How long will these laminate or prefab floors really last?

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Q: We live in the very dry climate of Denver, Colorado. I have allergies, and we would like to install hardwood throughout the home. People keep suggesting prefab and laminate flooring, but I’ve heard they don’t last like real wood. How long will these laminate or prefab floors really last?

A: The good products (Torly’s, Quick Step) actually are very tough with an excellent core and click joint. Everything depends on the type of use/abuse it gets, but I would expect a floor like this to last 15-20 years. They aren’t as easy to install as one might think however, and the sub floor needs to be very nearly perfectly flat for a successful installation. In the end though, they are still a throw away floor. Solid 3/4 hardwood on the other hand can last for centuries if properly cared for.

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