Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Did I "buy" a bill of goods when I decided on the LAMINATE?

Crybaby, that's me, needs some help.

Six years ago I had a bamboo floor placed in my Florida livingroom and dining room. Looks great.
Decided to replaced the bedroom carpet(concrete slab), and then said, "Why not wood?"

Found a 5/8 vertical bamboo and an installer to do the job for about $3300 (395 sq. ft)...would have preferred other wood types, but this cheaper bamboo fit the budget.

In my last store, the saleman took me over to the laminates, when I told him I could not afford the beautiful hardwoods that he was showing me. There was a beautiful 12mm Formica Quintesa product. He couldn't say enough about it and so we put down a deposit on the laminate with a 48 hour written proviso to get a refund.
The price for the laminate installation, molding and everything is the same as the price for the bamboo install.

Did I make a mistake, and "devalue" the house?

Also, 2 small points....

I told the laminate salesman about acclimating the wood to my home, and he said that was not necessary..I have read on this forum and on other sites that there should be a 48 hr. acclimation period. I know there is a 3 week period for the bamboo...also,
if you think I am making a mistake, and should go with the solid wood, my installer wants to put down a moisture barrier on the 6 yr. old slab. I have never had a moisture problem with the carpet so I'm not sure what to do. I went for a second opinion to another wood flooring place, and they do a test, but said that in all their years, they rarely put down a moisture barrier on anything grade or above. It is not necessary...the barrier is $400...should I do it anyway to be safe?:confused:

Thanks, I know that this is a lot to digest, but your help is NEEDED

Crybaby:wall:

From my short experience with many laminate floor manufacturers, a moisture barrier is essential on any concrete slab, whether you think you've had a moisture issue or not. So I'd say definitely get it.

In regard to acclimation, again, from most all installation instructions I've seen from laminate manufacturers, they all say to let the product sit inside your home for a couple of days.

Whatever question you have, you can always contact the manufacturer. Record the dialogue for warranty/insurance purposes and go by what they say, as they will tell you what is best for their product.

I'd say that the laminate will look great in your house and you'll probably find it more durable than your bamboo.

Good luck!

I will 2nd the acclimation issue. Never heard of anyone installing laminate wood flooring and not acclimating it. Since they says it's not necessary, I'd take your $$$ back, say "thank you" and run. Why take chances?

Whether it's acclimation or moisture barrier, laminate or hardwood...the flooring MUST be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Like cmvsm said...check w/the manufacturer if you're in doubt. You may be able to warranty information online.

As for de-value...if you were to go from hardwood to laminate, THAT would de-value it. Not carpet to laminate wood as laminate wood is a floating floor.

BTW: Welcome to the DoItYourself.com forums :)