Suggestions and stories needed. We have 3 kids, 2 dogs (inside). I am on the fence. We bought stuff for doing the tile but now I am thinking laminate.
If you do choose tile, I would recommend having very tight, close and narrow grout lines. I speak from experience: In an home I used to own, I had 12 black and white tile in the kitchen, installed on the diagonal. It looked great, until the grout lines began to get stained from general wear and tear. Yes, the grout was sealed, but it still stained over the next 5 years. If I had it to do again, I would still get the tile, but have the installer place the tiles VERY close together so you don't have such a wide grout line to try to keep clean. Hope this helps! :)
Both are good choices. Tile is more durable but its cold in the winter and harder on the feet. Laminate has a warmer feel and the pad gives it a little bit softer feel. Plus glass objects don't always break when you dop them on it. But it can be damaged a lot easier than tile. I am not saying its easily damaged, by no means, its very durable and will with stand 3 kids and 2 dogs. Laminate is also not recommended in high moister areas. As far as maintaining the floors, Laminate is easier just wipe it up a few times a month and your good to go. Tile needs the grout to be sealed and needs to be scrubbed when t gets real dirty.
Tile. Your dog won't be able to grip on the laminate very well at all and will slip all over the floor making a lot of noise all the time. You would have to get the more expensive laminate for it to last with so much use within your family, so you may as well tile. Tiles will last for many many years, laminate especially with dogs won't last the distance. You can get tiles that look like, and are coloured like laminate. Best of both worlds. Good luck
