I am thinking about putting down laminate floors down in my entire downstairs. This will include the great room, dining area, kitchen and half bath. I have read and been told that it is very durable but my concern is my dogs. I have an 85 lb dog who is generally pretty mellow and my son has a 40 lb terrier who is generally NOT very mello (high energy). I don't want to spend alot of money on something that will be ruined in a short period of time. Does anyone have experience with this situation?
2007-07-18 01:26:57 · 10 answers · asked by jodi5205 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
There are a lot of laminate brands to choose from. The only one that I has seen that address the pet nails is Berry Laminate. They have in their product statements that pet nails will NOT damage the flooring. Price ranges from $1.99 to $5.99. All with a life time warranty. The better floors sound and look like the real hardwood. The lower priced flooring just looks like laminate. The $4.99 to $5.99 will wow you in looks and very important Sound quiet like wood.
2007-07-18 02:12:15 · answer #1 · answered by rlbendele1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, laminate does scratch and look tacky.
Also, if you do the entire level, you may have to put up with breaks in the surface unless they've improved since I last researched it...something about only being able to do the flooring for so far before needing some sort of connecting board that sticks up a bit.
As for tile...the big thing I hate about tile is how the grout darkens...or dark grout in general. If you want a durable floor that looks good despite hard use, you might consider a stone like slate. It is rough and weathered looking and because it is stone, the grout lines can be very narrow.
2007-07-26 04:37:23 · answer #2 · answered by Livia 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As far as laminate and hardwood flooring goes laminate flooring scratches less than hardwood ever will. You can also buy laminate flooring that simulates the look of hardwood flooring while saving money. And how many times do you really want to refinish your flooring? I think a few minimal scratches in the laminate vs refinishing your flooring all the time is thew way to go. I bought my laminate from the King of Floors and they were the ones that explained the same question to me. I have a bulldog.
2007-07-18 11:22:21 · answer #3 · answered by iamcanadian1973 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have the money and strong subfloor real tile squares would be nice. I wanted to that in my kitchen, but couldn't afford it, so I went for a nice, fake vyinal many think is tile. The real tile is easy to clean and mondo durable with dogs. I have one , too.
My freind has the wood laminate,but it is not shiny. (don't know what grade she has). She just runs a slightly wet mop with a little vinegarover it, but to me it doesn't look like real wood. If you do get real wood, have the high gloss put on it or you will regret it. I have the real hardwoods and I had them refinished in the low gloss and really regret it. It now looks dull and I do have a 30 pound dog that doesn't help. Good luck. Email with what you decide. I would really like to know. BB
2007-07-22 23:23:18 · answer #4 · answered by BELINDA B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Laminate flooring IS NOT as durable as a good hardwood. Yes the hardwood scratches more easily than a laminate, but you have the ability to refinish hardwood floors many times to get rid of deep scratches. You have no such ability with laminates.
I would suggest getting the very best hardwood that you can afford, and getting a $20 toenail clipper for the dog. Keep his nails trimmed down so that he DOESN'T scratch your floor too much!
http://www.pooch.ca/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=69&cat=Nail+Clippers
http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library/Laminate_Floor_Basics-Laminate_Floors-A1811.html
2007-07-18 08:36:58 · answer #5 · answered by Susie Q 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are looking for a lasting resolution to flooring in these rooms you mentioned, just keep in mind, you will get what you pay for. Laminate is cheap and tacky. You may pay a little bit more but for durability and style its well worth it. I would go with ceramic tile; it comes in many different colors, styles and textures. Also, it won't scratch or rip. You can use many different types/colors to separate each room. Not to mention they clean up in a snap. Find a wholesale warehouse or eBay for good prices.
2007-07-22 22:01:51 · answer #6 · answered by aloha_1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aaaaaarrrrggghhhhh!!!!! Laminate - no, no, no......
It deteriorates so quickly & with a dog......
I would be putting down foor tiles for your entire downstairs.
I have & bless the day I did. I have a dog as well. The ceramic floor tiles are just so, so, so easy to keep in order.
A vaccum, a mop with methylated spirits in water - done.
An occasional disinfectant mop over it & great!!!!!
My cousin put down laminate flooring & says its terrible. Is getting rid of it as soon as she can.
2007-07-22 20:49:19 · answer #7 · answered by Kathy T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally I don't like it - I think it looks cheap and tacky, but I suppose it's easy to keep clean. I think it looks slightly better on larger areas though. Having the same dilemma about one of my rooms, and have decided to go for carpet instead. I just have wooden stairs with no carpet, and one of my parents' dogs (bless him) put a couple of massive scratches in them when he was going upstairs. Gutted. Wouldn't have happened with carpet.
2007-07-18 08:31:29 · answer #8 · answered by Alex 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go with tiled floors.They are durable and last a very long time.Easy to clean.
2007-07-18 10:19:18 · answer #9 · answered by Maw-Maw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not recommend them. very easy to clean with vinegar and water, but they show ever water drop and seem to always be dirty looking.
2007-07-23 03:38:41 · answer #10 · answered by Jan C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