Q.
We can’t decide between wood laminate and real wood floors. How do you decide?
A.
Well, your space may help decide for you, says certified kitchen designer Judy Scott, an associate for Home Depot. When it comes to wood floors, you have three options: solid wood planks, engineered wood floors (basically, a plywood material covered with a real wood layer), and wood laminate like Pergo (basically a plastic material created to look like wood). Solid wood, as it adds to the structure of your home, will add value to the house, can also be refinished over and over again and will likely be the most expensive and most involved process. But, says Scott, it can’t be placed below ground level (like in a basement) or in a kitchen or bathroom (potential water damage is too great to take the chance). Engineered wood can be refinished once or twice and is an easier, cheaper alternative, but, says Scott, won’t add value to your house. Wood laminate can be placed on any ground and can take any level of moisture or water, but can never be changed or refinished. And while it also doesn’t add value to your home, you can buy a “floating” version that snaps together instead of one that glues together, and just take it with you when you leave. Or, go supercheap and check out a product called Traffic Master Allure vinyl wood strips that connect with adhesive, and give you the look of real wood in a bathroom. Quick tip: If you have a squeak or groan in your floor before you put down laminate, you’ll have it after; screwing into the floor joists should stop it. Fix it first! Get more renovation tips from the experts at The Nest.
-- Amy Spencer
May 22, 2009
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