Real Estate Broker · San Diego, CA · Member since 2013 · 27 posts · 0 votes
I have a property in Oceanside CA just west of the 5. We are trying to get someone to reach for the price and we are looking for around $800k sales price. We are leaning towards a continuous run of laminate flooring through the obvious areas . Are we going to be pushing buyers a way because of this? I know Laminate has come along way recently. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Investor · Louisville, KY · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
10y
How many s/f and what is the cost difference per s/f for laminate vs. hardwood? I suspect the difference will be a rounding error in what you sell the place for...but the true test is what does the market demand. If you're hoping to stretch your sales price then some of the smaller details will matter more (like wood over laminate).
Interior Decorator · Canton, MI · Member since 2015 · 129 posts · 100 votes
10y
As this is a sell and not a rental, I wouldn't go with the laminate. An engineered wood floor of good quality( not the box store 5/16 garbage) would be a good choice and handle the temperature and moisture extremes better. Get one with a ceramic bead scrtch resistant finish if you can, AO if you have to. Keep it protected with some of the plastic wrap protectors until you're ready to show the home. And PLEASE do your due diligence and don't but any wood that you can't get certified Formaldehyde free or within California standards.
Flipper/Rehabber · Tustin, CA · Member since 2015 · 433 posts · 103 votes
10y
I'd really take a look at your area and see what the comps tell you. Having said, that, 12mm laminate gives a pretty good feel and looks great if you get the right style. In my current flip, we went using engineered hardwood, to 7mm laminate, to 12mm laminate. Like you, I discussed with some other investors and we felt that 12mm was a good compromise..feels good, looks good..easier on the wallet. We were afraid that the 7mm would give that "laminate" feel which we were trying to avoid, so 12mm seems to be working out for us. Already installed and it feels great..to me at least =D. We actually found a pattern that we liked more than the hardwood we saw.
Investor · Murphy, TX · Member since 2011 · 189 posts · 86 votes
10y
Simple oak flooring is hard to beat, especially if you are pier and beam and moisture isn't a concern. Looks good in contemporary or traditional styled homes. Engineered floors are a good option as well. I would not even consider laminate in my market, but it may be totally fine in yours.
I would think you could find a suitable option for $4 wood and $2 install. $8 seems high - may just be a difference in location, though.
Frederick, MD · Member since 2015 · 654 posts · 256 votes
10y
Laminate has come a long way, and yet there is still room for improvement. If you're reaching for the top end of the market, going with real wood (be it solid or an engineered product with a thick enough wear layer to sand and refinished several times) is unlikely to disappoint.
Investor · Gatineau · Member since 2015 · 19 posts · 10 votes
10y
Laminate is great but there seems to be some sort of stigma attached to it in many markets. With that being said I think you would be better off going with hardwood especially with only 800 sqft to cover.
Rental Property Investor · Friday Harbor, WA · Member since 2015 · 66 posts · 30 votes
10y
Looking for an 800k sale: if that is a push, don't cut corners. What's in the houses that are selling in your price range? I'd take a morning to see what's out there and what you'll be competing with.
Personally--I install laminate in my rentals, hardwood in my own homes.