Asked on Mar 25, 2014
Type of flooring to use-laminate, engineered wood, hardwood?
by
Betsey
+5
long story short-12 yr old son has some serious allergies going on...so, we begin the process of ripping up carpet upstairs and installing some type of flooring. His will be the first room. Our challenges-we'll be doing it ourselves, i would like something relatively easy to install and reasonably priced-we have an older kid in college and feeling broke! :). any thoughts on laminate (pergo or pergo like) vs engineered wood vs prefinished hardwood. Thank you for your insights!
8 answers
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I'm so sorry to hear about your son's allergies Betsey. They can be terrible if in the wrong situation. I would check with your son's allergist before picking a floor. Many have off gasses that can cause a reaction to those of us with severe allergies.
Z
on Mar 26, 2014
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hi Becky--thank you for your reply-i appreciate it! so far, the allergist has really just suggested that removing the carpet should help-Nate's allergies center on dust/mold and grasses.
Betsey
on Mar 26, 2014
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I have all 3 types in my home. I have installed both laminate and engineered wood floor. From my experience and I have had 3 teens (now just 1), 2 dogs, 2 cats, and high traffic -the engineered wood flooring can scratch easily and if water builds up too much on it the finish will start to deteriorate. I did not have any problems laying this floor and without pets (and people who drag chairs across) it would probably not have gotten scuffed up so much. I also was told, and very bad advice, that steamers were safe to use on these floors (and the laminate that I have). On sealed hardwood floors steamers are great and really do a great job but they can dull the finish. but on my other floors...the finish is ruined! The engineered wood floors have some flexibility if the floor is not completely and the laminate just went together so easily! I now have a Libman with washable micropads and I could not be happier with cleaning the floors-toss in the wash after done and use your own cleaner. I tried to do some repair with hardwood and found the cost and time to finish was more than I wanted to spend so I found my flooring in the closeout/clearance sections for more than 1/2 off. the cost of real hardwood was double than using some laminates and engineered flooring. Hope this information helps. good luck!
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on Mar 26, 2014
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thank you for your insights. we have the 12 year old at, the 20 year old at college and two big dogs -one is 95 lbs the other 70 lbs. so everything you write about is VERY relevent to me!
Betsey
on Mar 26, 2014
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bamboo flooring is eco-friendly choices are both resistant to mold and mildew and offer no place for dust mites and other allergens to hide.
Luis
on Mar 26, 2014
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@Betsey Laminate flooring is much like kitchen counter tops. I have it in our 2nd floor bedroom and its great to clean and dog does not scratch it, But dog cannot walk on it very well either. Its really slippery under their feet. Bamboo flooring is really the best option for your needs as Luis stated. Although not quite as eco-friendly as you would want to think. Its the process used to make the flooring that is the issue there. In any case Bamboo is really hard and difficult to scratch or damage. Lumber Liquidators has great selections of this product at great prices. They have a click and lock system that makes this stuff go down fast. Welcome to Home Talk as well! Bob
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Mar 26, 2014
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Installed resilient vinyl plank flooring in my kitchen & laundry, the product is easy to work with and there isn't much waste, and seems durable as well..I hope you don't choose the unfortunately popular laminates, you'll end up with an extremely low-quality floor that wears out quickly, is succeptible to dents and water damage..I've never seen one of these floors that looks good or adds value to your home...prefinished hardwood is the best choice here but can be labor-intensive..but will give many years of service..getting rid of the carpet is always a good idea, whichever replacement you may choose!
Pete Wells
on Mar 27, 2014
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Real wood is better !!!!! Reclaimed wood sanded down is nice !!!! there is a video that shows how you can do it !!!!! good luck cause i totally know how ya feeling !!!!!!
Anne
on Apr 29, 2015
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