^have you checked around for solid or engineered prices that much? Depending on the store, brand, and type, they're really not much more expensive than many laminates and generally look 10x better.

lumberliquidators?

[Edited on April 15, 2012 at 6:42 PM. Reason : .]

4/15/2012 6:42:43 PM

Yea, we've been looking on and off for awhile since I like to keep tabs on estimates of the many projects we are continually working on or have in the "wants" list. I haven't looked at Lumber Liquidators in person, only online. However, I have looked at HD, Lowes, and a few local flooring places. I was very adamant about solid or engineered at first and we have a big list of solids and engineered boards we have looked at. Most of the solid hardwoods or engineered woods that I really liked the look of AND seemed pretty durable after testing samples probably averaged out in the $5/ft2 (material cost) range. We found a couple possibles for $4ish and a few we loved much higher than $5 as well.

Here's the problem: We are doing almost 1000 ft2. So, just a couple bucks difference per ft2 ends up being a huge multiplier. Plus, with a laminate, DIY installation is much easier and more reasonable. I did not plan to try and install a nail-down hardwood myself and you're looking at another at least $2/ft2 for someone else to install. So now you're looking at an average of $7-$8k for our downstairs when I ran the numbers (got help with estimates from a friend who doesn't live near me who does flooring). With some of the laminates I actually like, I'm looking at maybe $3300 for materials and DIY labor. As you can see, the difference is measurable.

My friend who installs floors (and help me with some estimates) actually just put down the Pergo XP in his home as well a few months ago and loves it. He also wanted hardwoods but they were on a budget and they finally decided to look at laminates after installing some of these Pergo XP floors in someone else's home. He said they were easy to lay down and he was honestly impressed with the look, sound, and feel of them. He ended up getting the Pergo XP Hand Sawn Oak and he and his wife love them. (I have to admit that with the pictures he sent, I would have had 0 idea it wasn't real wood and I used to be a snob about real wood vs laminate).

I am trying to see if anyone else has any experience with them though to get a little wider net of feedback.

In general, while the majority of laminates still are definitely no comparison to wood (especially sub $2), I honestly have to say that the $3-$4 laminates are generally impressive these days once I finally broke down and started looking at them. When you get into the floors with 12mm thickness and the higher end finishes, the look, feel (touching and walking on), and sound is nothing to ignore when you consider the price and the durability. Anything higher than that, and I pretty much would just say to look into real wood. But, there seems to be a sweet-spot where you are crossing into high-end laminates that are almost competitive with the cheap hardwoods.

I could be wrong though. Maybe someone will have some feedback from personal experience here.

4/15/2012 10:29:12 PM

From personal experience, laminate starts to look like crap after awhile. Doesn't matter how good of a brand it is. The nice thing about solid wood over laminate is when the solid wood starts looking crappy you can refinish it.

4/16/2012 10:00:03 AM

Thanks for the input. originally I did like the idea of being able to refinish. My only hesitation is that I don't know anyone personally who has refinished a floor that was less than say 15-20 years or old or by the same measure someone who has lived somewhere long enough to refinish a floor that they originally put down themselves. So I'm a little hesitant to pay extra just for the ability to refinish, and refinishing itself would actually still cost more money. I've started to feel that by the time I put down hardwoods and then lived here long enough to refinish them, I could have probably bought and installed 3 brand new mid to high grade laminate floors for the same price. I'm probably just talking myself out of them because it is cheaper though.

I guess I should try and go back to some of the flooring places and maybe lumber liquidators (seems like I have heard more bad than good from LL tales though) and take another look at the hardwoods in our price range, because I don't want to completely talk myself out of them being a possibility since I definitely do like real hardwoods over laminate hands down. I'm just trying to decide if I like them $4-$5k better.

Right now on the first floor we have the builder's special (with 0 thought into design) with a low-grade hardwood foyer, carpet in the living room, bedroom, reading room, and dining room and an ugly linoleum in the kitchen. and they all meet in awkward places so it doesn't necessarily have to be my dream floor to look 10x better

[Edited on April 16, 2012 at 11:16 AM. Reason : ]

4/16/2012 11:01:42 AM

When I got mine the hardwoods were about 2X the cost so I went with laminate.
It's my first place so I wasn't trying to shell out a fortune for top upgrades on floors, counter tops, etc.

4/16/2012 11:04:36 AM

how long have you had them?

