The marketplace has a lot of options when it comes to choosing flooring for your home. Among the common options you will find include laminate and hardwood flooring. While both look the same, they have some differences, making them unique in their own way.
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Laminate Flooring
Compared to hardwood, laminate flooring is more resistant to water, but not all of them are waterproof. A couple of laminate products provide improved water resistance, making them ideal for places where moisture is a major concern. So, always look at the manufacturer’s warranty and specifications for water-resistant options.
Pros
- More affordable
- Easy installation
- Extreme resilience
- Simple maintenance
- Beautiful appearance
Cons
- Not moisture-roof
- It can’t be refinished
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring isn’t water-resistant, and excess moisture may easily damage it. Without necessary precautions, it’s advisable for bathrooms, basements, or high-humidity places.
Pros
- Elegant look
- Requires little maintenance
- More versatile
- Guaranteed ROI
- Allergen reducer
- More durable
Cons
- Can be costly
- Prone to scratch
- Photosensitive
- Vulnerable to moisture damage
- Tough on pets
Key Differences
Laminate and hardwood flooring Geelong might look the same, but many other aspects look different. These aspects include the following:
1. Durability
How durable hardwood floors are depends on several factors, like what room they will be installed, the kind of wood used, whether unfinished or finished, and how properly they are maintained with proper polishing, waxing, and cleaning.
For homeowners, it is common to forego finishing new hardwood flooring so as to save cash. But unfinished hardwood flooring isn’t as durable as finished ones.
On the other hand, good laminate floors are less vulnerable to issues that plague solid hardwood flooring. Normally, the layer on top of the laminate flooring’s composition can help to protect it against nicks and scratches.
2. Installation
Few flooring installation jobs can inspire you to leave your own home more than refinishing and installing hardwood flooring. The curing time, lingering smell, and dust are not pleasant, potentially becoming dangerous at worst.
Laminates can easily and quickly be installed professionally without glue or nails. Plus, the finishing is often done in the factory rather than in the house.
3. Price
The price difference between laminate and hardwood flooring is significant. Usually, hardwood is harvested from trees, and the prices vary based on the wood grade, size, and how exotic trees are.
On the other hand, manufacturers use advanced photo technology to enclose photo images of wood planks between high-density backing and protective layers. The process of manufacturing, combined with cheaper materials, makes laminate flooring affordable.
4. Environmental Impact
As far as eco-friendliness is concerned, hardwood flooring is a better option. This is because it’s completely biodegradable and recyclable, so it doesn’t contribute to landfill overflow.
But mostly, laminate flooring is recycled, slightly minimizing its environmental impacts. In addition, most laminate floors nowadays are LEED-certified. The certification shows that the manufacturer of the floor meets sustainability standards.
Choosing between hardwood and laminate flooring comes down to budget and preferences. Hardwood floors have the feel and look of real wood, which laminate mimics but can’t match. While hardwood may quickly wear than laminate, you can refinish it.
On the other hand, laminate better resists water damage, dents, and scratches. Plus, its features that imitate the appearance of real wood make it a suitable option for places with high traffic and homeowners looking to install hardwood floors on a budget.