Hardwood versus Laminate Flooring: Which is best for your home?
Making flooring decisions is tough enough with all the choices out there. Each direction offers Pros and Cons for the home owner or investor. Well, these are difficult decisions and T Brothers Tile is here to help you with those big decisions in your home.
Living room wood flooring
What’s What?
Laminate is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product. It is designed to imitate the appearance of real wood. The core layer of laminate flooring is manufactured primarily from melamine resin and fiber board material. The top layer has an imprinted textured image made to look like real wood.
Engineered hardwood flooring is a type of wood floor that consists of several wood or plywood layers. Bottom and middle layers are manufactured from cross-laid solid wood or plywood planks. The top layer consists of a solid sawn wood lamella, often stained and prefinished in factory setting. Solid hardwood flooring planks are produced from single pieces of wood, can be purchased unfinished or prefinished.
In essence, while solid or engineered hardwood flooring is manufactured from real wood and preserves the unique textured grain and appearance of natural wood, laminate flooring is only an imitation. Although some types of high quality laminate floors might look like real wood, there are far more differences between these products than what initially meets the eye.
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Laminate |
Wood Flooring |
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Appearance |
Pre-designed and consistent patterns throughout. | Uniqueness of an authentic wood is impossible to replicate. Texture and variation to wood grains. |
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Moisture |
High resistance to moisture and often used in kitchen and bathrooms. (Check with manufacturer to ensure warranty would not be void) |
Organic, “breathing” material that responds to fluctuations in humidity and temperature. Not recommended for kitchens and bathrooms. (May void warranties) |
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Repairing and Refinishing |
Can be harder to repair. Laminate can not be sanded or refinished. | Can be sanded, stained or refinished. Due to the uniqueness of wood, treatments can give the wood even more depth and texture. |
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Durability: Climate and Animal friendly? |
Excellent, due to hard surface. Can withstand more heat, scratches, and fading. Perfect for heavy foot and animal traffic. | Very good, depending on species and finish. However, a more soft product and is susceptible to denting and fluctuations based on moisture and temperature. |
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Maintenance |
Super Easy: Can sweep, use a dry mop, or damp cloth. | Easy but should only use special hardwood flooring cleaners that are recommended by the manufacturer. |
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Longevity
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Typically replaced within 15-20 years. Wear and tear will eventually set in as the flooring can not be sanded or refinished. | Lifetime if maintained correctly. Since hardwood is typically easier to repair and replace. |
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Cost
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Less expensive and may be the most effective if you are looking for an imitation look without the price. | You are paying more for the material, texture, and uniqueness while having a more upscale and luxurious look in the home. |
Our Thoughts?
Wood versus laminate is a mostly a personal preference based on budget and your short term and long term goals for the home. There are some great laminates out there, and may even save half the price on a laminate versus wood. Wood has a distinctive look and feel that can’t be replicated, and for that reason is chosen by most of our clients.
Please contact a Sales Representative at 702-221-8453 to set up a free consultation with estimate to review laminate and wood options for your home or investment property.
