Sounds like what I'm doing. I have 3 dogs approximately 60-70 pounds each. Accidents happen and my carpet is showing wear, not to mention the dirt and frequent professional cleanings.

As much as I love wood, I decided to go with a laminate because they absolutely hold up. With wood, I think there's always going to be scratches and dings in the traffic areas. And with 3 dogs I have a lot of traffic! I'm not going to have huge area rugs, just one for the sofa, and one under the dining table. It's the dirt (and accidents) that is motivating me more.

I'm also thinking that going with laminate, it's a lot less money, so if something happens I wouldn't feel so bad about about tearing it all out again for something else. I also plan on living in this house a minimum of 15 more years. When I sell, someday, then I'll revisit the flooring issue, or give a credit.

We have NO plans on moving from our current home. We're half way to being empty nesters. What brand of laminate are you considering going with?

Thanks....

We used two Berry laminate products, a Brazilian cherry plank with beveled edges and a slate. The textures on them are wonderful, very, very realistic. We used them throughout our first floor, installed them last November and I'm still thrilled when I walk through the door. We're about ready now to re-do our second floor and the stairs using the same product.

Scratches from claws by our Bichon aren't the same concern for us as you have with your Great Dane. The Berry is a very thick product, though, as are the brands you're interested in, so I think you'll be OK. We chose a matte finish and I'm so glad we did because the water drippings (our dog is such a slob!) definitely show, and would be all the more obvious with a shiny finish.

Hi Sharon

GO with the laminate, look for thickness of 12mm and up, donÂt go with shiny finish the house will look dirty all the time and it doesnÂt matter how much you going to clean and you going to save a lot on the installation and the material it self.
About the real wood yes it stronger you can sand it and you stain it few times,
But if you going to calculate costs it will be all must the same of buying new laminate in sated of sanding the floor.

Long time ago when the laminate come out it was bad quality and the thickness was around 6mm, recently things are changed the quality are much higher and the feeling when you walk on the floor is like real wood and its come with usually with 25 years warrantyÂ

From my experience go with the laminateÂ..

I'm going with an inexpensive Armstrong laminate. I bought one box just to try it out and it's fine for me, seeing that I'm on a tight budget. I will definitely recoup the cost in carpet cleaning alone in 2-3 years.

I just spoke with a Wilson Art rep (happens to to be the husband of a co-worker/friend) and he was of great help. He gave me all the specs on the difference lines and the name of a flagship store / contact to go to look at the samples. He also said that Wilson Art carries a 5 yr. commercial warranty on their residential line.

jacobfloors, if a shiney floor is always dirty then the person in that house isn't cleaning it enough. LOL I find the darker colors will definitely show all the dust. The shiney shows smudges and water spots, but not the dust. I have my sample boards down in my present kitchen and I see that it will be a challenge to keep it spot free, but oh boy will it be worth it to have such a beautiful shine. I'm sure you saw my psot of my new Bruce Park Avenue laminate. I've always loved shiney floors. I wish I could have them in the baths and kitchen, but know that is way too impractical.

To clean my new laminate I just use a microfibre clothe dampened with clear water, wipe it and the spots come off and it dries with no smudge or spots from the damp cloth. I'm in love!!