We've just got back from a few places looking at laminate flooring. We heard the salespeople spiel and now it's time to start making the final decision for the 100 m2 worth of living areas we want to cover (incl. kitchen, family room, hallways, entry and study). Our top 2 choices are:
8mm Quickstep 800 Eligna (the quality brand choice)
- $70 - $75 sqm fully installed
- 25 year limited warranty
- Antistatic
- Installation price includes standard underlay only
- AC4 (Commercial, General Traffic e.g. Office) w/ scratch guard
12mm Beaufloors Acousticlic (the dark horse brand)
- $60 - $65 sqm fully installed
- 25 year limited warranty
- No antistatic treatment
- High density 2mm rubbery acoustic underlay bonded to board
- AC3 (Commercial, Moderate Traffic e.g. Living Areas)
My mind tells me to go with the Quickstep - high quality, highly recommended... but I'm not fond of how the colours I want look. My heart screams Beaufloors because the colour and the woodgrain look much more realistic to my eyes, and the thicker board with rubber acoustic underlay will mean less 'clacky laminate' and more 'solid floorboard' sounds.
On the AC ratings, I have read that any rating over AC3 is overkill for residential use.
What are everyone's thoughts?