[FlDebra]

I cannot deal with my carpet anymore. Ben started marking after I kept Rocky -- 2 males is not working here! I have a 17-yr-old dachshund who pretty much goes whereever she is when the urge strikes her. Hard to get mad at a poor old gal who can't hardly walk, see, or hear. Since these two are making smelly places in the carpet, I think the others are sometimes following suit! I always said I would never let my pets smell up the house -- but they are doing it now. The carpet has to go. So, now the question is what do I replace it with? I am replacing the living room, dining room and den. I have already made the bedrooms off limits.

Hardwood -- Preferred look but, more maintenance and pets, pool, and our sandy area make it a poor choice.

Laminate -- I worry about the bubbling/lifting issue if they pee on it, kids dripping from the pool, spilled dog water, etc.

Porcelain Tile -- I have found one tile that will match nicely with the stone fireplace walls in the living room and den. It was almost impossible to find one that looked okay with it, then I found a good one -- 18" square.

Wood Look Porcelain -- Friend has one that looks so much like wood, you have to get down and feel it and then still not sure. But I checked everywhere and her particular brand/style is discontinued. Most others are so dull looking, not sure how they would look in a whole room. Does anyone have wood look ceramic/porcelain that you like and know the brand/style ? I want i tto look like real wood.

Vinyl Wood look Planks -- some look real cheap but some look very much like real wood and the big plus is this is the only 100% waterproof flooring. Anyone have one they really like for a medium price? I saw one that looked great but it was $10 sq.ft before installation! Too much for me -- I need 1200 sq ft. I really wish I could see this product on a floor.

I am probably going to sell the house in the next few years. I only have the one son at home now and he goes to college next year. This house is too big for me if I am going to be by myself (2889 sq ft.). So, I have to think about how much I want to sink in the house. Hardwood would have best resale but not if my dogs mess it up in the meantime.

I appreciate any feedback, experience, ideas! Pictures would be great too! I searched through some of the old thads but thought I would ask for an update too. Thanks in advance for anyone who can share!