Sponsors
Sponsors
is one "better"? (Moderated by Deepika, EleanorSews)
Posted on: 6/8/09 10:43 PM ET
I thought we'd go with a laminate type flooring due to cost but I ran across some wood flooring we like that is the same cost --actually a tad less than a good laminate. I was told laminate is stronger and more resistant to scratches. We do have pets but they aren't rambunctious inside. I don't much like floors that show every foot-print. Any suggestions which way to go?
Posted on: 6/8/09 10:56 PM ET
In reply to sewfrequent
Dogs..laminate..HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAH..and they say that I am funny.. I beg you not even to consider this..I cannot tell you the number of times I have been called out on this problem of laminates wearing through..and not just due to dogs..also chairs being used as in a dining area or computer nook..engineered maybe ..but not laminate..and honestly I would definitely go with the wood..as long as you seal it really good it will absolutely outlast anything else on the market..you did not say how thick or what wood you were looking at..but should you need to later..and you will with dogs..you can periodically topsand and reseal ....I love you girl and cannot let you do this ..and yes those are the new expensive McMansions I get called out to..BTW you can use floorcloths or throw rugs to cut down on footprints..I can't as my dogs think those are pee pads..but maybe you could..and I don't have the footprint problem really..of course we don't come in from the outdoors with mud on our feet..
-- Edited on 6/9/09 0:18 AM --
-- Edited on 6/9/09 0:18 AM --
Posted on: 6/8/09 11:05 PM ET
I wouldn't go with laminate not just because of wear but also if you have dogs of any size, you will get heartily sick of the "click click" of their toenails. Laminate is MUCH louder than wood.
Posted on: 6/8/09 11:20 PM ET
In reply to sewfrequent
Get out your trusty metric ruler and take a look at the size of six to twelve millimeters. That is the thickness range of most floor laminates. Then think of what would happen to that laminate if one, just one, adult person sat in a chair and slid it even a short distance on that laminate when sitting down or getting up.
Go for real wood. You won't regret it.
------
Go for real wood. You won't regret it.
------
Elona
Posted on: 6/8/09 11:52 PM ET
If you can afford it, get wood. We have both, and I have had experience with laminate elsewhere. Laminate is great stuff and is perfect for some applications. I may even put it in my kitchen. But for warmth, sound, depth of colour etc., wood is just nicer. Maybe the really expensive laminate is better, but all the ones I've seen do chip and just don't have that solid feel that our gorgeous wood floors have. Happy flooring hunting! We're re-doing our deck this summer - booooorrring! And we'll do it ourselves. Not hiring nice contractors. 
------

------
http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.
Posted on: 6/9/09 1:09 AM ET
Any risk of water flooding and that should make you change your mind about laminate. Washer leak, sink leak, pooch dish spill, any standing water will seep into the laminate and damage it.
------
------
Visit my blog at http://sewingsaga.blogspot.com
If it's worth sewing, it's worth sewing well;
and if it's worth sewing well, it's worth FITTING FIRST! - TSL
If it's worth sewing, it's worth sewing well;
and if it's worth sewing well, it's worth FITTING FIRST! - TSL
Posted on: 6/9/09 1:10 AM ET
In reply to tourist
And of course if the floors get damaged, wood can be refinished. Laminate just has to be replaced if it's messed up. I put laminate in my bedroom when I redid it last summer. I don't regret it as it cost around $500 and getting hardwood for the room would have been over $1000 (it was previously carpeted). I didn't find a good deal like you seem to have! If I had been able to get hardwood for the same or only slightly higher price I would have. The laminate is fine in my bedroom since I have an area rug and obviously a bedroom gets less wear than a hallway or something. It also looks pretty good as I was able to find something that pretty well matched the hardwood in the rest of the house. But nothing beats hardwood in terms of quality.
Posted on: 6/9/09 6:52 AM ET
I agree--if you can afford it go with wood over laminate.
But...my kitchen is a Pergo laminate, now 13 years old. I love it! It has taken the abuse of 4 kids very well. Also, I would never have time for resanding or maitenance of a wood floor. That was a big factor for me. The Pergo wasn't cheap either--over $2000 for my kitchen floor.