4/16/2012 11:13:37 AM

Five years now.

4/16/2012 11:16:27 AM

I've seen so many laminate floors that looked too beat up, had peeling edges, and torn up corners.

I guess you may be able to replace a laminate floor multiple times for the cost of hardwood + refinishing, that could be a very good point. I just haven't seen any laminate that I didn't immediately hate, even in the high end range. Maybe I'll look around some more thought. I also think, depending on the color, etc., that solid hardwood doesn't look as bad with damage (e.g. dog nails). My dog is my #1 concern with my flooring choice.

4/16/2012 11:34:03 AM

I like mine, but it did get scratched up last year when I put some of those metal folding chairs on it and one had missing rubber stoppers on it's legs.

4/16/2012 11:36:55 AM

I would NEVER put laminate in a kitchen. The water will make the edges curl up and it will have to be replaced very quickly. One place I lived it had to be replaced in 6 months because the dishwasher leaked and ruined the kitchen and some of the living room laminate.

I would also never install if you have pets. Dog nails beat it up quickly and if they pee in the house the smell will soak into the floors. you will have to replace that section unless you find and clean it up immediately.

4/16/2012 12:15:59 PM

I have to disagree about the scratching. In testing samples out at home, I have actually been able to scratch pre-finished hardwoods much easier than the decent laminates. My testing has been purely things like running a knife across it or dropping a hammer on it though. But I do have a friend who just redid her kitchen and put real hardwoods down. They are scratched to hell after 6months (40ish lb dog and she made the mistake of getting pine which doesn't help) and the laminate wood in most of the rest of the first floor looks great and is older as it was existing with the house. One of the reasons we are looking at laminate is actually scratch resistance for our dog. Luckily she is only 15lbs and her nails get cut and ground every 4 weeks.

However, the difference is the type of scratch. The downside to the laminate is obviously that if you do manage to put a big scratch in it, you are scratching it down to nothing which is not very attractive. With the wood, it's simply a visible scratch in the finish but it's still wood beneath it so you do have the option to refinish if needed and I agree that scratches in real wood are much more attractive than laminate.

Out of curiosity, does anyone have any solid or engineered hardwoods in the $3-$4 /ft2 range they could recommend? I'm sure there are still some brands I haven't checked out, and like anything else it's tough to decipher which brands are cheap because they are cheap and which ones are actually quality but just don't have the markup of a "name" brand.

[Edited on April 16, 2012 at 12:59 PM. Reason : ]

4/16/2012 12:36:35 PM

Yeah, when I did my research the main benefit of laminate aside from price was the fact they didn't scratch nearly as easily as hardwood. Having pets would only make me want laminate even more. As far at the kitchen goes, they told me not to let water sit on it or it would warp, but you'd need to let it sit a while to fuckup the laminate or have something major happen like a leaky dishwasher. It's not like it gets fucked up if the slightest droplet of water comes in contact with it.

4/16/2012 1:25:53 PM

^ I forgot to ask, what brand do you have?

4/16/2012 2:32:18 PM

Bah, knew you were going to ask that. Need to check the packaging in the attic.

4/16/2012 3:08:43 PM

haha no worries. I've run into a lot of that I have a few friends with decent laminate that still looks nice and is at least a few years older than when they even moved in because it was already installed, but they don't know the brand since they didn't pick it out.. So, while it is a good omen for laminate, it doesn't tell me whether it was $6/ft² commercial quality laminate or $2 Lowe's special.

[Edited on April 16, 2012 at 3:14 PM. Reason : ]

4/16/2012 3:13:47 PM

just got a notice in the mail that my homeowner's insurance (travelers) is being canceled (or not renewed, if there's a difference) in a month...the reason they listed is "windstorm damage" from last april (we were actually pretty lucky, as a several houses down from us were severely damaged or totally destroyed from downed trees)

this ever happen to anyone else? did you have trouble getting insurance afterward? were your rates higher?

4/20/2012 4:48:22 PM

I'd call them and fight it. That's what we did when Liberty tried to cancel our policy.

4/21/2012 10:06:46 AM

how do you fight it? i mean, what do you say?

4/22/2012 11:32:29 AM

This might not be applicable given the type of market that exists down y'alls way, but I figured I'd try.

