Hardwood flooring vs. laminate

I think you covered all the points-the main one being take care of those wood floors and shine this makes them show quality.

Great post Ron.... I own a hardwood flooring company that specializes in site finished hardwood flooring and would add the following.... Laminate flooring is made of particle board and is 1/3 the thickness of a true solid floor. No mater the brand or warranty laminate flooring seems to be good for about 5 years before it starts to show wear (scratches, dents, dull sheen, and chipping at the edges). Clients always seem to call for maintenance around that 5 year mark and are disappointed that replacement is the only fix.

Over the lifetime of a house hands down the most affordable and maintainable flooring option is a solid hardwood floor. It is common for my company to refinish floors nearing 100years old. In my own 1914 Portland bungalow I have a mix of douglas fir and white oak flooring that looks as good now as when the home was built. In the Portland market a new hardwood floor costs about $9-$12 / square foot for material, installation and finishing. A laminate floor generally runs about $5-$8 for material and installation. But... as I said, you only get about 5 years before it's starts to show unacceptable wear. A solid wood floor usually has 4 sanding and can last 50-to 100 years before needing replacement.

If I was updating a nicer home to sell in the current buyers market I would definitely not install a laminate floor. Discerning buyers are not impressed with the cloppy feel of laminate and new research is showing a tie between chemicals in laminate flooring and autism.  My advice would be avoid laminate and add value with a solid site finished hardwood floor.