Hello everyone! I personally have a lot of experiece with just about everything mentioned in this thread. I own my own home and am a do-it-yourselfer. Linoleum is the ideal solution to avoid moisture problems, but some linoleum tends to scratch and gouge a lot. I started with carpet and got really tired of having to get out the carpet cleaner for mud and all that. So I tore it out to reveal the beautiful dark hardwood floor underneath. It was still in great condition. Well, I had a 145lb Argentine Dogo and his nails (not matter how much I kept them clipped) always scratched the floor when he would play or get excited (he was an indoor dog). I also had a little terrier mix and his nails did not seem to be a problem because he was so light weight. Another problem was that my big dog was potty trained, but developed hip displaysia and a spinal problem and during treatment could not always make it outside. ANY sort of wet puddle that stays on hard wood will distort the color and sometimes peel off the top protective coating. Wood will also absorb liquid so you cannot get the urin smell out once it soaks in. And yes, wood is more expensive then laminate and also much more difficult to install or replace. I just recently decided to cover the wood floor with new light cedar colored laminate to brighten up the house. I am not married or anything so I did all this myself. It was not very difficult to install. You lay a moisture proof protective barrier between the 1st flooring and the laminate. The stuff I bought is also antibacterial and kills microorganisms. I bought the interlocking pieces which are easily cut to shape with a hand saw if you prefer to stay away from power tools. Both my dogs passed away before I installed this new flooring, so I cannot say how it holds up with dog nails, but I haven't scratched it up yet with anything else. It does say in the package not to leave any spills on the laminate though. From what I have read, sounds like it causes problems.
Good luck to everyone!
Jessica |