I have searched for old laminate threads and have not quite found what I am looking for. Hope you do not mind another one.

We are looking to add new flooring to our main level. We are leaving the tile in hallways, bath laundry and kitchen and are putting in about 1000 sqft of new flooring to replace carpet.

Our old home had hardwood and I love it and miss it. However, with a 6 year old, three 3 year olds, a golden retriever and maltipoo who play a LOT, I need something more durable.

I know we need laminate for durability, however, I am afraid to put it in only to hate it due to the fact that it looks so fake. Thus my search. I want a laminate that looks as close to wood as possible, but also well made and durable. I have read reviews of some brands. I thought the Armstrong Grand Illusions sounded wonderful and most realistic, however then read a few bad reviews about easy scratching. We had someone come in to do a quote and the sample we liked was 15mm, and either Kronoswiss or Fossil Mills (he was not sure which) but I can not find any reviews of either of these brands. I don't want to decide without doing the research first. The price of the one we like was $3.99/cdn installed with thick underpad. Cheaper than I was expecting actually, from this private installer. We are hopeing to shop commercial stores this weekend to get a comparison.

So, my research has led me to wanting something with bevelled edges and embossed after registry to get a more real look. I don't mind paying more for something I will be happy with, but obviously if there is somehting better priced with the same specs, it is preferable.

Please HELP! I am so afraid of hating this once it goes in due to it looking totally fake.

Tamara

In the house I owned before selling 2 years ago, we had DuPont Elite installed. It had the backing (pad) attached, and the style was cherry block.

We got lots of compliments on the wood like appearance, and not one realtor had anything negative to say about laminate. (Unlike on some TV shows, where it seems to be a big NO NO, like popcorn ceilings!

There were no children or pets, so I don't know how it would hold up in that situation. I liked it for the appearance and easy care.

Have you checked out Wilsonart? www.wilsonartflooring.com

I'm about to have the Dupont Elite installed in my house. It's on concrete so my choice was between a laminate and engineered wood. When I compared them I found I liked the Dupont Elite better and it's more durable. Laminates have improved quite a bit since 2003 when I had solid hardwood put in my previous house.

Check www.iflooor.com. The last time I was there they had an article Laminate Wars II which rated many brands and products. They also sell most of them at good prices.

I can't be of much help in name brands but I can tell you quality is important, my sister had a high end laminate put in her previous house that looked real and never got scratched (she has 3 kids) I know she bought the highend type of laminate one of my friends however purchased a lowend grade and not only did the floor buckle when it got wet but it got scratched up in no time. You should go to a few flooring stores and ask to see their high end laminate.