laminates cannot be refinished in any way. Eng. hdwd can be screened and recoated adding a new coat of finish without sanding. The aluminum oxide finish on eng hdwd is similar to the low maintenance ao on laminates but can be recoated. Wear warrantys are the amt of traffic needed to walk thru the finish down to the bare wood. When people discuss 'wear' what they are seeing is a diminished gloss in traffic areas. This is when recoating comes in handy. I agree that hdwd adds value where laminates don't.

i did see the thread on the novalis and i did see the product at lowes yesterday and my husband just has his mind made up that vinyl is going to be a junk product so i guess that is out. i just am confused. i did notice at lowes they have some prety good brand names such as armstrong//bruce etc but does this automatically mean it is a cheaper version of what you would find in a flooring store because it is at lowes? (like for instance) a line they made specifically to be sold only at lowes? the flooring i saw was from 3-9 dollars a sq foot. my sister in law bought her hardwood flooring at menards and they have had it for years with no issues but i just am confused about which products a person should feel okay with taking the plunge with and which are actually going to be a horrible product. i found an ad with a pergo floor that i absolutely loved then i looked up reviews and everyone hated it. i am tired of reading reviews, but i have a huge room to put flooring in, and it will cost alot of money so i was just hoping to hear from many people which floor they used that has been just wonderful or horrible. thanks

Hi all, I've been a long time "stalker" on this website for any questions I've had whilst I've been doing some DIY renos with my mom (nothing major, though). Anyway, a couple years ago my mom had me rip up her old, 22yr old carpet to lay down Allure vinyl planks until we were able to afford well made laminate or hardwoods. The planks have served their purpose now, and next spring we're planning on laying the new laminate or engineered hardwood floors (floating of course). So do I need to rip up the Allure, and take it back to the subfloor? or leave it be. Also what's the best underlay to use under laminate or engineered? is there a different kind for different flooring? I should also mention the vinyl was installed directly over the plywood (?) subfloor (which is level) in the LR, Master Bed, and Hallway. and applied over 70's linoleum sheets in office and my room but isn't much of a height difference right now. Thanks :)

I remodeled and installed engineered hardwood throughout my condo except for bathrooms. I was also hesitant about wood in the kitchen. I have't had any issues with the flooring in the kitchen or anywhere else. I actually had a puddle left overnight when I left a cooler bag out and it dripped quite a bit. In the morning I toweled it and there was absolutely no mark where the water had been. Factory finished floors have an incredibly durable finish although obviously not all engineered floors are the same quality. There isn't any laminate that compares in beauty to real wood floors. The only reason anyone would select laminate instead of wood is because wood is obviously more expensive. However depending on homes or units in your neighborhood, the comps may require a higher end flooring or at least support that choice. In my building it is all wood except for a very few but resale prices support the choice of other higher end finishes as well - e.g. marble bathrooms.