Breaking Down the Differences: Laminate vs Hardwood Floors

If you read any home magazine or blog this year they will have one thing in common-- wood flooring.

Wood flooring has become increasingly popular and sought after in homes for many reasons. Not only does it give a beautiful and natural appearance, but it seems to transcend time.

Many home buyers seek out older homes because they are more likely to have original hardwood floors. Newer home builders tend to prefer the lower price point of laminate floors that still provide a natural look.

There are pros and cons to both hardwood and laminate flooring. Which is right for you depends on your preferences.

Keep reading for a deeper look at laminate vs hardwood flooring.

Hardwood flooring is much more expensive to buy and install than laminate flooring.

This is mostly because of the material itself. Hardwood flooring is made of actual trees that must be harvested. The type of tree determines the price, with more exotic types of trees making for a more expensive floor.

Laminate flooring is made from a composite wood that is pressed together at high temperatures. The laminate is then formed by covering up the composite with an image of hardwood.

The cost of materials is much less and the installation cost of the laminate is about 50% less than hardwood.

Hardwood is the easier of the two choices to repair.

You can repair hardwood relatively easily by sanding imperfections and then refinishing the wood. This is why many older homes still have their original hardwood floors, they last for years.

On the other hand, laminate does not repair easily. You will most likely have to replace the laminate rather than repair it.

Many homeowners install laminate using individual pieces that snap together. This makes it easy to replace a section, but be warned, depending on how old the surrounding laminate is and how much sun exposure it has had, it may not match the new piece.

Hardwood is more susceptible to scratches and damages than laminate.

Moisture is a common cause of damage to hardwood floors. If you are placing hardwood in a high traffic area or an area where pets have access, it may take on more damage.

Laminate is made from pressed wood making it resistant to scratches, moisture, and wear and tear.

If you are looking for durability and ease of maintenance, laminate flooring may be for you. Laminate is also easier to clean.

Hardwood typically has a more natural and preferable appearance.

The installation of hardwood, depending on the type of wood you use, can also add substantial value to your home.

Laminate, while less visually appealing, has plenty of pros. Laminate is prone to having artificial looking woodgrain textures.

Laminate vs hardwood is a debate that has no clear winner.

Both types of flooring have their pros and cons and each is better suited to a different lifestyle. If you are considering installing hardwood or laminate flooring in your house or business, consider consulting a professional. Our service areas include Phoenix , Scottsdale , Glendale, Peoria , Paradise Valley, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert, Surprise, Avondale, Buckeye, Goodyear, Tolleson, Cave Creek, Anthem, Fountain Hills, and the surrounding Phoenix Arizona areas.

Contact us today to get a free estimate.