Flooring for upstairs high traffic with kids

mboyce@eufaula.rr.com

What is the best flooring for upstairs high traffic areas(well all-hall and bedrooms) ? Have burper(sp?)carpet it is awful -4 kids! Downstairs wide blank oak-scratched here to high heaven! Thought of cork for warmth and look and sound barrier-but how durable is that? I want something that is extremely long lasting incredibly durable and looks good. I'd use ceramic tile but so loud and so cold. No carpet and I'm not so pleased with the oak. What about laminate? but hear once you scratch it it looks horrible! I need cement! Ha ha. Any suggestions?

Also on my hardwood without refinishing It (done twice already) what can I do to cover the scrathces and make it look presentable again -any products you recommend-besides chair pads?
Thanks -4Kid's Mom

Floorwizard

laminate is more durable than wood and cork. tile would still be best but if not then lam is your other best option.
Not sure about the wood problem. sanding is usually the best option for complete removal.
or an area rug!