Which laminate is best?

[bobloes]

Hi All
I am going to replace the carpet in an open plan dining/living room with some kind of wooden floor. I probably cannot afford real or veneered wood and I believe that their maintenance is not as easy as laminates. The traffic in one area is significant and is really showing hence the replacement by hopefully a harder wearing surface. I laid one floor, as a learning project, about 13 years ago in an unimportant room using a B&Q special offer - not greater than 8mm. Even though it does not get a lot of footfall it is still showing its age re fading and some 'chipping' of the laminate at one or two of the joins although that may be down to my laying skills.
I believe that the thicker the product the better in terms of creaking but is there a particular make that has a good reputation for longevity in terms of looks and endurance?
Really grateful for any suggestions. Cheers.

 

[Nozzle]

Or take a look a wood-effect tiles. They don't bend, they shouldn't chip they are more hardwearing than wood and judging by the stuff I bought the other day it looks just like wood!! Knots 'n' all if you want it.

They don't feel as "warm" as wood though, that's true, but if you're used to walking around on cool laminate floor rather than warmer feeling carpet then no problem.

Nozzle

 

[powerst]

I used this website... http://www.ukflooringdirect.co.uk/laminate-flooring/species/Oak

I bought a laminate that was AC4 rating and it still looks good after three years. Got it in my hall, dining room and kid's playroom.

Just to add, I've got 3 kids, 2 Labradors and 3 cats... so it get's plenty of abuse!