While I think anyone would prefer real wood in most circumstances,
sometimes it's just not possible for a variety of reasons, such as
what's already in place in the room, budget, etc. In my case, I had two
rooms floored with ancient vinyl tile that would be a disaster to try
and take up and certainly not worth the effort and cost since I am
living in my first "starter" house, which I don't plan to live in
long-term. I know everyone likes to bash laminate, but it certainly
*does* have its place in the home improvement market.

That being said, I have installed three various brands (one Pergo, one
mid-grade Hampton from HD, and another Hampton higher-end model bought
from BJ's) and types of laminates in various locations in my house, and
the variety I purchased from BJ's Wholesale (just in case this is a
local chain, it's a Costco-style warehouse store) is of the highest
quality of the three types I've bought. It has the best and most
realistic look, too, although the others are also quite attractive.
Since I bought it at BJs, the price actually was quite similar to the
price per sq ft of the other ones I purchased elsewhere when you
consider this one had the premium underlayment pre-attached. This BJs
floor was installed a month or so ago, wherase the other two rooms were
installed about 1.5 years ago. So far, all floors are in great shape --
no chips, gaps. curling, or anything else other people have reported
encountering.

As for noise when walking on the floor -- yes, my kitty's claws do
click-click-click when he walks on it, but it is not troublesome. I,
for example, wouldn't install it in the high traffic areas of the
house, like the kitchen or living room -- there I would go with real
wood and/or tile. For bedrooms, I am entirely satisfied with both the
durability and appearance..

If you are thinking of the Costco brand, I say go for it -- go out and
buy two boxes, take 'em home, unwrap 'em, click a few boards together,
turn on some tunes, and jump around on them for a while. Check out if
its sturdiness, appearance, and noise suit you. Then go back and buy
the rest of what you need.



jdk wrote:
David Jensen wrote:
Is there any consensus on these forums as to whether one brand of laminate
flooring is better than another? Specifially I am loking at Sams Club and
Costco. Everything says that you can't beat their prices. Do any of you
have personal testmony to share. Are they still the best value in laminate
flooring? Is the quality of both brands very good?

Also, is it really hard to see the joints between "planks" or have they
really improved the products to look like real wood.

Thanks.