laminate v. hardwood flooring

JDuc

I'm interested in starting to research flooring options, however I know I don't want a cheap laminate.

We want to be able to install this all ourselves, naturally.

How much work are we looking at to do a solid hard wood floor? Is this something that a novice could do with adequate research?

The past 3 laminate floors I've helped with have been...well....not very high quality to say the least. I know that there are some laminate flooring that is higher quality. So how does that compare to hard wood flooring?

I really like the look of a 'hand scraped' dark hardwood floor, but I don't know if it's possible to get that look with a laminate, and if not, if it's something we can do ourselves?

Any advice or links would be appreciated!

JazMan

Laminates are not an alternative or comparable to hardwood or engineered wood flooring. Laminates are an up grade from vinyl and other cheaper floors. I know I'll get yelled at by those that choose the cheaper way. Nothing wrong with that (laminates), at least they didn't put some junk vct that cost under a buck a foot in the kitchen. You know, those tiles are intended for basements or other areas that you don't care much about.

Bottom line, most laminates look decent and are cheaper than other quality floors that add value to your home. That of course is hardwood and ceramic or stone tile floors etc.

If you want quality that lasts, you have a few choices. Many people are able to do the work themselves. But it's a lot harder than it looks on tv.

Jaz

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AtlanticWBConst.

Pretty much every laminate manufacturer is putting out a "Hand scraped" or "Distressed" flooring.
Some examples:

http://www.armstrong.com/resam/na/ho...nt_ads_res_flr

http://www.simplefloors.com/products...lection35.aspx

http://www.becklerscarpet.com/lamina...=21&coll_id=10

I would discourage you from taking on installing unfinished Hardwood and finishing it yourself (as a DIYer)....unless you want to take on a big, lengthy project that will test your endurance.

... HOWEVER, I would strongly suggest that you consider Pre-finished Hardwood. There are many choices out there for Hand scraped pre-finished hardwood.

Examples:

http://www.penningtonhardwoods.com/hs_ipe.htm

http://www.thefloorauthority.com/Har...andscraped.htm

http://www.woodlist.com/specials/ews...lt.asp?id=5138

Installation information:

http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/f...k1/stapled.htm

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JDuc

Good to know guys. Thanks!

I'm more than willing to step away from laminates then. I wasn't aware of the technical differences between the two: laminate and Pre-finished hardwood.

Looks like what we want is a pre-finished hardwood. Now I'm a bit confused here. Are you guys saying that the pre-finished hardwood floors would be quite a job for a DIYer? I am willing to dedicate myself to this, as is my husband...but if it's something that is entirely too difficult, that's fine too...I just want to better understand what's involved in installing this kind of flooring.

NateHanson

pre-finished floors are not bad for a DIYer. I think JB was warning against undertaking UNfinished hardwood, as there are a lot more steps, mess, and equipment involved in that project.

JDuc

ok - good to know.

I've learned which type of floors we should be looking at, which is a step in the right direction.

Now onto the next steps!

Thanks for the help guys.

AtlanticWBConst.

Good Luck!

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curls00

What is everyones' thoughts on engineered hardwood? Isn't it kind of the best of both worlds in many ways? Maybe this is something he can also consider?

JDuc

he?

who is 'he'?



yeah - what about engineered hard wood?

AtlanticWBConst.

Information: http://www.builddirect.com/Hardwood-.../FAQ_8804.aspx

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JDuc

I don't think I've ever laughed so hard in my life....

You HAVE to be kidding me....

JDuc

ok - can someone please direct me to a site where I can learn a bit about the differences between the different companies that make pre-finished hardwood flooring?

In otherwords, what should we look for? What features, construction, etc. is important to consider when picking a flooring brand.