The laminate flooring we had installed throughout our lake cabin wears and looks good. Our big dog, wet kids and sandy feet don't hurt it. We did not install ours ourselves but could have if our knees were in better shape.

That said, I would not install a laminate that is trying to look like an already installed hardwood in rooms that adjoin. The laminate is never going to look or feel like oak. If I couldn't match the oak I would go with something completely different, maybe tile?

Good luck!

I agree with Maddie. We got rid of the tile in the laundry room and replaced with a wood look vinyl. Have red oak in the hall outside the room and it's obvious one is wood and one isn't. You might be happier choosing a laminate that contrasts with the wood rather than tries to mimic it.

We used professional installers. Our house is on piers so we were able to do a floating floor vs glue down. That makes the process faster.

I like laminate, but take a look at Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT). I have been shopping with a friend who wants it and it looks good. I agree with the idea of not trying to match the wood. Maybe a stone look?

I installed a floating laminate floor (by myself) in our guest room years ago. It was very easy, but my slab was flat and level. When I went to do my friends room, it wasn’t as easy. Her slab was not flat. I had to pour a leveling concrete.