Comparison of Laminate & Hardwood

Although laminate flooring can look close to natural wood, it is often more uniform than the real thing.

Flooring options are endless, and all have their benefits and disadvantages. Laminate flooring has become an alternative to solid wood floors. Laminate can be manufactured to look very similar to natural wood, but is produced at a much lower cost.

Hardwood

Hardwood floors are made from solid wood, which is produced in various thicknesses and lengths. Hardwood floors are considered to be higher quality than laminate and can be purchased in a variety of different grades. Wood floors are often non-uniform because of the natural material they are made from. Although some homeowners may not appreciate the random pattern, others may find it charming.

Laminate

Laminate flooring has the look of natural stone or wood, but is manufactured using a computerized system. An image is taken of the natural material and is then applied to the laminate flooring material to provide the look of the real thing. The flooring is then covered with a heavy duty finish to prevent damage.

Installation

According to the Laminate Flooring Co., installing laminate flooring does not require glue and is easy to do without professional help. These floors can be installed over almost any type of sub floor, which makes them a popular option with many homeowners. Hardwood floors can only be installed over certain types of flooring. A flooring manufacturer can provide detailed information on what can and cannot be used as sub flooring. Installing wood floors requires more intensive labor and may warrant professional assistance.

Price

Laminate flooring is a more economical option due to the process by which it is manufactured. Hardwood flooring requires more intensive labor and more time, which makes it a more expensive option. Hardwood flooring also utilizes natural resources that are quickly becoming limited.

Maintenance

Laminate Flooring Co. considers laminate flooring a "maintenance free" flooring option. Laminate flooring planks are coated with a heavy, aluminum oxide finish that protects the design of the floor. This makes laminate able to withstand high traffic levels without excessive wear and tear. The maintenance of hardwood floors can be more intensive than laminate. In addition to regular cleaning, you must take special care to minimize scratching.

References

• Laminate Flooring Co.: Laminate Flooring
• Hardwood Installer: Solid Hardwood Floors
• Hardwood Installer: Cleaning Hardwood Floors
• HGTV: Install Hardwood Floor