I always wonder why laminate, it looks so fake, and when it wears it can not be repaired. If you are planning to be living in your house for a long time, consider Prefinished wood with a thick top layer of wood that can be refinished- and do NOT install as a floating floor--do a glue down installation.

I still believe that laminate has its place in the home. A quality product like Armstrong's Best & Premium laminates have been proven by earning "Good House Keepings" seal of approval. I have sold laminate for over 20 years now, and a quality installed product can hold up to an active home. There are far too many low cost/grade product in our area being shipped from overseas, but if you are willing to invest in a Brand Name product, you should be happy for a long time. Our showroom floor is a high gloss "Grand Illusions" laminate and after 4 years in our busy space, we are more than pleased. Unique styles and colours are amazing to work with. Just take a look at their website.

A GOOD laminate, usually, has the same overall cost of a true hardwood floor. I would use an engineered maple with a wear layer of at least 4mm and an aluminum oxide finish

Yes, cost of a maple floor is reasonable but should someone wish to have a more unique design look with their floors, laminate may be a better option.