Opinions on Laminate flooring with hardwood

5/21/2008 at 6:20:14 PM

Hi folks

Putting laminate & hardwood together is never easy-you won't get a match. However, if you just want one the will help the other, there are a increasing number of quality laminates that resemble hardwood- and very easy installations. Many come in random lengths with v-groove edges and 12 mil of wood veneer with widths from 2-1/2" to 6". Some of the higher end laminates can even be re-finished. Expect to pay upwards of $3 per sq. ft. for the better laminates-well worth the investment. If you pay less, you get what you pay for. You want minimum 20 year warranty. Hope this helps.

5/21/2008 at 7:23:47 PM

Thanks Bill for your advice. Every time we have somebody come into our home, I ask them what they think and ask for their opinion. We have looked at the laminate out there. Just don't know how great it would look with the hardwood. We have hade a couple of people suggest ceramic. I like that idea as we are looking at doing two halls (lower and upper level), the landing when you come in the front door as well as the stairs which take you up to the main level or down to the basement. Thought the ceramic would flow nicely and would be a great choice for such a high traffic area. My only concern is I don't know if I have ever seen anybody with ceramic in a hall before. Do you think it is appropriate for a hall? I'm sure we could get a colour that would compliment the hardwood. Any thoughts anybody??

5/24/2008 at 2:36:15 PM

hi there ... i am a contractor myself and have my own business as well ... i would suggest that u do ceramics in the main floor hallway, foyer that flows into the kitchen i have seeen it done ... as for doing it in the basement steps (laminate )and the hallway upstairs do the hardwood , i would suggest laminate with aluminum thresholds , not a good idea as ceramic is really cold in the feet ,, u can use laminate in the basement with the foam pad i did it myself

5/31/2008 at 10:00:11 AM

Hi again

If you're looking at ceramic, you should look into a newer product called'Dura-ceram' by Congoleum. It looks like ceramic, but the installation is much less labour intense. No need to worry about deflection in floors and can quite often be installed over most existing surfaces. The tiles are approx. 16"x16", installed with pressure sensitive adhesive, and can be installed tight together or grouted. I have done a lot of this product and will be doing a lot more- it's warmer than ceramic, does not require plywoods or matting, it can be travelled on right away, and is much more forgiving should something get dropped on it. It is a little pricey, but the labour costs are less.

You could do the stairs with it, my only concern would be the finishing of the bullnose (front of step). Perhaps you could have someone make up a hardwood bullnose stained to match your hardwood. Hope I helped a little. Good luck!

5/6/2010 at 9:54:26 PM

Cathy and Kevin, I have laminate flooring throughout my home...yuck...hard to keep clean, leaves footprints if you don't wear slippers or socks....and oh the dog prints....double yuck. If you want a really nice and good flooring check out the duraceramic, it is congoleum that looks like ceramic to slate flooring, without the coldness. A neighbor of mine has had similar to it in her home since 1971 and not a dint , not a chip in it..still looks like new...just keep in mind, ceramic has always a coldness to it and will always be cold to the touch, no matter what season. Be safe, stay away from laminate and go to something more warm like dura...by far the best choice yet...that will definitely be my next floor purchase!!

6/30/2022 at 9:56:55 AM

We suggest you buy hardwood flooring. Real wood floors can be moisture-resistant, they are not as durable. Moreover, you don't need to purchase expensive cleaning agents or maintenance products to maintain its appearance. As it can last for decades, it is an excellent investment that will remain attractive for years to come. The problem with laminate is that once it is installed, it can be difficult to repair, resell, or clean. However, it is easy to declutter and keep it looking pristine.