Replies

1. 
   jobranch | Aug 09, 2005 02:30am | #1

   I have a laminate floor in my kitchen that is about 8-9 years old.  We have a cat.  To me, a cat has sharper claws that dogs do, so that makes cats more problematic to a floor.  We have no performace problems with our laminate floor even though the cat gets playful and runs through the kitchen about the fridge clawing at the floor for traction.  So, I can tell you that laminate is a very durable floor (stay away from the cheap entry level laminate floors - look at mid and upper grade products).  Laminate floors can and do scratch.  It is just that the light coming in from our kitchen windows is such that the few scratches that have occured are not noticable.

   Engineered wood floors are like anything else, there are good ones and ones to stay away from.  Some can be refinished, others can't.  Some of the newer versions are coated with the same wear layer as laminate which would (seems to me) make the surface just as durable.

   P.S.  Some laminate floors look like a bad counter top and some engineered wood floor have such wild grain that they look awful.  Be picky when choosing either.

   Jeff

1. 
   MikiY | Aug 09, 2005 07:37am | #2

   Thank you for your advice, JBranch.  What kind of price range would be good enough?  I was thinking between 3 to 5 dollars per square foot if it laminate.

    

2. 
   dtgardengirl | Aug 11, 2005 03:45am | #3

   Hi MikiY,

   I just read your post.  I recently spent 15 years with a floorcovering distributor.  We distributed all types of floorcovering.  I haven't been there for 1-1/2 years and will not recommend a brand.  I want to give you a few tidbits to help you make a choice.

   You mention dogs as your primary concern.  In that case, I'd also be inclined to strongly consider the laminate flooring.  Most have an aluminum-oxide coating which offers stength and durability.  I have about 500 sq. ft. installed (for about 3-4 years now) and love it the best for easy care and it looks great too, even now with my smaller, but active dog with long toenails.

   Wood floors are lovely and often infer greater value, but can suffer some damage from hard wear.  Some can be refinished and restored.  Some also offer enhanced coatings now.

   Neither should be wet-mopped and throw out the oil soap for the floors!!!!!  If water gets into the joints, it can cause swelling and the floor may buckle.  (I can damp mop my laminate with the manufacturer's product and a string mop (not a sponge mop) and it dries in seconds, but a swiffer type dry cloth is perfect for in between.)

   Tip 1:  Follow manufacturer recommendations to the letter in your floor care program.

   Tip 2:  Be certain the flooring you select is installed exactly to manufacturer's specifications.  Either type must be acclimated in the room for a specified period of time, prior to installation, so that it expands/contracts to the humidity level of the room.  (This means storing the uninstalled material in the room where it will be installed under normal household temperatures - usually 48 hours.)  Also - Tip 2B - be certain the installer leaves the proper space around the perimeter and any vertical surfaces, otherwise the floor can buckle as it expands with humidity.  Wood floors seem to be a bit more prone to the humidity.

   Tip 3:  Go the the website of the manufacturers you are considering and look at the products and their warranties.  I would personally go for the best product I could afford and avoid the low end.

   Tip 4:  Ask people you know about their experiences with each type if possible.  That could well be worth the effort on your new investment.

   I have all types of flooring in my home.  Wood parquet in less used areas, the wood strip flooring that was under the carpet again in less used rooms, and the laminate in the high traffic area.  I think I like my laminate the best for the area and the care level.  I installed it after my former aging cat had "issues" and the carpet had to go.  In my experience, if there is an accident, quickly handled on laminate, it poses no problem.  With wood, pet urine could possible affect the surface layer.  In either case, if it seeps into the joints, it could become an issue.

   Last thought, if you are considering a kitchen, waters spots on wood flooring seem to cause many people more distress.  Water spots, from a drippy dog, are not a big deal on the laminate for me, and not as obvious visually, again to me, as those I've seen on neighbor's wood floors.

   Oh...Tip 5...if you are shopping at a retailer, be aware that manufacturers often offer financial incentives to promote certain products.  You could be buying the salespersons bonus of the month.  If you, however, do your independent homework, go in armed with a good sense of what you want in terms of regular maintenance, durability, and long-term maintenance, a reputable and well informed salesperson should be able to help you with your choice.  In my experience, the big-box stores sometimes do not have the most knowledgeable staff, particularly if they are not regulars in that department.  I would choose a long established floorcovering specialty store, perferably family owned as this IS their business and their reputation is on the line.  They wouldn't be there very long if not reputable.  If you are not building a custom home and using a builder with limited selections, still do your homework to make the best decision for you.  Manufacturers offer training to builder representatives as well.  The key here is that they must install correctly, for example not leaving the windows open in the summer gaining high humidity, or not heating a house under construction in winter - this goes to the acclimation.  If things aren't to the manufacturer's specifications, it could void your warranty.

   Long primer here!  I hope it is helpful to someone and that you indeed select the best floor for you.  Wishing you much happiness in your new home.  Congratulations!

1. 
   Aberwacky | Aug 12, 2005 08:12pm | #4

   Helpful information.  Thanks!

   Leigh 

   Just because your children were born in the South doesn't make them Southerners.  If a cat has kittens in the oven, does that make them biscuits?