Q. I debating on laminate flooring. BKR has caught my eye but i have never heard of it. What brand of laminate is best? 8mm or 12mm. Going on a wood floor in an old house. Ripping up carpet and tile. BKR has the underlayment already attached and the installer said he would put down a moisture barrier. This is just adding up quickly and I want to make sure i get a good brand that will last a long time.

A. The most well known brands of laminate are quik-step, & pergo. The thicker the better. If I were you I would have the real wood floors refinished. Real wood is much more durable, you won't have to buy the new flooring, and wood will add more value to your house. If the wood floor has already been refinished too many times and can't be refinished again, then maybe consider engineered wood flooring. It has a layer of real wood, it will feel more solid than laminate, it looks better, and it can be refinished when it gets worn.

Q. Can engineered wood flooring be installed on vinyl flooring? I'm in the middle of home improvement project and have decided to lay some engineered wood flooring for my kitchen. The particular brand that I've bought requires glue-down installation. The problem is, there's vinyl flooring that's been laid with cutback and it's not going to come up without a significant amount of work and then re-preparation of the sub flooring. I've been to the local home improvement center several times and can't really get a straight answer as to if this is possible. I've searched the Internet and its about 50-50 yes and no. I'd really like anybody's input into my situation, as I am under a little bit of a time constraint to finish the project as this is my new house and I've got to move out of my old house in in a week. Thanks in advance to your answers!

A. If you are laying down Bruce or Armstrong flooring, they have instructions for laying over vinyl flooring. Basically you can't lay the flooring over more than 2 layers of vinyl. You want to make sure the flooring is stripped, not sanded, especially if there is a gloss on the floor. Don't sand if its a resilient floor, it may contain asbestos. Also they recommend specific adhesives that will bond with the floor.

Q. As a handyman, how much do i charge per sq.ft to install oak wood flooring? They all need to be glued and there will be alot of cuts because the wood needs to curve in an s shape. There is 1000 sq.ft. I installed 1600 sq.ft before but did not charge my father in law. Thanks for your help.

A. For glue down wood flooring, 4 dollars a s.f. is about what you should be charging.

Q. Anyone out there that has wood flooring, do you have any tips? Like what kind of things we don't need anymore (carpet vacuum, rugs, etc.), what kind of things we do need (slippers, polish, etc.), and what kind of things we should know about wood flooring

A. A swiffer sweeper is a must have and it's not good to walk on them with spiky hills in your shoes, they leave dents on some wood floors.

Q. Im getting ready to replace the berber carpet through out my house and cant decide if I want carpet or wood flooring. My kitchen, entry way and both bathrooms have newly installed ceramic tile. Which would be better carpet or wood floors?

A. Wood ,with a nice rug on top

Q. I want to get Black wood flooring but the problem is it's really expensive it ranges to 4.00 to 6.00 a square foot but people were telling me if I bought unfinished wood flooring and stain it black but see im not a craftsman and personally I don't want the paint fumes and all of that but my ? is Can I go to someone and can they stain it for me? if so can you suggest a company? or give me ideas who to go to for this and also if you find Black wood flooring less than 2.00 a square foot please notify me Thank You So Much.

A. You can sometimes get discounted wood flooring for as low as $2 a square foot (see the link I have provided), but it will cost you at least another $3 a square foot to have someone install it and finish it black for you. Hardwood flooring is a luxury, and add alot of value to your home. Remember, the money you spend doesn't go away; you keep it as in investment in your home.

Q. To do a 14 ft by 14 ft room [estimate] all together just an estimate [my family's friend owns a wood flooring company]

A. Depending on the type of wood 6.50 to 10.00 per sq ft. $1200 to $2000

Q. The dogs are medium and large. I'm afraid they will scratch the surface. Is there an indestructable wood or simulated wood product on the market?

A. The laminate flooring works great. It is easier to install, is stronger than wood for floors, & does not need to be refinished. When buying, check for thickness of the color. It will also help if you keep your dogs nails trimmed.