I am -sure- I could tell the difference. And if it even close, I am
guessing the laminate is about the same cost as real wood floors.

Mark wrote:
Waterproof laminate sounds interesting, but I just don't like the look of
laminates...


Don't like the LOOK of laminates? I defy you to tell which one of my 3 floors
is laminate......

Now, as for SOUND, that's a different story. When walking on it with hard
soled shoes, you can hear a difference between laminate and real hardwood.