Hardwood vs Laminate Flooring: Which Is Right for You?

Do you want to know more about the differences between hardwood vs laminate floors? Keep reading and learn more about them here.

The average floor lasts between 10 and 30 years, depending on the material. Consequently, long-term homeowners may need to replace their home's flooring at some point. But which flooring material is best?

Today, we'll be comparing hardwood vs. laminate floors to determine how they're similar and how they differ. You can use the information in this guide to make an educated decision about your future flooring. So, read on!

Hardwood Floors: An Overview

Some of the oldest floors still in use today are hardwood floors. That's because hardwood floors are made of thick planks of wood that can be refinished, waxed, and polished.

When these floors begin to show signs of wear and tear, professional refinishers sand away the uppermost layer of the wood then seal the newly exposed layer with oil, staining agents, and/or wax.

That said, hardwood flooring also tends to be one of the most expensive flooring materials. And refinishing a hardwood floor can easily cost $1,000 or more.

Still, there's no denying these floors' durability and natural beauty.

Types of Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors come from thick, hardy trees. Consequently, the most common types of hardwood floors include:

• Oak
• Maple
• Ash
• Hickory
• Cherry
• Mahogany
• Walnut
• Bamboo

Each of these types has a unique color scheme and range. For example, oak tends to come in various rich browns and bright golds, typically showing a mix of hues that blend well together.

On the other hand, walnut flooring is often far darker, featuring chocolatey browns and rich coffee tones. And cherry hardwood flooring, as you might have guessed, tends to exhibit red and orange hues!

When choosing a specific type of hardwood flooring material, be sure to consider your home's color scheme. 

Hardwood Floor Costs

If you're looking to spend the least amount possible on replacing your current flooring, you might not want to choose hardwood flooring. That's because hardwood materials tend to be comparatively expensive.

For example, carpet typically costs about $3 per square foot, sometimes less. But the average hardwood floor costs about $10 to $15 per square foot. When you add installation costs to the equation, things get even pricier.

While carpet installation might cost about $5 per square foot, hardwood flooring installation costs an average of $10 per square foot, often more. However, hardwood's benefits may make these costs more than worthwhile.

Benefits of Hardwood Floors

You'll likely end up spending more on gorgeous hardwood floors than you would on Berber carpeting or discount tile. However, this elevated cost might be outweighed by the benefits of hardwood floors, which include:

• Flooring that could last a lifetime (with occasional refinishing)
• Increased home value
• Added feeling of warmth in your living spaces
• Reduced cleaning frequency

Unlike carpet, hardwood flooring won't harbor and hide pests and dirt. Additionally, a properly finished and maintained hardwood floor is resistant to moisture, spills, and impacts.

Drawbacks of Hardwood Floors

Though hardwood floors tend to be aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting flooring options, they can also be challenging to maintain. Some of the most notable drawbacks of hardwood floors include:

• Challenging installation
• High material and installation costs
• Prone to moisture damage (if unfinished or poorly maintained)

Laminate Floors: An Overview

Laminate floors look very similar to hardwood floors, but they're often available in a far wider range of colors and styles. Additionally, laminate floors tend to be far more affordable and easy to install.

That's because laminate floors are made of a combination of synthetic and natural materials. They're essentially particleboard cores that are covered in thick, plastic-like melamine. This lamination keeps the layers sealed.

If you're looking for the aesthetic appeal of hardwood but hoping to avoid the hefty price tag, you may want to consider opting for high-quality laminate flooring.

Types of Laminate Floors

There are essentially two types of laminate floors: Smooth and embossed. Smooth laminate floors often resemble hardwood floors and feature a glossy finish. Embossed floors, on the other hand, look like stone or tile.

Because laminate flooring is a synthetic material, the number of colors and styles is nearly endless. Consequently, laminate may complement a wide range of decor and color schemes.

Laminate Floor Costs

Laminate flooring is far more affordable than hardwood or natural stone. Typically, this material costs an average of $4 per square foot. That's less than half the average cost for hardwood flooring!

When it comes to professional flooring installation services, homeowners can expect to spend about $4 per square foot. Consequently, the total cost for laminate flooring materials and installation is about $8 per square foot.

Benefits of Laminate Floors

There are several reasons why you might want to opt for laminate when planning a flooring replacement or renovation. Some of the most significant benefits of laminate floors include:

• Affordable material and installation costs
• Simple installation that lends itself well to DIYers
• Wide range of styles and textures

Drawbacks of Laminate Floors

Every type of flooring material has advantages and drawbacks, including laminate flooring. Before you invest in this flooring type, be sure to consider its potential disadvantages, which include:

• An inability to refinish the floor if cracks and dents form
• The chance of coming into contact with volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Fast warping when exposed to moisture or spills

Hardwood Vs. Laminate Floors

Are you caught between choosing hardwood and laminate floors for your home? If so, you'll want to consider your budget and personal preferences.

Hardwood floors could be the better option for those looking to increase their home's value, enjoy a long-lasting floor, and reduce the amount of daily floor cleaning they need to do.

But laminate floors might be the smarter choice for those hoping to spend less on replacement flooring, enjoy the look of hardwood, or install their new flooring without professional help. 

High-Quality Flooring and Professional Installation

In the battle between hardwood vs. laminate flooring, the true winner is the one that suits your preferences and budget. Hardwood flooring can last a lifetime when properly maintained. But they can be pricey.

Laminate floors are made of synthetic materials and fiberboard. They often look like stained hardwood, but you can't refinish them. As such, laminate floors are more affordable but have a shorter lifespan.

Are you ready to renovate your flooring? If so, be sure to contact Eagle Flooring West to take advantage of our free in-home estimate!