Anyone have Balterio Laminate?

[nyctoedi]

Hello - after categorically stating I would NEVER have laminate and spending the last two weeks agonising over real v engineered and laquered v oiled, I came across this Balterio Laminate today that I actually had to double take as it looked great. Now I am in all sorts of confusion so I thought I'd ask if anyone has experience of this? We've taken a hammer to all of our samples and the laminate is the only one that doesn't even show a dint. Is for hallway, kitchen and dining room. Does anyone have it? I can't believe I am seriously considering laminate. Thanks!

Can't help as I don't have it, but am considering it for all the same reasons as you, along with bamboo flooring, which I understand is great, but...just not too sure I like the look of it.

I'm looking for a kitchen diner.

Hope someone else comes along who can help!

Is there one that you liked in particular Pinkfizzy? I saw the traditional sapphire imperial teak and it has a great finish and a nice warm colour and will go nicely with my cream kitchen units. I'm just wavering on laminate...because it is well...laminate!
Have also heard good things on bamboo but didn't really find any shades that would have suited us.
Shall I? Shall I? Shall I?? Argh!!!

I have really tried to like bamboo, but I just don't like the pattern on it. I'm going into a local floor shop which has lots of Balterio during the week, and have also been looking at marmoleum. Last time I looked, 15+ years ago, marmoleom had a very particular look, but I have seen tonight that it comes in quite different styles and also colours which appeal to me more. Google Striato, images if you like. I have been most impressed, and like you finding it hard to love laminate, partly (unfairly, maybe) because I had a cheap lot put down in the kitchen 8 years ago, in theory for a very short period of time - famous last words! - & it fared very poorly

www.esi.info/detail.cfm/Forbo-Flooring-Systems/MarmoleumSUPSUP-Striato-Linoleum-Flooring/_/R-PROFILE-113168_KY12SB

for example

We've got balterio laminate and I'm really pleased with it. We've got a mixture of real wood, karndean and balterio in different rooms of the house, and without a doubt the balterio looks the nicest, and was the cheapest too.

we have quickstep, which is very similar. I know it's hugely frowned upon on here, but I love it. Hasn't warped or moved, is nigh on impossible to damage, and looks nice. A few visitors have mistaken it for wooden flooring. I do think that the good quality laminates are a world apart from the cheaper stuff.

I have a neighbour with quickstep in her kitchen diner; put it down approx 6 years ago & still looks very good. So must be worth serious consideration, especially as it was tenanted for 4 of those 6 years!

I think that I will collect samples of laminate up to bash with a hammer look at in situ...

Yes I must admit, the most fun part is the road testing with the hammer! Make sure to use the prongy side too to replicate dragging furniture over it.

Also for those with laminate....does the underlay make a huge difference? Worth investing in the more expensive type (am thinking it may be a bit springier and less plastic feeling?) Or does it not make any difference? Given the savings in laminate versus wood Iwould not mind paying more for underlay but if it doesn't make a difference it would be good to know before I waste my money!