Posted by jeff on October 21, 19100 at 17:39:29:
In Reply to: Re: What type of flooring to use posted by Ray Darrah on October 21, 19100 at 11:23:15:
: : I'm getting ready to replace the flooring in my kitchen and family room with some type of wood or laminate flooring. These two rooms are high traffic areas. What type of flooring would anyone suggest for me.
: Kitchen is the keyword. water and wood based products do not like water. Kitchens have water available. Laminates and Hardwood floors are wood based products that are damaged with the introduction of water. Water does not damage Vinyl or Ceramic flooring materials unless flooded or water allowed to penetrate the edges and damage the underlayments.
: Ray Darrah
'tis true wood floors can be damaged with alot of water, however ALOT of wood floors are in kitchens, 1/2 baths, etc. all over the country. the amount of water that it takes is something along the lines of a broken pipe, flood, roof being ripped off by a hurricane, etc. the normal glass of water being spilled will not destroy a wood floor, you may notice some "crowning" but this to shall pass. the main thing is wear! kitchen get alot of it. tile will last the longest with out maintence, and wood i feel is better than vinyl, but be sure to get a GOOD finish and then dont be afraid to have it recoated every couple of years or when it shows signs of wear (recoat are just a faction of the cost of the floor), these ot options will be the best value in the long term! if your gonna sell the place in five years slap down some vinyl and live with it! good luck.