Real wood vs Laminate vs Engineered flooring

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  • Ron-P
    Ron-P Posts: 8,516
    edited January 2011
    My house was built in the mid 60's so I doubt it has a moisture barrier. In fact, I'm willing to bet it doesn't. We had a linoleum flooring put down in the bathroom when we first moved in and it discolored due to moisture coming up from the slab.
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,004
    edited January 2011
    Eh, I'm a fan of real hardwood flooring. It has withstood the test of time in houses I have worked on that are over 120 years old. Think about it.......that's a long time with a plethora of different scenarios. Properly installed, it will give you and future owners what will stand the test of time.

    This reminds me of a slate roof. You want something that's good for you and the time that you are going to be there or something that can withstand most every scenario and add real value to the house? The real McCoy ain't cheap, nor is it cheap to maintain.

    I would highly advise against laminate. The first "water proof" laminate floor I had the pleasure of testing myself got ruined by my dog lapping water in the center of the kitchen floor as I was moving in. Buckled up like particle board, never to look right again.
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,270
    edited January 2011
    I bought solid wood 1000sqft(oak)from lumber liquidators 2yrs ago(after Hurricane Ike). I live in high humidity/sea level concrete. Raised base boards,leveled coat, used Mapei products(glue down), put new shoe mold, painted, have 2 kids and 2 inhouse boxers...not a glitch/scratch/buckle or otherwise

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  • kevhed72
    kevhed72 Posts: 5,047
    edited January 2011
    I view the moisture barrier a bit differently. Concrete will / can absorb moisture...and who knows what type of concreate a builder actually uses vs. what they say they use. Plus, the relatively small extra cost for a floor that will be put down permenantly, or close to it, is worth it. For laminate, you can get a combo. roll of material that acts as both moisture barrier and foam padding.
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  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited January 2011
    gdb wrote: »
    Don't get laminate unless you want it to feel and sound like you're walking around on a countertop! :eek:Get the stuff with real wood veneers, you'll be happier in the long run.:wink:

    Laminate only does that if it's installed incorrectly, to be honest.
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