Is Laminate Flooring or Hardwood Better?

Hardwood and laminate flooring each offer advantages.

Traditional Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors have long been accepted as one of the best flooring options for homeowners looking for high-quality material, according to the University of Wisconsin. The ability to refinish hardwood floors adds greatly to their lifetime expectancy, reducing the environmental impact.

Advantages of Laminate

Laminate flooring works in damp areas inappropriate for hardwood floors and comes in a much wider variety of styles and designs, according to the University of Wisconsin. They are cheaper and easier to install compared to hardwood flooring as well. However, they can not be refinished which can prove a major disadvantage over many years.

Bottom Line

Choose hardwood flooring if you want the traditional look of wood floors and can afford the increased labor and material costs involved. Consider laminate flooring for damp areas, uneven or otherwise difficult floor surfaces or if finances require it.

References

• University of Wisconsin: Wood Flooring Options
• Oregon State University: Communicating the Green Advantages of Wood to Your Customers

Resources

• California State University: Flooring