Laminate flooring

Laminate flooring reproduces the look of more expensive wood or stone flooring, but costs much less. Laminate flooring has a fiberboard core with a photographic layer on top, and is covered on top and bottom by a layer of plastic. It comes in long planks that snap together and is easy to install yourself. Laminate flooring resists stains and fading better than wood, but because it is an imitation, it doesn't add value to your home like natural wood or stone. Laminate floors are durable and wear well, but they cannot be refinished and must be replaced when damaged. Because it has a fiberboard core, large spills can damage a laminate floor. For another choice that looks like wood but costs less, reviews recommend engineered wood flooring (*est. $5 to $10 per sq. ft.) which has a thicker veneer that can be sanded and refinished one to three times.

Consumer Reports makes specific recommendations for brands of laminate flooring. The New York Times reports on the improvements made in laminates, including a more lifelike sound underfoot. We found good general advice on the websites of home-improvement columnists Tim Carter and James Dulley, and from Better Homes & Gardens. Lowes.com offers a helpful buying guide geared toward educating customers.