Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Laminate

We are in the process of building and have decided to use laminate flooring in the main areas of the house (kitchen/dining/living/foyer). We are trying to decide which brand to use and have looked at Mannington, Wilsonart, Mohawk and Pergo, with Mohawk and Pergo in the lead. Any experience out there with these brands and what made you choose them? How happy are you with your decision? Thanks for any information you can provide!

CB,
Read the above thread submitted by kellyandmike. You have also referred to an engineered floor as laminate, due mainly to the mfg marketing types. I'm still in the research mode, (going on about six months), and I have removed Pergo from my list, due mainly to an edge chipping problem in mfg, packing, or installing. The others may have similar problems. I have actual hardwwod in dining room, engineered in foyer and hall. I'm actually considering large ceramic tile or that good old stand-by - inlaid vinyl sheet in the kitchen. This, mainly due to all the confusion and various problems of the current craze.

we've had pergo in our kitchen and living room for four years now and are extremely happy with it. it's the white-washed pine, always looks good, and cleans ups well, the installation, however, was much more work than we'd anticipated: glue, pounding, underlayment. we've recently remodeled the entry, hallway and computer room and have decided to go with "alloc". though i don't have any information re how it holds up, it is much easier to install: no glue, underlayment is attached, clips in instead of pounding. hope this helps!

To often an unknown and unproven product is given legitimacy by association when compared with a well respected brand. The unknown or unproven product is mentioned only because someone “found” or ‘thinks” they’ve made a great discovery when in fact we have seen the discovery did not concern quality, construction, utility, or satisfaction, only a low price. The best known brands of proven quality may be installed Very Well, only Ok, or poorly installed, resulting in commensurate satisfaction, or lack of it. Good, Bad and Ugly comes to mind. I will suggest that the brand you buy should be advertised, well known and offered by a financially sound manufacturer. There are well known, highest quality specialty laminate floor brands just as there are well known Hardwood brands that are not associated with carpet or vinyl floor covering companies. Brand names have meaning and suggest value, good or not so good. I believe you should find a brand that will supply test data and test results for their products. Find a brand that offers all of the accessories, trim and moldings that you will need to match your flooring. Even if you don't use all the accessory items, the fact that most of what you will need is available indicates a manufacturer has at least considered the total satisfaction of the consumer. A local dealer with knowledge of the local climate and building construction methods and who has a good reputation offers value that is far more than a few cents per foot of flooring, especially laminate flooring. A respected dealer will also know the better installers or be able to help you access the probable success you might have if you DIY. The most important thing is to choose a color and pattern that will compliment the decorating scheme and lifestyle of your home. Find a quality brand with a wide variety of colors and patterns from which to choose. Don't buy cheap... buy wise, it is the value of your home that you may compromise. JMHO

The chipping that Iron Walt (Fe Walt) refers to is most often the result of handling at installation by an inexperience installer. I don't hear of it very often any more so appearently the gnashing of top corners has become less frequent.

"Iron Walt" - Thanks Fred,
I had originally heard that packaging and/or installation could chip the corners. I do hope Pergo has now corrected the chipping problem. Thanks for all the other info, every little bit helps. Just glad you didn't send me to the local library - (inside joke).
"Fred" A grand old name!!!!
fred

Just about every brand markets different quality and price levels of their products. Buy the best you can afford to buy. There is a saying in the flooring industry that there is nothing good that's cheap and nothing cheap that is good. I have seen laminate sold from $ .99/SF on up. Buyer beware.