yet another hardwood vs laminate question
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Anonymous
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We are debating engineered hardwood vs laminate for most of the first floor of our new home that we are building. Obviously I know that vast majority opinion of this DCUM would be for hardwood, but I am concerned about using hardwood in the kitchen.
We are also probably going with a lighter color, and so I am concerned about spills and stains in the kitchen. Due to the layout, I don’t think using laminate in the kitchen and hardwood elsewhere would look right. Other points of consideration: We do not like tile. We do not have dogs and likely will never have them. We have no kids yet but hope to at some point. Obviously the cost of laminate is better, but I understand that many people prefer hardwood (although it seems like some people actually prefer laminate) – does that really impact resale value or valuation? I am curious to experiences of those people who have hardwood in the kitchen (especially a lighter color) with kids. Thoughts? |
Anonymous
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I have oak in the kitchen. It matches the rest of the (original) flooring in my 100-year-old house, though the kitchen floor isn't original.
Mid-tone wood like oak is amazingly good at not showing dirt. In fact, I have to force myself to mop regularly because the spots just don't show. We've had it for two years and it still looks fine, though there are a couple of dings and dents where heavy cans fell out of cabinets onto the floor. I think laminate would definitely affect resale value. It's a negative for most people. |
Anonymous
| I would probably not buy a house with laminate or engineered wood. I would want real hardwood. |
Anonymous
| I would not put engineered hardwood or laminate in a kitchen. You should go to Marble Systems or a nice tile place and find a tile that you like and can live with for the kitchen. In my experience, any moisture - not even flood - but spills damage both engineered hardwood and laminate easily and they warp. You'll save yourself the pain of having to redo the flooring in areas where you could have moisture issues if you do tile. Also, go with engineered hardwood for the rest of your house - or bamboo - not laminate. For resale purposes, you'll get much better ROI out of anything other than laminate. |
Anonymous
| You cannot refinish laminate, whereas hardwood floors can be refinished multiple times. |
Anonymous
| Why are you concerned about hard wood but not laminate in the kitchen? Neither are appropriate for areas with potential for flooding damage; I'd honestly argue that hardwood would probably hold up better. Is it just that it's cheaper and you wouldn't feel as bad if it needs replacing? |
Anonymous
This. Especially on a new build. Why shoot yourself in the foot unless you plan staying there until you die. |
Anonymous
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Laminate is a definite minus in my book. If it couldn't be replaced easily then I'd scratch that house off the list.
Engineered is better than laminate, OP. |
Anonymous
^ but engineered wood is sometimes more expensive than plain 'ole 2-1/4" oak. You can do a natural finish or very light stain. Doesn't need to be dark at all. |
Anonymous
| Nothing wrong with engineered, but laminate is a no-go. Our engineered is holding up fine in the kitchen after several years, even with kids and pets. |
Anonymous
| Why don't you like tile OP? |
Anonymous
Both dh and I don't like it. He doesn't like the look, I don't like how it feels under my feet and how it is harder to clean when dirt gets caught in the grout |
Anonymous
| I would not buy a house with laminate either, op. |
Anonymous
| We are redoing our kitchen and not fond of tile (too hard) or wood (moisture) but are considering cork. Just another option to consider. |
Anonymous
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What's the price point on your house?
<$500k- I can deal with laminate |