Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - wood floor versus laminate floor

Well, now what do I do? Go with laminated flooring or wood flooring? I've looked at laminates, and some of them look okay and have a 25-year guarantee. When we finally lay a new floor, I want to "set it and forget it," so which laminate brand is the best? As far as wood flooring, I've heard that the way to go is with bamboo. Assuming bamboo is really pricey, what's the next best light-colored flooring?

Got a dawg and cats, so need to consider that as well.

In the order of the question: Warantees of 25 years are the least that I would consider. I don't endorse "brands". Bamboo is a decor or design consideration not one of wear or life or maintenance. Laminate flooring offers a pretty good solution to pets claws but "house training" is also important.

Az, thanks very much for your valuable opinion. I think we're going to go with hardwood. The only thing I didn't like about the hardwood I saw at my vet's yesterday was that it comes preassembled in three-board planks, which leaves a pretty wide seam. Can't have everything. Again, thanks so much.

You might look at a different solution. Wide joints are not required, not desirable and will hold moisture from leaky pets. Look for a brand that will assemble with a tight joint or find a hardwood pro to deliver an acceptable floor.

I think I will look for a pro. I really didn't like the three-board seam -- although if you looked at the floor as a whole, the seams kind of disappeared. Plus, your comment about moisture is gladly taken. When the pets have to yak up something they've eaten outdoors, they ALWAYS run into the house to do it. Based on that, we'll need a very tight-fitting floor as you mentioned. Again, thanks.