According to Davis, there's been a gradual shift away from carpeting, which remains No. 1 in total sales but has been losing market share the last 10 years. Newer floor coverings, especially laminates, and ceramic tiles have cut into carpet sales. For somebody who has kids, they'll withstand heavy use. You spill something, you just clean it up and move on. They want more comfort but not necessarily more cost and upkeep.
Flooring is among the major expenses of home ownership.
It should add value and beauty. Choose wisely because you're probably going to be walking on that surface for many years. Laminate flooring basically is a photo reproduction of wood, stone or tile. The photo is adhered to a wood core, then bonded to a backing material. Unless you're on your hands and knees, many laminates are difficult to identify from the real thing.