Carpet or Laminate?

[missprim]

My flooring needs replacing and I can't decide whether to replace with carpet or go for laminate.I would think that laminate is easier to keep clean but some say it's cold and not very homely.Which do you prefer?

[888sally888]

Laminate is ok but has had its day a bit. I work as an estate agent and I would advise real wood if you can afford it.

Or have real wood in the hall and carpet in other rooms depending on your budget.

Is your house old or modern and which rooms are you thinking of?

[k8bailey]

I prefer carpet but only coz it doesnt always need cleaning like laminate does, it always seems to have big dust balls, like tumble weed, even if noone's used that room!

[888sally888]

I know what you mean - we call them 'dust bunnies!!'

[Fay Mousse]

I hate laminate - and it isn't easy to keep clean, especially if you wear trainers or other rubber soled shoes - they leave nasty black marks.

Real wood or carpet.

[whiskeysheri]

Laminate flooring is a pig to keep clean. I have to clean mine every single day and you'll still find dust straight after you've cleaned it. I was adamant about having it when I was a silly, stubborn teen.

If you're not going to go for carpet, though, go for real wood as sally suggests. I think laminate looks quite tacky now. :(

[missprim]

Thank you for your very interesting answers.In reply to Sally, I live in a bungalow and the floors that need covering are the hall,the living room,and 2 bedrooms which all lead off from the hall.My living room has a patio door which leads onto the garden and my grandchildren run in and out in all weathers so this is why I thought laminate would be easier to keep clean.I must admit I hadn't thought of real wood and I'm not sure why this is considered better than laminate, is wood easier to clean?

[Fay Mousse]

Wood is a lot more hard wearing - and when it is scratched you can sand it down.

It won't mark like laminate, but still needs a lot of care. The varnish will bleach in sunlight too.

[4getmenot]

I would laminate the hall but do the rest carpet

[missprim]

Perhaps I should price it up before deciding but thanks for all your replies.

[skyep]

Hi miss - I would have to disagree. I have laminate & would never go back to carpet. Ideal if you have kids around too!!!! The only thing I would say is in wet weather have a couple of machine washable rugs about to soak up any wet on shoes to avoid slipping.

[Ice.Maiden]

You can't beat solid wooden flooring. It lasts for years, and can get better with age. Carpeting's much warmer and softer if you have little ones running about though. I don't think laminate - OR wood - does their knees much good when they're crawling around on it.

[merejeans]

don't bother with laminate if you have a dog, it will ruin it in no time at all, I speak from experience.