Hardwood vs Laminate

[Tim The Enchanter]

You can have 'reclaimed' or 'recovered' hardwood installed as flooring. Looks great, costs less than new hardwood.

That sounds interesting, I guess it would probably have a distressed look.
I've seen some OK looking laminates, but real is better.
It's like tile versus linoleum. :new_llying:

 

[jay trotta]

will have to agree with Jim P. (must be ESPN), except, they now have this great liquid that can be sprayed anywhere and will eliminate and dog/cat odor.

we have a variation of wood floors; 2 main area's have Bruce pre-finished, one has been in place for 15 years without refurbishing - am truly amazed at great wear you get out of that product.

 

[Vermonter]

I've seen one really nice prefinished bamboo job done, but it wasn't the Home Depot/Costco stuff and the cost was twice that of unfinished premium woods.

You get what you pay for.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

Shoot the damn dog!

 

[Frederick]

I'll go against the grain here. I like laminate. I see too much moisture stained and worn hardwood. The laminates I have been seeing lately require me to ask what it is or get down on my knee to inspect it. It appears to wear and age better.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

I have wood laminate floors and don't like them

I was in a store recently redone in laminate. Squeek squeek squeek....no like 'um.

 

[Oregon Doug]

I can only give my personal view. I'm trying to sell my home. It has hardwood flooring, but most of the homes that I've looked at as a replacement have that laminate stuff in 'em. I'm not buying a house that's full of trailer house flooring. Period.

Oregon Doug

 

[Webbed Feet]

I have a friend who is contimplating replacing her wood laminate floors with hardwood ---- maybe even bamboo. I realize hardwood is very expensive, but hardwood floors are prevalent in her neighborhood of 1930's and 1940's bungalow homes. Her realtor friend advised her not to make this investment unless she plans to stay in the home for a long time. I think that's reasonable advice, but would like the input from other appraisers. I have wood laminate floors and don't like them. Whenever the dogs run it sounds like they're tap dancing. One of the dogs is old and pees on the floor a lot. Easy clean up, yes, but now I'm noticing the laminate is no longer laying perfectly flat (a little buckling).

What is the professional appraisers' opinions on this issue?

Ms. Swain,

My professional opinion is you should stop calling it "Wood Laminate" as it is not laminated with wood. You are talking about a floating flooring system that is basically a "Formica" like product right? You are getting buckling due to either moisture issues or it was lain without enough space between walls / door jambs, etc., for expansion and contraction.

Yes, in many areas this would be a down-grade rather than an up-grade.

Webbed.

 

[PropertyEconomics]

Ms. Swain,

My professional opinion is you should stop calling it "Wood Laminate" as it is not laminated with wood. You are talking about a floating flooring system that is basically a "Formica" like product right? You are getting buckling due to either moisture issues or it was lain without enough space between walls / door jambs, etc., for expansion and contraction.

Yes, in many areas this would be a down-grade rather than an up-grade.

Webbed.

Webbed .. a little harsh arent you ... Or do you know they removed Wood Laminate products from the market? I take Ms Swain at her word and given her background Im sure she knows what shes talking about. And I dont think its FORMICA for heavens sakes.
Why does this always happen? Someone has to step on someone. Not nice ... Not nice at all.

 

[Restrain]

I've seen hardwood floors made out of recycled boxcar flooring. Best looking wood floor I've ever seen. However, base hardwoods vs. good laminate. Hard to measure a value differential. There is a large differential between hardwood/Laminate and scraped hardwoods.

Honestly, pick what you want to live with. It's your house.