If you’re considering installing new flooring in your home or business, the options available today can seem overwhelming.
Whether it’s for your living room or your customer lobby, both laminate and hardwood flooring are viable choices that will add durability and beauty to any space.
Before you decide on your next flooring material, read on to learn more about laminate vs hardwood flooring so you can weigh the pros and cons of each.
Laminate vs Hardwood and Durability
Since your floors undergo a lot of heavy foot traffic and other wear and tear, you certainly need something that can hold up well to heavy use. In terms of durability, laminate and hardwood each have their own perks as well as their own downsides.
Hardwood is very prone to get scratched and can also become permanently damaged if exposed to too much moisture. It also needs to be refinished or re-sealed on occasion in order for the floors to maintain their original, natural beauty. On the other hand, hardwood looks beautiful and will add value to a newly-remodeled home.
Laminate flooring is made from pressed wood and can handle moisture and resist scratches more effectively than hardwood. It’s also much easier to keep clean and does not require refinishing. And, while it’s certainly more durable than hardwood, it may not be as visually pleasing to some than hardwood, so be sure to choose something high-quality with a natural woodgrain look.
Which Flooring Costs More?
You’re going to pay more for hardwood flooring, but the price you pay can depend on the type of wood you choose and the finish. Overall, hardwood floors cost more per square foot and it’s much more labor-intensive to install.
With laminate flooring, you’ll get a lower price on both the material itself and the cost of installation. If you’re planning to re-do your floors on a budget, laminate is a better option.
What it really comes down to is how you want your floors to look and how busy your home or business is to get the most for your money. If you have a bustling household, laminate might be better since it’s not only cheaper, but it will also be able to handle lots of activity better than hardwood can.
How About Maintenance?
In the battle of laminate vs hardwood, you can maintain laminate more easily in the longterm. However, once laminate is damaged, you won’t be able to repair it without either removing the entire floor and starting over or finding the exact board to reinstall if you happen to have extra materials.
For hardwood floors, you can sand out any imperfections, restain, and then re-seal them. This makes hardwood more durable and easy to maintain in the longterm, even if it’s a bit more work.
Choose Your New Floors Wisely
As you can see, when you’re looking at laminate vs hardwood flooring, there’s plenty of pros and cons to each material. Consider things like the total cost, the size of your home, and how much traffic you think your floors will get.
Each type of flooring offers beauty and versatility to your home, so it’s really up to you to determine which style will give you what you need.
For your new flooring needs, be sure to contact us today and visit our website for more information.
