Hardwood Flooring vs Laminate.

Laminate flooring has some advantages over hardwood flooring, but it also has some disadvantages. When deciding which type of flooring to buy, you should always educate yourself about the flooring that you are considering and determine if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. For your convenience, we have summarized the pros and cons of laminate flooring for your review. hardwood flooring vs laminate. Please consider your flooring needs and compare them to the information below to determine if laminate flooring is the right choice for you. 

Pros of Laminate Flooring

Cost efficient – Laminate flooring has the look of hardwood flooring, but costs about half the price. Laminate flooring is very affordable, since it is not made from real hardwood, so it costs much less to manufacture. It also costs much less to install than hardwood or ceramic tile, since it does not have to be nailed down, glued or grouted.   

Variety of Choices – Laminate flooring comes in a variety of colors and styles. It is available in planks that resemble the different species of hardwood or squares that resemble natural stone or ceramic tile.

Versatile – Laminate flooring is installed using a floating floor method, which means that the planks are attached to each other instead of the sub-floor. Thus, laminate flooring can be installed over wood sub-floor or concrete and can be used on grade, above grade or below grade, even in basements. Laminate flooring also transitions easily to other types of flooring such as carpet, vinyl, or tile using matching trims and moldings.  

Easy to Install – Laminate flooring is one of the easiest flooring to install yourself so you won’t need a professional installer. The planks are interlocking and join together through a click locking system and no glue is required for installation.

Easy to Clean and Maintain – Laminate is very easy to clean and is quite low maintenance. Just clean it regularly by vacuuming or use a dust mop or Swiffer to remove any dirt or dust from the surface. Only use factory recommended cleaning products. Clean up any spills using a soft cloth as soon as possible. A slightly damp mop may be used briefly to remove any stickiness as long as the floor is dried promptly with a dry cloth.

Durable – Laminate flooring is one of the most durable and scratch-resistant flooring available. It is ideal for children and pets because of its hard protective surface which can withstand a lot of foot traffic, impacts and can accommodate dog or cat’s claws without scratching.    

Environmentally Friendly and Hypoallergenic – Laminate flooring does not release any VOC emissions that are harmful to your environment. It also does not contain any allergens or harbor any dust or dirt like carpeting which requires professional cleaning.

Cons of Laminate Flooring

Shorter Duration Period – Laminate flooring is not made of solid wood, but a high density fiberboard and therefore, is not as long lasting as real hardwood or natural stone.   

No Refinishing – Although laminate flooring is durable, it does not have a real wood surface, so it cannot be sanded down and refinished, like real hardwood. In the event that the surface wears down or becomes damaged, it cannot be resurfaced and must be replaced. 

Low Water Resistance – Laminate flooring is not water resistant and cannot withstand prolonged exposure to water or high humidity. Moisture can seep between the seams and ruin the laminate flooring by causing HDF core to swell, which can make the floor bulk. That is why it is imperative to wipe up any spills promptly and dry the floor quickly to avoid any damage. It is recommended that a vapor barrier be installed underneath the laminate to prevent any moisture from the sub-floor being absorbed into the fiberboard core.     

Less Valuable – Laminate floor is not as valuable as natural resources like species of hardwood and natural stone. Therefore, laminate flooring will not increase the value of your home like the natural products that it resembles.

Louder – If you do not choose a quality underlayment, you will hear a hollow sound when you walk across a laminate floor. Since laminate flooring is not solid wood, it is naturally louder and you will hear more sound from footsteps than you will with a solid hardwood floor.   

Conclusion

It is important to have all of the facts before making an important decision. We hope this information has been instrumental in assisting you to make a wise choice regarding your flooring needs. If we can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to call us at 1-877-966-3983 to speak to one of our flooring experts. At woodwudy.com, we are here to answer any of your questions and help you in any way that we can. Please browse our website to view all of our amazing, high quality products.