Hardwood Flooring vs. Wood Laminate

Choosing what kind of floor to install in your home is an important decision to make. There are many factors to consider before deciding what type to install, like the kind of lifestyle you lead, your budget, the overall style of the house you want to achieve, and the climate in your area. If you have narrowed your choice down between hardwood flooring and laminate flooring, here is some information on both to help you decide.

Hardwood floors are made from natural wood. They come in strips or planks and they have natural patterns unique to each one. Hardwoods are very strong and durable and can last up to a hundred years, with proper care and maintenance. They are expensive, in both the product cost and the installation because you will need to hire people with hardwood floor expertise for it. However, in return for the expense, hardwood floors add real value to your home and save you money in the long run. They can be refinished several times instead of having to replace the whole floor if you plan on redecorating and if one plank gets damaged, you may easily replace that particular piece without removing others along with it or worrying about any pattern to follow.

One of its disadvantages, aside from the obvious expense, is the installation time it would take, as they have to be set up in planks individually. If you are in a hurry to get finished, it may not be the option for you. Hardwoods are also vulnerable to moisture and are not advisable in bathrooms or other rooms exposed to water or liquids often. They tend to lose their shine over time so waxing regularly is needed to maintain it.

Laminate flooring is a cheaper alternative to wood. They have a wide variety of styles and designs for you to choose from. They are very easy to maintain, no waxing and polishing need, and are more stain and damage resistant. They are designed to withstand moisture and humidity more than hardwood floors. Laminate floors are easy to install and you can save money by doing the installation yourself. There are actually instruction videos on the web to help you with the installation.

Compared to hardwoods however, laminate flooring has a much shorter life span, usually up to 20 years. In addition, if you ever feel the need to redecorate your house, they cannot be refinished. You will have to take the whole floor apart and install a new one. Repairing them can also be a hassle although they do come with warranties. You will have to remove several just to repair one defective plank, especially if there is a recurring pattern in the design. Laminate flooring, unlike hardwood, does not add a high resale value to your house overall - although many individuals do attempt to pass laminate off as actual hardwood flooring to buyers.