I don't expect laminate flooring to replace hardwood. We used hardwood upstairs, but I'm planning on using the laminate flooring in my basement, excepting the laundary room and bathroom. Since the laminate is basically like formica, which holds up to tons of abuse, it should be plenty durable so long as the basement doesn't flood. With the snap-together type of laminate material, it's a DIY project, and I found I can do my whole basement cheaper than carpeting it, which I'm not sure I'd want anyway.

Sg