2007-11-29 08:54:32 · 6 answers · asked by lulu 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
You've gotten some good advice already. I will add one thing. If you have a dog or dogs, especially the larger breeds and they will be in the house and on the floors go with laminate! A large dogs nails will tear up a hardwood floor. We have hardwood in our dining room and living room and laminate in our den where our dogs go.
2007-11-29 10:14:46 · answer #1 · answered by Steve in NC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was originally set on laminate for redoing our entire house (1600-1800sf), but my husband is very much against it. The deal-breaker happened after we did price comparisons. We went to Home Depot and found out we could get a gorgeous hardwood pattern for about 2.35 per square foot. The laminate we looked at was much more at the carpet places. The positives about the hardwood is that it can be sanded down and refinished many times to give it a fresh look. It is permanent, and we got a nailer for about $100 at Harbor Freight that did the entire job. Hardwood floor also increases the value of your house if you would ever resell. It's a big plus.
The positives about laminate is that it's a floating floor and most likely less time-consuming for installation. I've heard that people in some western European countries take their floor along with they move into another house/apartment - clever!
I think it really ends up being a matter of preference. Do you feel comfortable in having the look of hardwood in your house, or would you rather choose the real deal. Are you installing it yourself or are you having someone else put it in. Would you want to refinish it sometime down the road?
Would you want to be able to remove it at some point?
2007-11-29 17:41:27 · answer #2 · answered by squirrels.rock 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If price isn't an issue hardwood floors are the obvious choice. Real hardwood looks 10 times better than laminate and just gets better with age. Laminate is not a horrible choice (its still better than carpet) but its overall look has a cheapness to it. Its great for people on a budget.
2007-11-29 17:14:51 · answer #3 · answered by Mackenzie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go with laminate. I love the look of hardwood but laminate is better if you have kids or pets, or move furniture alot. But if you do decide to go with hardwood and it ever is damaged you can have it refinished. you cant do that with laminate.
2007-11-29 17:14:00 · answer #4 · answered by gwen0674 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have both and prefer the look of the hardwood.
2007-11-29 17:01:36 · answer #5 · answered by Diane M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Laminate is less expensive and if properly installed, looks and wears just fine.
2007-11-29 17:01:55 · answer #6 · answered by beez 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