NIICHMOM

Yes I do have laminate, and I love it. Easy to clean up strings & etc. But Mine is in lower level, so need to wear house shoes & slippers just footies don't work. Also if you have back problems it is hard on the back and legs. SO find a foam or cushion runner ... but easy cleaning.

linda faye

We have had laminate installed in the entire downstairs (2,600 sq ft) and use area rugs to create 'areas'. We love it! Only the rugs are vaccumed and I use a swiffer to clean laminate. Cleaning the laminate is much easier on my shoulder (rotator cuff surgery) and I can now really clean under the beds. One big difference we noticed after installing the laminate is that the AC filter doesn't have to changed as often because there is less dust in the air as there was with carpet. Will I go back to wall to wall carpet? Not a chance. Our is installed on concrete but does have a cushioned layer beneath and the flooring 'floats' on it. No glue or nails were necessary. The name of the laminate? I am having a SR moment and can't remember but it was not Pergo and came from a bldg supply store.

Would not recommend a very dark shade as it shows absolutely everything and is not forgiving. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

bnlmom

My husband and son put a laminate floor in our sewing/computer room. It's a small room and it only took them one day. We put a small area rug under the rolling desk chair and I put a cushioned floor mat in front of my cutting table(bad knee and hip). I love it--much better than the carpet that was there.

Sandynorm

[QUOTE=Jory;3290276]I found something that is cheaper than laminate, impervious to water, easy to install. It's called resilient vinyl flooring, the name brand is "Allure," and it's at Home Depot. It can be a DIY project: about $2.30/sq ft. All kinds of patterns, too: wood, tile, etc. I installed an oak finish in my basement, and it looks fantastic!

The planks already have the backing attached: you can install it right over concrete or underlayment.

Jory[/QUOTE

I also have Allure from Home depot, mu son pulled up my wall to wall for me and installed this in a weekend and it has held up well. I love it and is very easy to care for.

roxie623

I love it. We put it down about 4 months ago and then put those rubber mats down that snap together under my cutting table area. The flooring is so easy to clean and you can see if you drop something.

Rose L

I need to replace all the carpeting in my home and have been debating with myself over refinishing the oak flooring that is under the carpet or installing a laminate. You've all convinced me that laminate is the way to go, but I will also look into the Allure for the kitchen and bath for comparison. Many thanks to all for your helpful comments.

pippi65

I would never go back to wall to wall carpeting. Wood is the best. Easy clean and put a nice area rug and it's comfy.

BMP

I have Shaw brand Country Oak , no problems at all...

alices

Would love to replace carpet with either hardwood or laminate! Lucky you

nigeria

I just put laminate in my sewing room and love it. I used Pergo - everything moves easily and it is a dream to clean.