Laminated flooring is always known to be more slippery than usual natural floors. As such, the flooring cannot be deemed as a safe bet.

Accidents are bound to occur, as not every time can a person be in his conscious state of mind while walking around the house.There is always a noise of hollowness when you walk on a laminated floor. Once the laminated flooring is worn out, scratched, or grooved, it cannot be sanded or refinished like solid hardwood. It has to be replaced, thus increasing your overall expenses.

Laminate flooring cons. Can't be sanded back or refinished. When it wears out, it has to be replaced. Lower resale value than timber or engineered timber (but better than carpet).

Buyers prefer natural materials. Can be slippery unless slip resistant layers have been built in. Some sound hollow to walk on, even with an acoustic underlay. Can lack the visual warmth and grace of timber. It may look like timber at first glance but a closer inspection is likely to reveal the truth.

Timber flooring cons. Not water resistant. Will expand when wet and contract when it dries out. Warping and cracking can occur over time.

Can only be sanded back so many times before floorboards become too thin and start to crack. Prone to scratches, dents and other damage. More expensive to buy and install (but long lasting). Inconvenient. Reputable installers will insist on leaving the timber on site for several weeks to acclimatise before installation to prevent shrinkage and movement afterwards.

Floating Floor Cons This flooring cannot be sanded. It is designed with a sealed finish.

Once the flooring starts to break down or show signs of wearit cannot be refinished, it needs to be replaced. Furthermore, the flooring requires a special moisture barrier underlayment to protect it from humidity, which can sometimes add to the cost of installation; when you're pricing out floating flooring, remember to include the cost of the moisture barrier.

CONS of Timber Floor.Not water resistant.Will expand when wet and contract when it dries out. Warping and cracking can occur over time.

Can only be sanded back so many times before floorboards become too thin and start to crack. Prone to scratches, dents and other damage. More expensive to buy and install .