Laminate vs Hardwood
When it comes to deciding which kind of flooring to choose for your home, there are typically two options: laminate vs hardwood. Both come with their highs and lows, such as hardwood flooring with its hefty price tag — although it lasts longer than laminate flooring. Or perhaps you will favor laminate flooring because it does not scratch as easily as hardwood flooring — although repairs could involve having to redo the whole floor.
Laminate vs Hardwood Flooring
The best way to determine which flooring is the best for you and your home is to weigh up the pros and cons. And that is precisely what we are going to do!
Aesthetics
Laminate Flooring
Pros:
- Laminate flooring does not scratch or mark as easily as hardwood flooring.
- Its aesthetical appearance stays the same for a long time.
Cons:
- Laminate flooring is entirely synthetic, so it can look cheap.
- Its design mimics the appearance of wood, although it does not always look genuine.
Hardwood Flooring
Pros:
- Hardwood flooring has a naturally beautiful texture which appeals to many homeowners for that reason alone.
- There are many different types of wood and finishes to choose from to create your ideal home flooring.
Cons:
- If not maintained properly, hardwood flooring can get scratched easily.
- Over time, many types of hardwood flooring can become discolored if exposed to harsh sunlight for too long.
Overall best for appearance: hardwood flooring.
Costs
Laminate Flooring
Pros:
- Laminate flooring is made up of composite materials, like wood, which are pressed together at very high temperatures. The process of this is far cheaper than hardwood flooring.
- The installation costs involved with laminate flooring are as much as 50% cheaper than hardwood flooring installation.
- Typically, laminate flooring costs between $3 to $7 per square foot, including installation.
Cons:
- In terms of costs, there are no negatives to investing in laminate flooring.
Hardwood Flooring
Pros:
- With hardwood flooring, you are investing in quality, making the vast expenditure far more worthwhile when you look at it from that perspective.
Cons:
- Hardwood flooring costs between $7 to $10 per square foot on average, including installation.
- The price will vary depending on the type of harvested tree wood you choose.
Overall best for cost: is laminate flooring.
Durability
Laminate Flooring
Pros:
- As laminate flooring is made from pressed wood, it is far more durable than hardwood flooring.
- It’s also able to resist moisture, scratches, and general wear and tear.
- Laminate flooring is incredibly easy to keep clean and scratch-free.
Cons:
- Although it is more durable than hardwood flooring, laminate flooring is not as visually appealing.
- Low-quality laminate flooring can have a very artificial and cheap look to it.
Hardwood Flooring
Pros:
- Hardwood flooring is the real deal and is beautiful to look at.
- It’s diverse in its choice of wood and finishes.
- Hardwood flooring can add considerable value to your home.
Cons:
- Hardwood flooring is not as durable as the laminate flooring.
- It’s prone to scratches and gets easily damaged from excess moisture.
- Hardwood flooring will show wear and tear over the years in highly frequented areas of the home.
Overall best for durability: is laminate flooring.
Care and Repairs
Laminate Flooring
Pros:
- Laminate flooring is easy to clean with minimal damage. Simply use a vacuum cleaner over it once a week to keep it clean.
- It’s water-resistant, so you can mop laminate floors whenever necessary.
- Laminate flooring does not trap dust as carpets do.
Cons:
- Laminate flooring does not hold standing water well if left on the surface.
- Once damaged, they cannot be sanded down.
- Laminate flooring must be replaced once significant damage has occurred.
Hardwood Flooring
Pros:
- Hardwood flooring is easy to keep clean when using a light vacuum cleaner or sweep.
- If they get scratched, hardwood floors can easily be refinished and restored to their previous state.
Cons:
- Hardwood flooring cannot be mopped with water due to its high sensitivity to moisture.
- You’ll need to buy furniture pads to avoid scratches on your hardwood floors.
- Hardwood flooring can change color after too much sunlight.
Overall best for care and repairs: is hardwood flooring.
Final Words
Whatever you decide is best for your home, remember that a home’s flooring is one of its most defining characteristics. Hardwood flooring remains the most popular choice as it is naturally warm and inviting, as well as timelessly beautiful. You’re more likely to see hardwood flooring in older homes, as more modern homes tend to utilize the ease and light price tag of laminate flooring. Whether you go for laminate or hardwood flooring, just make sure it is the right choice for you and your family.