Carpet or laminate what is better?

Fraise

When viewing a house what would you prefer? New but cheap laminate flooring or new good quality carpet? I haven't put wooden flooring in the equation as it's far too expensive but I'm sure many people would like real wooden floors.

I have read that carpet is actually making a comeback and laminate is becoming old hat, not sure how true that is or not?

joujou

Cheap laminate flooring is just hideous, it's so bad it should be made illegal...

But the cheap carpets are probably easier to rip out...

Gives you an idea of what I prefer.

Strapped

Depends on the property really. A quality carpet in a neutral shade in probably more liveable for most people I'd guess, especially lower down the price scale (since laminate still needs rugs etc).

BitterAndTwisted

I'd rather live with cheap carpeting than laminate of any kind. I think it's vile. It's noisy and it's cold. Two things which don't describe "comfort" in my world.

Chacun a son gout

Blondygirl

I don't like laminate flooring, had it in 2 house now & never again. It makes the room a lot colder & the dog skids about on it. Carpet all the way & tiles in the kitchen:D

Dan-Dan

i hate laminate , the house were buying has it in the kids playroom and the frontoom , i love a lush thick carpet!

by the way , can you lay carpet straight on to laminate?

martinsurrey

A good quality laminate (8-12mm) is my preferred option in high traffic areas.

I would love solid wood, but the other half is addicted to high heels and dropping things which destroy real wood.

Rain_Shadow

Another vote against laminate. Just horrible stuff.

Lagoon

I love laminate flooring, and would choose it over carpet.

The thing with carpet is that lighter colours get dirty very quickly. If I'm choosing somewhere with carpet, it has to be a dark colour, and I don't think they look as nice (chocolate browns aside).

Our current rental property was picked partly based on the fact that it had dark carpet, but they're green, blue and red throughout the house, which isn't nice but at least doesn't show up the dirt.

hazyjo

I'd choose carpet. Laminate was huge at one time but has been 'becoming old hat' for a few years now.

Much prefer carpet, engineered wood (or whatever it's called), or real wood.

Jx

Angelicdevil

I have laminate but I'm replacing it with real wood flooring in the main living rooms and the bathroom and kitchen are now tiled.

If I didn't have any pets I would have carpet but laminate/wood/tile flooring is much easier to keep clean with animals.