I need some advice on flooring

[billycubfl]

Hi there. I decided to rip up my carpets in my bedrooms and put down wood flooring. What is best to put down when you have 2 dogs and 2 cats with claws? I have heard laminate is better than real wood. True? I have been looking at Home Depot, Lowes, Sams Club, Pat Sales, and my head is spinning. Consumer Reports said to go with something at least 8mm. Someone told me to get some by Mohawk which was 7mm. I don't want to put down something that won't hold up but I'm not made of money either. Any recommendations anyone? Your advice it greatly appreciated.

[pushkins]

I'm not a huge fan of laminate flooring, I have to say that the feel and sound of real wood always is my preference. That being said a good laminate certainly has it's place, it takes much more wear and tear with dog nails etc..., it is for most people much easier to install and it's maintenance is much easier. As a general rule the better the quality laminate the more expensive it is, in my opinion laminates with the padding preinstalled to the back of the plank are ideal and usually offer better value for money than having to buy and install separate padding.
If you look at around $2.50 + your starting to get into reasonable quality I found and installed a product I purchased from Sam's Club 600 sq. feet that cost $2.49/sq. foot and I found it to be better than I really expected. I have bought laminate at $5.95/ sq. foot and there was a difference but I'm not sure it was $3.50 worth.
The more expensive laminates usually have a better and more realistic wood finish to them. Do not confuse laminate flooring with engineered flooring they are two different products, laminate is basically a very high quality photo attached to particle board or the like, engineered flooring is a small wafer thin piece of wood attached to a ply material. Laminates cannot ever be refinished and some engineered floors can be (some)
7mm laminate flooring is OK and you will find once you get to around the $2.00+ mark they are all 7mm.

[walton02]

Hi,

Oak flooring will increase the value of your home. If you are planning to sell your house then potential buyers will be delighted by the warmth and elegant appearance of your house. If you look after your oak floors well then this will be lasting for many years. These floors are easy to maintain and install.

Overall, oak wood flooring is a great way to decorate your home. It creates a particular inviting quality, one that rarely makes an appearance in a home without wood flooring. This type of flooring is essential for any home owner who loves changing the feel of their rooms.

[AcademyHardwood]

The laminate is better for the animals within your home. as far as the mm lenght i have no idea, just know the laminate is safer for ur animals and ur wallet ($$$) when it comes to the flooring.

[violin]

If dog pees on the floor and water gets into the seam, you would have problem. I would use hard wood.

[ceramictilepro]

tile is a sanitary and pet proof product. you can put oversized rugs down if tile is not your thing for bedrooms

ceramictilepro