A thousand thank yous for the info on the flooring.. just another thing to add to my wannabe think list.
I happen to be a fan of carpet, for all the reasons that were mentioned on the negative side of the laminate /hard surface flooring. Right now, with the parents, they have really thick carpeting, which, at this point is not exactly pristene... but for safety sake, I just keep shampooing and leave it down. They fall a lot and woulda broken numerous bones if this padding was not there. I also know,, that my old bones are much happier on a soft surface rather than a hard one. Being a hairdresser for almost 40 yrs. I know the aches of standing on hard surfaces. I also like the coziness of carpet vs. the hard flooring. I will just probably, for me, plan to change out the carpet as often as I can.. and have a color that doesn't show the dirt. I am blessed not to have allergies so...me and the doggies will be comfy and cozy. I love the look of the hard flooring, but I grew up on hardwood floors in Dallas,, (not even up north) and i remember , ONLY too well, the cold mornings putting my bare feet on the cold wood floors on my way to the pottie.
Just saying.........
oh! a suggestion... have you gals seen the HGTV or DIY shows when they talk about cork flooring. IT's slick, resembles wood but is cushiony to the feet... now THAT"S an idea! and it's PRETTY!
LOVE YA"LL...
J