Before I saw the photos, my original reaction was no, that wood-look laminate doesn't work with genuine wood floors. However, the product you showed is very realistic looking. Is the lower level used for everyday living or is it just used once in a while? Will you see it next to the oak anywhere but at the small space at the bottom of the stairs?

Thank you, I so appreciate the help! We do use the downstairs all the time… it leads to our backyard. Occasionally we dog sit for relatives… and I am concerned over the coming years will it hold up or show scratches. Our kitchen “looks over the downstairs and obviously you can see the grain in the oak flooring. Thanks again for your help!!!

@Vicki Baldwin maybe the decision to use the well matching laminate vs same wood as on upper floor should be based on cost? Assuming the laminate has good reviews on durabilty, the differences between the two types might come down to resistance to damage from scratching - dog claws & normal use - and the repairability. The wood floor can likley be refinished & the laminate floor could have planks replaced - assuming extra planks of same floor obtained at time of install. As for appearance differences, looks like enough separation between the two spaces to be a non issue with such a good match. Having area rugs & furniture in place minimizes the comparison for everyone but you! Replacing a floor is not an inexpensive project so I can appreciate your thought process with it.

This particular color is on sale half price. Just $15 a box! But there are very few boxes we will have to drive all over California to get enough. But it would obviously be a huge savings. Thank you again for your time! I so appreciate some expert advice!

I agree with Diana. My initial thought was, no! But honestly it looks really great!

If you want to obscure the difference (the color looks to be a pretty good match, but the grain looks different), put a runner on the stairs. Get something meant for heavy use as stairs get a lot of wear.

This is my non-pro, personal opinion of laminate floors. My concern with it is not so much the look but the durability and feel of the product. I had it in a kitchen many years ago, and couldn't wait to replace it. It buckles and warps if it gets wet. It scratches and dents. We had a puppy stay with us for a few days, and he scratched and bit it, taking chunks out of it. It sounds hollow when you walk on it. It cannot be repaired. I know you said it's on sale, but sometimes a bargain isn't really a bargain. I would never use it again.

@Diana Bier Interiors, LLC wow - I’ve never experienced any of your issues with my laminate floors in my house since 2013. I had oak floors in prior home so experienced both. The ”feel” on the bare feet is different but not in a bad way. My laminate planks aren’t waterproof as is available today but they can get wet no problem. A leak or standing lots of water would be an issue for either laminate or wood to different degrees I think. I’ve dropped things on laminate with no damage & same kind of dropped item on wood caused scratch or dent. I agree laminate can’t be repaired & most of the time wood can. I’m not promoting either product for this poster - only intending to be the flip side for consideration

@KW PNW Z8 thanks for posting an opposite experience from what I had. Maybe mine were just the original version of laminate and they've improved the product since then. I'm a fan of real wood floors, real tile floors, and believe it or not, sheet vinyl. But everyone's experience is different.

@Diana Bier Interiors, LLC Truth be told, I’m also a fan of wood floors! When we downsized to our current home, we were focused on cost, ease of maintenance, with eco friendly as the overarching focus. We do have ceramic tile.in baths & sheet vinyl in laundry because of need for waterproof in those areas. That wouldn’t be an issue today with waterproof LVP! Always a new and improved around the corner!

Thank you all so much!!! When we finish, I will post pics. So excited to be getting some new flooring and taking up our carpet that is over 35 years old! Thanks again!!!!