Laminate Vs Hardwood Flooring
Deciding it is time to remodel a home or business is only the first step in the process. Those who are looking to replace a floor have many choices. Laminate and hardwood flooring are two of the most popular choices for a fresh look. Which of these types is better? In this article, we will discuss laminate VS hardwood flooring and which is best for you.
How Laminate and Hardwood Floorings are Made
Before getting into the pros and cons of both types of floors we need to know how each is made. Although both laminate flooring and hardwood flooring appear to the eye to be very similar, they are manufactured entirely differently.
Hardwood flooring is the simplest of the two as it owes much of its construction to nature. Hardwood flooring is taken from trees, cut to size, and stained with several different colors. Laminate flooring on the other hand is made from resins and wood particles that are pressed together. The top layer of the pressed composite material is usually printed with a wood design to simulate real wood.
Read this post: Why hardwood flooring is perfect for the entire house. We know you’ll love it!
The Pros and Cons of Hardwood Flooring
Pros:
- Long Life- Hardwood flooring is known to last many decades if care is taken to keep it in good condition. Many houses built during the 19th and 20th centuries with hardwood floors are still standing and used today.
- It is Organic- You cannot get much more natural than wood made from trees. As long as the flooring is not coated with a toxic substance, you can consider it one of the safest products to use.
- Easy to Clean- One of the benefits of a hardwood floor is it easy to clean as long as the floor has been sealed. An easy sweep and mop will have the floor shining in no time.
- Adds Value- Once a hardwood floor is installed, it adds value to your home. If you ever decide to sell your house the hardwood floors will be an attractive selling point.
Cons:
- Cost- Of all of the different types of floors available, real hardwood is one of the most expensive. This also depends greatly on the type of hardwood you use.
- It Breaths- Hardwood flooring tends to expand and retract with the seasons. Some of this can be prevented within a climate-controlled environment, but if it is subjected to humidity, hardwood can bow and crown as it expands.
- Require Maintenance- Due to high traffic areas, your hardwood floor will require some type of buffing and polishing every few years.
- Professional Installation- Hardwood floors may require a professional carpenter to install.
The Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring
Pros:
- Easily Installed- Most laminate floors are manufactured for easy floor installation. This is one reason it is a top choice for DIY homeowners. Most laminate flooring comes with click-together edges and ends that make it simple to floor your home.
- Durable- Once laminate flooring is installed there is very little upkeep other than cleaning it.
- Cost Value- Laminate flooring costs much less per foot than hardwood flooring both in upfront cost and installation
- Appearance- Since laminate flooring has a design printed onto the outer layer, it comes in many colors.
Cons:
- Moisture Damage- Although the top layer of the laminate flooring is quite resistant to water, the pressed material underneath is easily damaged by liquids. This is important if you live in a flood plain or have plumbing that leaks. Once the pressed composite material is affected with water, it is no longer stable, will swell and come apart.
- Replaceable, Not Repairable- Unlike a hardwood floor, once the laminate is damaged from foot traffic or other causes, it cannot be repaired.
- You Cannot Change the Design- Over the years, hardwood floors can be sanded, stained, or painted any color your heart desires. Laminate flooring will always have the same design printing and cannot be changed.
- Warping Can Occur- Laminate floors need to be acclimated to the room you are installing them. Without acclimation or during extreme humidity changes, laminate flooring can warp.
Choosing a Floor Type For Your Home or Office
Now that we have seen the different benefits and disadvantages of both hardwood and laminate flooring, you can make a choice based on your needs. Read these helpful tips for choosing the right flooring. Keep in mind that decisions must be made based on several factors:
- What type of budget you have for the remodeling project
- If your home or office prone to water damage
- How often you like to change the colors and updates to your home or office
- What your high traffic areas will look like. Multiple animals, children, or even frequently hosting guests can go into your decision.
- Your love of natural products VS practical solutions regardless of what the product is made from.
In the end, the decision you make may end up based solely on your taste. In addition, you may want to strongly consider where you are buying flooring. Flooring Pros is an Augusta based flooring company that provides installation and product sales. Be sure to give them a call if you’re in the area.
Before purchasing, make sure you see all of your choices before making a decision. Looking at products online or an image in a magazine will be different than viewing and touching your possible choices.
