I was at the local Lowes today looking at flooring. I noticed that there seems to be two levels of laminate flooring: low end stuff selling for around $1.50-$3.00sf and I guess what would be considered high end flooring selling from around $3.50-$4.50sf. This more expensive flooring is about twice as thick as the cheap stuff and some of it comes in really stricking colors.

Can anyone tell if if there is any really difference/benefit to the more expensive stuff? I noticed when I look at solid wood flooring that stuff was running around $8-$9 a sf. Would love some input on this. thanks.