[Ohiogirl]

I currently have tile in the kitchen and bathrooms up north, and hardwood in the rest of the house. In TV, have vinyl (high grade) in kitchen/baths and carpet everywhere else. Our carpet was an upgrade (looks like a short shag, not sure of the brand or name - came with the house) and after 5 years, and 1 good cleaning, it's in very good condition.

Even though I have sealed the tile up north at least twice with a supposedly "15 yr" grout sealer, it looks dirty and I think it's difficult to keep really clean unless maybe you clean thoroughly more often than I do. I don't think I'm a slob, but I don't clean the floors every week. A steam cleaner makes it easier but the grout still looks dirty.

Some neighbors in TV have put in tile thruout - I think they are sorry. Other neighbors replaced the vinyl and LR/DR carpet with a good grade of laminate wood-look flooring - doesn't scratch from dogs, looks great. I am one who always thought wood-look laminate looked like fake wood. This product has made great improvement in the last 10 years, and probably what I would go for when the carpeting needs replaced.

We are getting good about taking our shoes off when in TV and I like the feel of carpet on bare feet. I wear sandals/shoes when spending much time in the kitchen. Tile is hard on your feet and back when standing for very long.