------
But...my kitchen is a Pergo laminate, now 13 years old. I love it! It has taken the abuse of 4 kids very well. Also, I would never have time for resanding or maitenance of a wood floor. That was a big factor for me. The Pergo wasn't cheap either--over $2000 for my kitchen floor.
------
Big 4 Pattern size 12, RTW bottom: 6, RTW jacket 8, RTW top (no size fits me well!)
Measurements: 34 HB/36 FB (34C bra)/27.5/36 (and working hard to keep it that way.)
Machines: Sewing: Elna 760, vintage Kenmore Model 33 (1967), Janome Gem Gold 3, Singer Model 99, Singer 221/Featherweight, Bernina 1630. Sergers: Babylock Enlighten and Babylock Ovation. Embroidery Only: Janome 300E. Embroidery/Sewing Combo: Brother Dream machine. Straight Stitch: Janome 1600P.
Certified Palmer/Pletsch Pants Fitting Instructor
Blog: 21stcenturydiy.blogspot.com
Measurements: 34 HB/36 FB (34C bra)/27.5/36 (and working hard to keep it that way.)
Machines: Sewing: Elna 760, vintage Kenmore Model 33 (1967), Janome Gem Gold 3, Singer Model 99, Singer 221/Featherweight, Bernina 1630. Sergers: Babylock Enlighten and Babylock Ovation. Embroidery Only: Janome 300E. Embroidery/Sewing Combo: Brother Dream machine. Straight Stitch: Janome 1600P.
Certified Palmer/Pletsch Pants Fitting Instructor
Blog: 21stcenturydiy.blogspot.com
Posted on: 6/9/09 7:31 AM ET
In reply to sewfrequent
I have had both, in fact...in the same house.
The advantages to the laminate was that it would not water-mark. I had it installed in the kitchen and bath for that reason. It is also very simple to install, and my dad and I put it in ourselves. You can also do a "floating" installation, meaning you can put it over any other hard flooring. That does make it cheaper.
However, the wood in the rest of the house was just great. And, my giant Dutch Shepherd named "Spaz" (he MIGHT be a touch rambunctious) never, ever left a scratch on it anywhere.
Even though we ended up buying the ridiculously expensive laminate because we wanted it to match the red oak in the rest of the house, it never had the warmth of the "real" wood.
I never had a moment's problem with either.
Laminate used to be great because you could install it yourself...but now wood flooring is also available that is pre-finished and with the snap-type installation.
Still, because of the durability, and the appearance, I would use the real wood unless you were considering installing in a kitchen, bath, or laundry room.
------
The advantages to the laminate was that it would not water-mark. I had it installed in the kitchen and bath for that reason. It is also very simple to install, and my dad and I put it in ourselves. You can also do a "floating" installation, meaning you can put it over any other hard flooring. That does make it cheaper.
However, the wood in the rest of the house was just great. And, my giant Dutch Shepherd named "Spaz" (he MIGHT be a touch rambunctious) never, ever left a scratch on it anywhere.
Even though we ended up buying the ridiculously expensive laminate because we wanted it to match the red oak in the rest of the house, it never had the warmth of the "real" wood.
I never had a moment's problem with either.
Laminate used to be great because you could install it yourself...but now wood flooring is also available that is pre-finished and with the snap-type installation.
Still, because of the durability, and the appearance, I would use the real wood unless you were considering installing in a kitchen, bath, or laundry room.
------
Michelle
http://cheapandpicky.blogspot.com/
http://cheapandpicky.blogspot.com/
Posted on: 6/9/09 7:40 AM ET
I'm chiming in and agreeing with the others to go with wood floors. It's worth the investment. Because of allergies, we have wood floors throughout our entire house...no carpet anywhere. I love them! They're easy to maintain (I clean mine with vinegar & water) and they look good.
And one more thought, if they're unfinished when you purchase, have them stained a color close to dirt. Seriously...when the guys asked me what color I wanted, I scooped up some dirt near the back door of our house, and said, "Match it to this." With three kids and numerous little feet running in and out, it's the best decision I ever made.
Larri
And one more thought, if they're unfinished when you purchase, have them stained a color close to dirt. Seriously...when the guys asked me what color I wanted, I scooped up some dirt near the back door of our house, and said, "Match it to this." With three kids and numerous little feet running in and out, it's the best decision I ever made.
Larri
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns
Fancy Frocks Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics








