Fake wood flooring questions...?

Fake wood flooring questions...?
We're thinking of replacing our living room and dining room carpet with fake wood flooring. And using area rugs. I have a few questions...How noisy will it be? Our living room, dining room, kitchen are all one big space with an open staircase. The steps we'll leave carpeted because that goes right into our hallway upstairs and we can't afford to repace that carpet. We will also leave the flooring in the kitchen. That's either vinyl or lineolum (don't know). Also we have very high ceilings. So I am wondering about the noise factor. And we have a puppy who piddles alot. I'm worried about stains from spills as well. Which fake wood would be better for my concerns...vinyl, linoleum, or plastic laminate? Or is sticking to carpet a better idea?
Thanks.


Answers:

jjn4jar:  I love my laminate flooring. I too have the same rooms open and the noise factor is not bad. The only time we notice it is if heels are being worn. As for the best best brand, they are all about the same. Spend your money on the best padding for the floor. I just sweep and mop (wring the mop good) As for your puppy, make sure that the "piddles" or any large amount of water/fluid does not sit to long and you too will love it.
2007-07-18 04:33:13
kat:  I have Pergo throughout my downstairs, The living room, dining room, kitchen and family room. There are more pros than cons. I don't notice a noise factor and the floor is very durable. It doesn't scratch, even with my big dog. It looks a lot like real wood, so it makes the house look nice. It is also very easy to clean. The one thing you will have to keep up with is the dog pee. When water sits on the floor for a long length of time, the floor buckles in that area. Unlike real wood, it doesn't go back down after it dries, so you have to wipe up spills right away. I happen to love it though, and highly recommend it. Good luck!
2007-07-18 04:36:21
Chosen Answer
mike g:  Go with Pergo flooring. it is an excellent lamanite (Fake) wood flooring that will give you the look and feel of real wook but it is cheaper and they do have a type called Silentstep that is the second best thing to capet for sound. as for the puppy Pergo flooring is very stain resistant. i personnally like it better then real wood floors.
2007-07-18 04:38:54
Me:  The puppy's wee wee won't hurt either of those synthetics, but I think the vinyl may be easier to clean because the porosity isn't like linoleum or plastic...
2007-07-18 04:38:55