a sharp object it will gauge it just like real wood, the biggest problem I've had is with dog pee or excessive water from a mop happy wife.

My advise to you is stay with a floor that runs $2 a ft and nothing less, this will keep you away from the cheap stuff, remember you get what you pay for. Ive seen adds for .76 cent and $1... its all crap and you'll be pulling it up quicker than you installed.
Hardwood may run you around 3.50 to 4.25 and up way up so this is almost half the cost of hardwood.

Bottom line is laminate floors can be great, just make sure you get the right kind.
Now you say Eric what is the right kind to get... first how did you know my name for one lol... swiftlock, armstrong is good, go to Lowe's and look at the $2 and up. Here the locking system has changed and is much easier to install.
Tool list: buy a tamping block for the floor, you'll need a hammer, a prybar once you get to the wall, you want be able to tamp the floor together. You'll need some kind of jamb saw to undercut the casing and jambs. A dovetail saw will work if you on a budget. Also a mitersaw works great to. Lastly the floor and the underlayment foam. Goodluck

[hkstroud]

Agree with Galvine, go with quality. I even seen one brand that claims real wood laminate thick enough to be sanded and refinished.

[ballengerb1]

No laminate can stand up to dog urine or any water, seams leak and the laminate delaminates.

[jillianleab]

Depending on the value of your home, and the length of time you plan on staying in your home, I would say spring for the hardwood. From an investment standpoint, hardwood is a better option, and if homes in your neighborhood mostly have hardwood and you install laminate, your home will be less valuable. This is especially important if you plan on moving soon. If you plan on staying for a long time, it still might be better to put in good quality hardwood, as you can sand it and re-stain it; it won't need replacing like laminate after several years. On th other hand, if most homes in your neighborhood have peel and stick tile or linoleum, laminate would make your home more desirable than those.

I think I've seen the snap-in hardwood you are talking about; is it compressed wood with a thin layer (not really a veneer) of real wood on top of it? I know it looks nice, but I don't have any experience with it, so I'm sorry, I can't be of much help there.

Look at several stores, look online and even meet with some flooring companies about hardwood; you might find someone who is having a special on a brand or color that is being discontinued which might make it more affordable.