Does anyone have any experience with LBP abatement/removal? I've found a place I'm pretty interested in, in a neighborhood ripe for gentrification and growth, and the property in question has (like so many places in DC) lead based paint. I don't have kids, pets, or a proclivity for licking walls. But for resale purposes/future renting, if I were to purchase this place, I would want to have someone to come in and either seal or sand and then repaint. It's a 1,300 sq. ft. rowhouse, and ideally I'd be purchasing it with a 203(k) to pay for the LBP abatement (which is apparently one of the things you can use 203(k) money for) as well as doing a little modernization. It was built in the mid-20's, so the paint is no surprise and pretty common actually for the District. Still though, it's federal law to require disclosure of LBP, so I'd rather nip it in the bud now.

[Edited on April 22, 2012 at 12:11 PM. Reason : .]

4/22/2012 12:10:09 PM

^^I don't think you can fight non-renewal. Better off just go find somebody else.

4/22/2012 5:05:02 PM

whats the logic in them cancelling over wind damage?

4/22/2012 5:31:10 PM

my NC house had laminate floors...after 2.5 years, they looked just like brand new.

my FL house has tile in the kitchen, dining area, and bathrooms.



Woe: unpacking, setting things up, and getting/keeping the place clean and orderly after moving in is a cast-iron bitch...especially when it's just me living here and having to handle all the day-to-day homeowner stuff, too (and having a 5-year old periodically who...doesn't help in terms of keeping the place in order)

4/22/2012 8:29:39 PM

thanks for the feedback Duke

4/22/2012 10:07:25 PM

disclaimer: it was household of 1.5, with no pets...and I spent about half my time gone...but I didn't have any problems with my laminate floors in that house.

4/22/2012 10:46:43 PM

Quote :

"just got a notice in the mail that my homeowner's insurance (travelers) is being canceled (or not renewed, if there's a difference) in a month...the reason they listed is "windstorm damage" from last april (we were actually pretty lucky, as a several houses down from us were severely damaged or totally destroyed from downed trees) this ever happen to anyone else? did you have trouble getting insurance afterward? were your rates higher?"

And this is why I hate insurance companies. Even as a conservative, I welcome the day our government smacks this shit down (hopefully, but probably not). You pay a shit ton of money in case shit ever happens. Well, at some point shit happens, and the insurance company is all like, "wtf mane, you had to use your insurance? we had to do something for you? we had to give you money? fuck that, we'll no longer cover you"

4/23/2012 8:23:52 AM

^at least he made a claim. I got a non-renewal letter this year and I didn't even make a claim.

4/23/2012 9:34:02 AM

^^^

4/23/2012 9:51:35 AM

Quote :

"how do you fight it? i mean, what do you say?"

Our situation was a bit different since they were telling us they were canceling because of tree limbs were touching our house, which is bs. Basically they looked at a picture of our house on Google maps to make that decision So we took pictures of the house showing they were full of shit and they backed off. If they hadn't of backed off right away I guess we would have just rolled over and found another policy.

[Edited on April 23, 2012 at 10:45 AM. Reason : a]

4/23/2012 10:44:56 AM

Quote :

"Woe: unpacking, setting things up, and getting/keeping the place clean and orderly after moving in is a cast-iron bitch...especially when it's just me living here and having to handle all the day-to-day homeowner stuff, too (and having a 5-year old periodically who...doesn't help in terms of keeping the place in order)"

this is so fucking true!! minus the having a 5 year old running around part. moving when you're single is a huge pain in the ass. i think it's bullshit that my coworkers with stay at home wives get the same amount of time off for a move that i get. i have to handle everything myself!

this is part of the reason why i dug my heels in over not moving again. i should have been moved again by now but i just don't feel like it i have good job options in houston & it's also a pretty decent place to date because the economy is good, people are highly educated & there are a lot of well paying jobs

4/23/2012 12:18:55 PM

ITT NCSUWolfy is dating again?

4/23/2012 12:42:20 PM

it's true. back on the market!

4/23/2012 1:00:58 PM

Anyone know of a good place to get blinds? Or is Lowes/Home Depot with a 10% off coupon the best way to go?

4/23/2012 1:23:51 PM

a friend of mine put me on to yourblinds.com when I bought my place. I just needed serviceable blinds custom cut to transom windows. they had some crazy discount going on and i got my entire place taken care of for very very cheap.

they're wood colored plastic but that was appropriate for my application. if you need something more substantial might want to look elsewhere.

