If I end up going with laminate, I will go with the Bruce Park Avenue brand. It was rated #1 on a few top 10 lists for laminate, and the author of one such list said it looks like real wood when it's a foot from your eyes. It does look really good.

Another floor dealer I went to has it in his house and swears by it and says that it's almost impervious to water. The dogs peed on it one day while they were gone, and it sat there for 6 hours and it didn't affect their floor (and his wife says most guests think it's real hardwood).

I put Quick Step in my kitchen and highly recommend it, but I don't know if big-box stores carry it. Search their dealers on their site.

Laminates have come a long way in design and durability - some of the colors, sizing and textures are very nice and "real" looking if that's what you want. Get the best underlayment they offer - it adds additional waterproofing, sound-dampening and cushion.

I have older laminate throughout my home and it is easy-peasy. The dog's nails don't scratch it, dragging furniture around doesn't scratch it. Doesn't need any special cleaner (they try to sell you some crap - don't buy it - totally unnecessary!)

We installed Bruce Park Ave Makore in our kitchen and back hallway. Most people think it's real hardwood. In fact, some simply don't belive me when I say that my floor is a laminate.

I did not like the transition pieces (door saddles), so my DH make some out of oak and I'm much happier with that.

Here is a link that might be useful: My kitchen photos

Thank you everyone for the replies! I will look at each tomorrow and try to make a decision.

Does anyone have experience buying from a flooring store but telling them you don't need it installed by them?

ma-bookreader - very nice change! Thanks for the pictures :)

We've bought flooring and installed it ourselves or had it installed by someone else without a problem.

In our last house we had Wilsonart Estate Plus laminate click-together tiles (DIY installation). It was a great product with wonderful durability. The only complaint I had is because it was smooth, it showed streaks and water spots at the right angle in the light. I always thought if we got laminate flooring again, which I wouldn't be against after the good experience, I would want it to have a little bit of texture to it. Something that imitates natural wood grain should be enough.

We also got a very good grade of acoustic pad for underneath so that we never had the plasticky sound to it...it didn't sound any different to walk on than our solid hardwood floors.

We bought our laminate from an online store that is based in Georgia. The name is excaping me right now, but you can look my comments up in the flooring section and find it. They were an EXCELLENT company to deal with!

To clean my floor I make up a spray bottle with 1 c. white vinegar, 1/2 c alcohol and the rest water. Mop with a microfober mop. Works like a charm.

Hi Katiee511, Just wondering why you haven't considered Alloc flooring for your new project. We just installed some in a lower hallway and powder room. I like the look even though most of it is covered by rug runners. It hasn't been in long enough to know how it will do over time. Do you have any thoughts on the Alloc or the Shaw as I still have more flooring to pick out and I have considered both? Thanks

ma-bookreader - I have done the vinegar and water mix, but then also had to wipe dry with a towel because of spots. I will add alcohol to the mix and see if it makes a diff. Thanks!

mileaday - we actually have considered Alloc for our kitchen. I was just finding other colors and finishes I liked in other lines as well.

Thoughts? I had both Alloc and Shaw installed exactly 5 yrs ago this month. Alloc is in my foyer and my living room. We have the Domestic Traditional Oak. I can see some scratches on it in certain light, but only because I know they are there. We have a dog, two cats and a teenager so considering that, I think they have held up well. There is a good size chunk missing from one piece behind the loveseat, probably damaged when we moved some furniture. Someone dropped a sharp object on it right after installation and it chipped. Other than those two things, Alloc has taken the abuse of daily living (we don't take our shoes off in our house)and we use this room a lot. I am very satisfied with it. When we replace all the floors in the hall and bedrooms this fall, we will continue with the Alloc we have right now.

the Shaw floor? It was the look that mimics tile in an off white/tan/grey pattern. It was surprisingly easy to clean and I only chipped one small corner in the "grout" line but no one looking at it would even notice it. This took kitchen abuse, an icemaker line flood, a dishwasher line flood and an older cat who had a habit of missing the litter box, if you know what I mean. No problems at all and the only reason it is coming up after 5 yrs is because we opened up the wall to the dining room and I want a continuous floor, but no longer in love with the tile look.

We did purchase the extra padding/underlayment and so glad we did. It doesn't have that hollow sound when you walk on it and these floors are pretty comfortable in bare feet.

HTH let me know if you have any other questions. I wouldn't rule out either floor from my experience.