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[kivah]

When I bought my brand new house 13 yrs ago, I had the builder put pergo in my kitchen -- it blends with my oak cabinets. It is shaded -- light to medium grainy look. I totally love it and it's still perfect. I wash it using Don Aslett microfiber pads.

[Kachina624]

Have you considered the new vinyl planks which are indistinguishable from hardwood? I have four big dogs and had cork laminate installed about four years ago. They've pretty much ruined it. If I were doing floors again, I'd strongly consider the vinyl. I just don't like laminates as they look and sound fake plus a serious accident involving liquid will ruin them.

[Sunshine Kate]

Have you seen the ceramic tile that looks like wood? I don't have it, but have seen and it's nice and very durable. I've seen it in the light and dark colors (Lowe's has it).

I know this isn't what you asked about, just an option.

[lovesrecess]

I am surprised and pleased to hear several positive reviews about Pergo because I know at least 6 others who have problems with warping in their Pergo floors. I am looking to replace all carpeting and may go with engineered wood flooring. There is so much out there now it can be very confusing. I have found nothing out there that is not very expensive once you include the underpadding, trim pieces, and installation.

[patticakes]

What is the difference between engineered wood and regular wood flooring?

[Kachina624]

I think the engineered wood is just a thin layer of actual wood. I've heard it can be re-sanded and stained one time. Regular hardwood of course, is solid wood all the way through.

[Nuttmeg]

On 10/19/2014 patticakes said: Is it more durable than wood?

I don't agree. This may have been the case years ago, but not today. You should check Armstrong's website and look at the many flooring options. I would then find a flooring dealer.

[Anglophilly]

I've had Pergo floors for 12 years in living room, dining room, kitchen and one bedroom. It's held up very well but I'm looking to replace with engineered wood.

Laminate is "noisy". We use area rugs to baffle the sound. Our cocker spaniel had difficulty gaining traction on the smooth surface and this was hard on her bad knees.

One piece of the laminate has bubbled in front of the dishwasher. We had an undetected leak and water is the enemy of laminate. The installers told me that it's very difficult to repair laminate though it's impervious to almost any spill (nail polish, bleach, even hot ash).

The finish can look hazy. A little vinegar and water on a barely damp mop takes care of that. For the past several years I've used Restore for floors annually. Brings back the shine and fills in tiny scratches. Deep scratches are there permanently.

I remember thinking the house looked so much bigger with carpeting gone and the light oak put down. Enjoy your project.

[Fressa]

We have Wilsonart which is the one level up from Pergo. I'm not sure if the Wilsonart is available in the stores anymore of if you have to purchase from a design retailer. These top of the line engineered wood/laminates are terrific. I have German Shepherds, kids, etc. and they hold up GREAT! I had a burning candle fall on the floor and not one mark. That....I could not believe. I can use my Hahn steamer on mine which is terrific however I also use my Don Astlettt microfiber mop and that works in the non heavy traffic areas as well. My floors still look like new and they are 10 years old! Worth every cent!!! I don't think you can go wrong with this material.

The variety of types of wood and styles is endless. I have all light colored flooring. The color choices you listed sounded so beautiful! I'm not sure if the dirt, etc. shows differently on the darker floor colors than the lighter. If you have mats at your doorways then I think you will be fine with whatever color you select.

I have two bedrooms that have the traditional hardwood floors and they do not look as nice or hold up as well as my laminate flooring. I can't wait to tackle that project.

Hope this helped.

[depglass]

We have Harmonics from Costco. 8 years old, no scratching or chips. No kids or pets, but we live on a gravel road in sand. So that stuff is tracked in all the time. Ours is some version of oak, or ash, can't remember. We still like it and if we put on an addition, I will get more of this from Costco. I have cherry in the laundry room, maybe too dark for a large expanse, but I like that, too.