Laminate Wood Flooring

[Pickers]

I am looking for support, advice, guidance peoples - if you can spare any!

Some of you may know that in a few weeks my new kitchen is going to be installed, and before that happens, I need to get the flooring sorted.

I have opted for laminate wood tongue and groove stuff
Here (http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9966589&fh_view_size=10&fh_eds=%3f&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB%2fcategories%3 C{9372013}%2fcategories%3C{9372028}%2fcategories%3 C{9372109}%2fspecificationsProductType%3dlaminate_ flooring%2fspecificationsSpecificProductType%3daqu aloc%2b&fh_refview=lister&ts=1277232340863&isSearch=false)

What are people's experience on laying this stuff? Easy? Waste of money?
Im so unsure, but HAVE to get this done with minimal time availible to me.

The floor does have a slight raise around an old fireplace which I am a little concerned about as I dont want the wood to bend and break (obviously) so may have to back some underlay type stuff in certain areas.


The alternative will be vinyl I guess - cheaper, easier, but altogether not as good (but then, I could mess up the laminate making it utter crap)

[Piggymon]

Depending on how much your budget stretches to I would get some Karndean.

You get the same nice wood effect but without the ' plastic ' feel of laminate

www.karndean.co.uk

We have it in our lounge, bathroom and kitchen - can't reccomend it enough :)

[Mark]

Concur having slept on the results. :)

Though 'good' (generally expensive :() laminate doesn't seem to have the plastic feel either.

[Pickers]

ohh does look nice - but I doubt I can afford it... :/
Lamiate I can afford, but am worried I wont install it well
Vinyl I can certainly afford, and can install it effortlessly, but am concerned it will devalue an otherwise high quality kitchen.

Ive already had to opt for lining paper rather than a reskim due to time and money constaints :(

[Piggymon]

It's not as expensive as you may think :)

[Pebs]

Laminate is easy, I promise!

[Wossi]

Laminate is easy, I promise!

This. Me and my dad laid it in his house in the living room/dining room and in the kitchen and my friends wife laid it in their living room while she was pregnant.

[Admiral Huddy]

Laminate is easy, I promise!

yep, the good side is they are clean and you wonder how you ever lived with carpet.

The bad side is they are dirty because the dust shows quicker and you'll want your carpets back :D