The Differences Between Hardwood and Laminate Flooring

As the largest and top-ranked flooring retailer, we know that hardwood floors are probably the single most sought-after luxury material in the home market. Hardwood floors are timelessly beautiful, and can last for generations if properly cared for. But hardwood doesn’t come cheap, and many home-owners are often turn to laminate flooring as a more affordable option. Quality laminate flooring can provide the look and even the feel of natural wood, but at a much more accessible price point. There are various pros and cons for each choice, it just depends on your budget, your priorities, and what you think will work best in your home, for your lifestyle. Read on to learn more about the differences and similarities between these two popular flooring materials.

If aesthetics are your main concern, go with hardwoods. Nothing matches the sheer beauty of natural cherry or oak floors. But if your budget is a concern, you might want to consider laminate, which is made from a wood composite material formed under high heat and pressure. The material is finished with a faux wood-grain to imitate the looks of the real thing. Many laminate products look so real that your guests won’t even know it’s not a hardwood product. Best of all, you’ll save about 50 percent off the price of real hardwood.

Another thing to consider when browsing our Chicago hardwood flooring showroom is durability. If properly cared for, hardwood can last a long time, but even the hardest wooden floors are susceptible to scratches from furniture, scuffs from foot traffic, and damage from moisture. Laminate flooring is much more resistant to scratches and nicks than the real thing, since it’s made from a dense composite of pressed particles. Because laminate flooring is more moisture-resistant, it is a better choice for basements, and may stand up better in the long run in humid climates. Laminate is also easier to clean than real hardwood.

Although laminate flooring may be more durable than hardwood, it is harder to repair. If a hardwood floor is severely scratched up, faded, or otherwise damaged, it can always be sanded down and refinished. A hardwood floor that is 40 years old can look as good as new after such a treatment. In general, laminate floors are harder to repair, and they cannot be made to look brand new like wood floors can. Some laminate floors can be disassembled so that individual pieces can be replaced if necessary, but there is no guarantee that the finishes will match perfectly. Even if you buy exactly the same laminate product, different dye lots may have slightly different appearances. Also, sunlight will gradually fade the color of your floors, so new pieces will stand out.

Whether you choose hardwood or laminate flooring, your home will be more beautiful, easier to clean, and more valuable that before. If you still haven’t decided which product is right for your home, call Home Carpet One’s Chicago hardwood experts at 773-935-9314 for more information.

Tags: hardwood , laminate , affordable , aesthetics , repairs , cleaning , replacement , sunlight

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