Looking to spruce up your home but not sure which flooring to choose? Wondering about the differences between the two popular flooring options – laminate vs hardwood floor? Well, we at Floors Blvd, have your back!
Solid wood flooring is surely regarded as one of the best flooring options available for modern homes, but laminate flooring is considered as an inexpensive way to simulate the look of hardwood floors. The 3/4 inch thick hardwood wooden floors are made from a single piece of wood and is indeed a quality material, but you should not rule out laminate floors straightaway. In fact, both hardwood and laminate floors have their own set of positives, making them two of the most popular flooring options.
Laminate vs hardwood flooring: Major similarities
- Laminate floors come in different forms, and some of those mimic hardwood floors. These look just like real hardwood options with similar wood grain, patterns, and colors. There was a time when laminate floors used to look very artificial, but that has much changed over time.
- Since both laminate and hardwood floors look quite the same at times, they both look very elegant and prove effective in heightening the resale value of homes. That said, hardwood floors generally offer a better ROI than laminate options.
- Wondering about laminate vs hardwood flooring – as to which will serve you better? Well, as far as installation goes, both laminate and hardwood floors are installed as floating floors over a foam underlayment, or can be glued/ nailed to the subfloor.
Laminate vs hardwood floor: What makes them different?
- Solid hardwood is made up of a single piece of hardwood, and are usually 3/4 inches thick and come with tongue-and-groove edges that interlock together. These either come prefinished or unfinished, though the former is more common. On the other hand, laminate floors have a core layer of fiberboard made of wood byproducts. Over this, a special layer is added which has the design. The design layer is topped by a clear layer which protects it against the wear.
- Although quite popular in kitchens, solid hardwood floors should not be used in wet areas. Hardwood floors can be installed over radiant heating systems, but doing so may also cause the boards to shrink or the joints to open up. Whereas, laminate floors are quite heat and water resistant – so they are better at handling heat and water than hardwood floors.
- For those looking for some info on laminate vs hardwood flooring, the latter can last a lifetime and even more. It can be refinished or resanded depending on the wear. As for laminate flooring, it is moderately good at resistance to damage and can last for about 15 years. If and when the flooring boards are ruined, they cannot be sanded, but have to be replaced individually.
- Hardwood is a premium flooring option and thus homes with solid hardwood floors offer a good resale value. Laminate floors are more visible in mid-range houses, though if they are in good condition, they too can fetch you a good deal, though not as much as hardwood floors.
- As the name implies, hardwood floors are true to their name and are hard underfoot. These naturally feel warmer than some of the other flooring options available in the market. As for laminate floors, they feel somewhat soft underfoot. In fact, if the subfloor isn’t perfectly flat, the laminate floor may even flex at times.
Frequently asked questions
What is the price difference between laminate and hardwood flooring?
When comparing laminate vs hardwood floor, the price difference can be quite notable. Generally, laminate floor options tend to be more pocket-friendly than typical hardwood floors. In fact, people go for laminate floors mostly because of its affordability and ease of installation. So, the choice really depends on your budget, the aesthetics you are looking for, and the long-term plan you have for the home.
Which type of flooring is easier to maintain, laminate or hardwood?
Laminate flooring is easier to maintain, mostly because it is resistant to scratches, moisture, and stains. It requires only regular sweeping and some occasional mopping. On the other hand, while hardwood flooring is a more natural option, it does need more care. So, if you have a busy household or probably need a low maintenance option, we’ll suggest opting for laminate flooring.
Laminate vs hardwood flooring – Which one is better for high-traffic areas?
When it comes to high-traffic areas, laminate flooring may often seem like a better choice. The fact that laminate floors are quite durable, resistant to scratches, and are easy to maintain, makes them perfect for busy spaces. Hardwood floors are also very durable and look amazing, but can easily get scratched, thus needing more care.