4/23/2012 1:30:31 PM

^^ If they're standard sized blinds and you're not looking for anything fancy I'd check out the Habitat Restore first and see what they have. I've also found blinds on clearance at JC Penny before for cheap.

4/23/2012 1:37:51 PM

As part of our negotiations, I've got to replace a couple of patio french doors (solid wood with large glass) before we close at the end of May. Anyone know of a good place to get replacement doors?

The frame, hardware, threshold wipers, etc. are good, just need new doors. I thought about the Restore but haven't been out there to check yet. Lowe's and Home Depot seem to only have entire door kits (frame and all). Any suggestions would be most appreciated!

4/23/2012 4:22:22 PM

Quote :

"ITT NCSUWolfy is dating again?"

that's pretty big news.

Also, if I were a girl, I would never do any moving by myself.

As a guy, I feel like its part of my manly duties to do as much moving as possible. I've never hired a moving service and try to do as much moving by myself. But after helping in so many moves in the past couple years, I think I'm almost over it. Moving is for the birds. If I'm financially comfortable enough to pay someone to move my shit, I'm doing it.

Not to mention that moving almost always takes place during the hottest month in the year. Moving in Charleston humidity fucking blows.

4/23/2012 5:13:21 PM

I too, was always a self mover. But the next place I buy I am definitely hiring local movers. I had the same self-reliance mentality as jbrick83.

4/23/2012 5:34:30 PM

[Edited on April 23, 2012 at 5:36 PM. Reason : Oops ]

4/23/2012 5:36:13 PM

Quote :

"If I'm financially comfortable enough to pay someone to move my shit, I'm doing it."

Amen. F.T.S. I'll pack up a lot of my stuff but next time I move I'd prefer to have some other folks do the heavy lifting. Starting your first week at your new job with an angry back and sore muscles is just bad.

4/24/2012 12:08:26 AM

^ Movers are by far the best investment you can make. I recommend TROSA.

4/24/2012 7:44:00 AM

My folks used TROSA about 8 years ago and had a really good experience. But they quoted me really high a couple years ago when I was planning on moving (our buyers fell through about a week before closing). I chose Taylor's moving based out of Durham. They're a small business, gave me a firm quote (TROSA was just an estimate), and were willing to accommodate us and the fact that we're closing on our existing house and new house on the same day. My sister also had good experience with them in two prior moves. So if you're in the Triangle, I'd give them a call.

4/24/2012 10:10:38 AM

Quote :

"that's pretty big news."

4/24/2012 3:07:33 PM

I made a strategic decision to slip the news in here because ITT I'm only interested at home owners spitting egame at me. Crafty, huh?

I will say that I am pleased with the first three people who have noticed

Hayyy except you jbrick, you gots a woman (but if you were single I'd probably make out with you)

4/24/2012 4:51:35 PM

Anyone heard of/know anything about drilling rights on your property? My dad asked me who retains the drilling rights on my lot and I have no clue what he's talking about.

4/24/2012 6:24:20 PM

^ that's been in the news here a lot lately. Ever since frakking had become profitable tract housing builders have been retaining rights. SECU won't give mortgages to deeds with retained rights which I guess is how people in NC started taking notice.

4/24/2012 7:58:48 PM

^thanks. just talked to my real estate agent about it. guess I'll be reading through my contract again. Though I highly doubt it's included because we used the standard NC contract (from the bar & realtors associations).

4/24/2012 8:08:08 PM

google "mineral rights", which is how it's typically phrased from what I've seen.


^^^^ Haaaaay

4/24/2012 11:06:32 PM

^^^^^

Quote :

"except you jbrick, you gots a woman"

To make sure I keep this on topic, I asked this question a long time ago and never got an answer:

Quote :

"I've got some loose floorboards. Quick/easy fixes?"

Quote :

"little more detail. Do you mean the floor squeaks when you walk on it or the strips are actually detached?"

Quote :

""Strips" are loose/detached. My hardwood floors are the original restored floors (house built in 1889). So they aren't uniform "strips." They look great, but I have a couple loose boards"

4/25/2012 8:44:02 AM

you could use some flooring nails to reattach them to the floor joists. The nails wouldn't be that noticeable but it would resecure them

4/25/2012 10:58:06 AM

i saw one of the dudes from this old house drill a counter sunk hole for a screw then fill it with spackle matched up to the woods tint to snug up a loose floor board

4/25/2012 12:11:38 PM