I used to be in floor sales. A lot of new products since then though.

I would check costs first. I have no idea anymore how much to install laminate. It's not crazy expensive, even for the good stuff, if you have someone to put it in for you.And it is made for DIY.

They used to have VCR tapes to show you how to do it, we'd lend them out (our stores). You can look all that up online now.

My sis and bro have lams in high traffic areas - no scooters, but lots of kids and dogs. They are really happy with products, but bro says he got too dark a color. Would have gone lighter, to show less dirt/dust.


You know how that is, too light or too dark shows everything.

His floor over 10 yrs old - 4 kids, two dogs, parties 2x a month - does not seem to be showing any signs of wear. It was a 25 yr product (I think by Armstrong).

Sis's is a little older - 5 kids with spouses, parties all the time, one BIG dog - one seam came apart in the door a little - but that is installation, not product. Floor looks good where I can see it.

SIL had hardwood refinished about same time as sis's lam (12-13 yrs?) was installed and I could see just a bit of wear in the traffic zones. 2 grown kids, not a lot of company.

I have HW under carpets too. Personally, I'd go with lams or something other than HW in kitchen, bath, etc. I may re-do my wood now that the kids are grown - just because it's there and suits this old house. I'll be putting area rugs in the traffic zones if I do, though.

Pros of lam is that you can roll on it as soon as it's installed - HW, you have some curing time. do you have a couple days to wait?

Also, insulation factor, both heat/cool and noise.

Some are okay for exposure to wet areas, but most have a tougher surface than wood - less scratching, denting, staining. We used to take keys to the samples to demonstrate. One seminar, a lit cigarette was burned all the way down on a plank. The residue was easily removed with nail polish remover!

One thing, do not install above grade products below grade (basement areas). And always call ins and ask a lot of questions about what kind of water damage you have coverage for. Ask about floods, toilet and appliance leaks, whether first or second floor, if it covers your flooring, etc.


Also look at if you need someone to trim your door bottoms if the new flooring is higher.