Pros and cons of hardwood vs laminate floors – what we need to know
Both laminate and hardwood can offer you a beautiful and durable flooring for your home. However, if you are trying to decide between them, the choice might be difficult for you. Here are the most important things you need to know when comparing hardwood vs laminate floors.
When comparing hardwood vs laminate floors we should start with one of the biggest differences – one is a real wood and the other is not. This matters for the overall look and value of your home. There is no argument that natural wood adds value to your home and it is an investment worth making. Laminate, on the other hand can offer a very realistic wood look. With the improvement of technology laminate surface is very scratch resistant, the variety in colors in endless and it is for sure it will serve you a long time.
Another vary important feature to compare the advantages of laminate vs hardwood floors – what is the durability of both types. The top layer of laminate is very tough and is ideal for living areas with plenty of activities. It is durable, shock-resistant and slip-resistant. The fact that wood is made from real wood means that it is softer. This makes it more susceptible to scratches. Water damages are also to be considered. Water can damage both types, especially if there is a dripping or a leakage. However, with proper care and maintenance, both types are quite durable.
Laminate flooring is extremely easy to maintain. All you need to do is sweep it regularly with a cloth. It does not require sanding or polishing. Wood flooring has the big advantage that it can be sanded and refinished so it would as good as new.
Wood offers quite a few possibilities- distressed wood, engineered wood, which reduces the cost in general but laminate flooring is much cheaper than hardwood flooring. Ease of installation is another major factor. There are many options – from DIY click together styles of installation to really complex patterns. Depending on the purpose of the room, you need to decide which type is suitable. Experts recommend wood for areas with less traffic and activities, while laminate is more suitable for living areas.
