Laminate or cheap real wood flooring?

not_tonight_josephine_2

Hi there, we are looking at putting down a new floor in our hallway but not really sure what to go for - laminate or real wood. We don't want to spend a fortune and it doesn't need to be something which will last forever (we'll be moving in the next few years) but still want something that will look nice and be quite hardwearing. I'm wondering whether it's better to go for an expensive laminate (which I assume would be better quality?) or a cheaper real wood floor, as they're about the same price?

Can anyone advise? What are the pros and cons and laminate v real wood generally?

Thank you

SOSAGES

engineered wood would be the option to go for but as u want it done quick easy and cheap get some laminate u dont need to spend a fortune on it pop down b&q and get the cheapest one u like the look of.

sillygoose

I put a real wood floor down in a bedroom (oak) looks great but over time there was quite a bit of shrinkage (fortunately I had left it 'floating' so was able to slide it and add more on. Its finished shrinking now but is 'dynamic' and expands and contracts with the seasons.

To be honest I wish I had not bothered, I see around now plenty of good quality laminates, you can get some nice finishes and even some with wood textures on, look pretty convincing.

ormus

i see houses nearly everyday with expensive wood floors. they dont look any better than my BQ/wickes floors.
some of them look even worse due to shrinkage/expansion and damage.
better quality laminate is ok but im still not convinced its worth so much extra money.

not_tonight_josephine_2

Thanks everyone, it sounds like laminate is a sensible option for us then (which is what I was hoping!). Have seen some on sale for £7 square metre which looks to me just as realistic as the more expensive ones, I may just go for that.

ormus

easter normally has good sales in the big sheds. BQ wickes etc...
keep your peepers open.

Auntie-Dolly

I always turned my nose up at laminate, but we wanted a quick fix for our hall & I was pleasantly suprised. It looks much better these days and my husband did a good job laying it. Cost us about £160 all in - not bad at all!

Ilovecubbage

We have laminate in most rooms. They are good . The first one we put down was very cheap and lasted 11 years now, it still looks great, but it is cold.

Did my sons room last year and the quality is much, much better now than 10 years ago and it is warm so no need for slippers. I`d stick to water proof one especially downstairs and it will last for ever.
I can`t comment on the real thing, sorry.