Calling all members with Laminate Wood Floors!! Opinions needed here!

[Draugr]

Samson has been walking and running and skidding around on our laminate floors for three years now, and no visible damage. Our cleaning lady claims that it looks a bit "duller" where there is higher traffic - but I don't see it, and even if it is there, I can't imagine it's just because of the dogs. People were walking on it for a decade before dogs ever were.

He's done a lot more damage to our carpet - which, TBH, probably needed to be replaced about five or six years ago.

[Daisy&Lucky's Mom]

Originally Posted by Mr & Mrs Kirkley

What about vinyl that looks like wood? How well does that hold up?

Not sure what consumer review I read but there have been some problems with the smell of it once its laid down. I really liked the look and its much more water friendly but the reviews I read two years ago were not great.

[jocoyn]

The main concern I have with it is the one I have with any manufactured wood product - outgassing of formaldehyde. Though there are some low emission laminate floors. Indoor air quality would be a concern to me., particularly as homes get tighter with fewer air exchanges. Of course, I am looking for good air cleaners anyway.

I had an engineered wood floor in one house and I would not have that again. I think a good laminate is more durable.

[Smith3]

We have hardwood

Our dog has figured out she can slide on it LOL!

[Shade]

Originally Posted by Mr & Mrs Kirkley

What about vinyl that looks like wood? How well does that hold up?

We have some in our office at work, looks great and easy to clean. Stands up to everyday wear well, but I don't know how it would handle dog nails. I've never noticed any smell personally

[onyx'girl]

I've had pergo for 13 yrs and it has held up well. The only problem was, when we put it in the kitchen and ran it along the doors, we couldn't match it up when it came time to do the dining room. They discontinued it. So we have a different color in the dining room. We also did the kids bedrooms and their bath with it. It has held up well, vinegar water works for mopping(same for hardwood).
Here you can see the two different colors, I don't mind the contrast.

[Wolfiesmom]

I have hardwood in my house and laminate in the summer house. The laminate still looks like the day we had it installed, and the hardwood has some surface scratches from Wolfie. I have four coats of polyurethane on my hardwood, so it's easy to care for. The laminate is great except you can't get it wet. I can't use my steam mop on it, and I can only clean it with a wet swiffer.

[kiya]

We put pergo in the livingroom over 15yrs ago. We used a laminate from Dupont I think for the sunroom about 9 yrs ago and just did the kitchen with laminate 2 years ago. I have no problems with my floors, I use the swifter wet mop for easy cleaning. I keep a towel by the dogs water bowl for dribbles & to help dry up the water trail.
The only down side is when you sell your home it's not as valuable as real wood floor. I'm not selling this house so it doesn't matter to me.

[Packen]

TrickeyShepherd we went through the same process last year. Brought some samples of laminate and engineered hardwood home to see what we preferred. I did scratch testing on all samples using a fork. Selected the most resilient variety in engineered hardwood, it has hand scraping plus the distressed look. No visible damage/scratches after 6 months. Have 2 rather rambunxious dogs but so far it is holding up well. Basically 3 reasons we selected wood over laminate, the cost was not that much more, it looked and felt better plus actually added to the house value.

[holland]

Wouldn't hardwood add more value than laminate-am considering new flooring in the future and am leaning towards hardwood but not sure how it will stand up