There have been numerous post on this topic. Sorry to add yet another.
To read through the others is an ardusous process and the information
is scattered. Would some of you knowlegeable folks help me with the
tradoffs. I've made a "first draft" below:

Hardwood:
Pros -- most beautiful, can be refinished, can purchase prefinished or
not.

Cons -- most expensive, of the three, it's the most difficult to
install.

Engineered wood:
Pros -- Provides a cost savings over hardwood. Somewhat easier to
install. Can be refinished a few times, quieter

Cons -- doesn't look quite as good as hardwood because the pieces
aren't quite as random and hardwood planks.

Laminates:
Pros -- Cheapest of the three choices, easiest to install.

Cons -- Doesn't look quite as beautiful, doesn't refinish (but wears
well).

Please help correct, embellish, etc. Thanks in advance.

One of the main advantages of engineered wood is that it is far less
affected by moisture than regular hardwood, which can cup and warp a
lot easier. That means engineered can be used in areas subject to
moisture, like bathrooms, basements, etc., where hardwood is a poor
choice.

I also think that realistically, the refinishing issue between hardwood
and engineered really isn't significant. Both have limitations in how
many times they can be sanded down. In the case of engineered, it's
due to the thickness of the final top layer of wood. In the case of
hardwood, it can only be sanded down to the level where the
tounge/groove is, which isn't too much different. Both can be
refinished more than most homes will every need.

As for laminates, I think "doesn't look quite as beautiful", is an
understatement. Upon a close look, it becomes obvious that it's not
real wood period. Nor does it add to resale value like real wood
does, when you can feature it in your listing. I think it's two best
features are cost and stain/water resistance for areas where that is a
major concern.

wrote in message
Cons -- most expensive, of the three, it's the most difficult to
install.


Cannot be instaled on a slab or below grade wihtout extensive preparation.


Engineered wood:
Pros -- Provides a cost savings over hardwood. Somewhat easier to
install. Can be refinished a few times, quieter

Can be instaled on a slab or below grade.




Laminates:
Pros -- Cheapest of the three choices, easiest to install.


Can be installed on a slab or below grade.

On 20 Apr 2005 05:35:22 -0700, wrote:

There have been numerous post on this topic. Sorry to add yet another.
To read through the others is an ardusous process and the information
is scattered. Would some of you knowlegeable folks help me with the
tradoffs. I've made a "first draft" below:

Hardwood:
Pros -- most beautiful, can be refinished, can purchase prefinished or
not.

Cons -- most expensive, of the three, it's the most difficult to
install.

Unless you are talking about installing on slab, in my opinion it is
the easiest.

You are in the US. Are you not? Why consider anything else? Hardwood
is the way to go.

"You are in the US. Are you not? Why consider anything else?
Hardwood
is the way to go. "

Would you put hardwood in an occasionally used basement office area
where cost and moisture are issues?

I would. Moisture can be overcome.

"yaofeng" wrote in message

I would. Moisture can be overcome.


Anything can be overcome given enough time and money. Now practicality is
something else.

"yaofeng" wrote in message
oups.com...
You are in the US. Are you not? Why consider anything else? Hardwood
is the way to go.

Yes, under the right circumstances. Not everyone can use hardwood. Educate
yourself about what works where.

have you ever refinished a floor? It's really hard to make it look good, or
really expensive to have it done.

"longshot" wrote in message
news:2ZO9e.5410$NU4.917@attbi_s22...
have you ever refinished a floor? It's really hard to make it look good,
or
really expensive to have it done.

I have and it was not all that bad. The tough parts was the edges. Dust
control is something to take care of though.