Why is laminate flooring better than hardwood

When it comes to laminate vs. Our advice: make sure to find a flooring dealer near you to discuss the differences in quality between each of these materials. A small investment now may save you a bigger investment down the road.

The price range reflects quality above all else. Higher-quality brands and styles will offer more advantages, like better durability and a more realistic photo layer. Exotic species will cost a bit more.

But you will save compared to solid hardwood, since engineered planks require less wood. Fun fact: according to Forbes , engineered wood floors are a more environmentally friendly option! Installation cost can be a game-changer when it comes to the financial bottom line of any type of flooring.

Your best bet is to contact a flooring store in your area to get an accurate quote for your project. On the flip side, it takes time, experience, and a monumental level of patience. This means you can install them over just about any subfloor , and the end result is a seamless look.

Like most things in life big sigh , there are advantages and disadvantages of floating floors. On the flip side, they can be creaky if not installed properly and may not last as long. But more commonly, wood flooring is installed by fixing each board to the subfloor with nails or glue. Our best advice here is to let the professionals handle solid hardwood installation as it can be a tedious process and you definitely want to get it right the first time!

Laminate flooring looks amazing, and most modern varieties are at the very least water-resistant. That means it can be installed in just about any room! Heck ya! Yep—although it might be worth checking out the differences between tile vs. No matter where you choose to install your laminate floor, make sure you have an underlayment between the subfloor and laminate planks. Some planks come with an underlayment layer attached. Your local flooring folks will let you know exactly what you need for installation.

One of the biggest disadvantages of solid hardwood flooring is that the boards are prone to shrinking and swelling with variable temperatures. Product Categories. Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin. Laminate Flooring. Hardwood Flooring. It is time to compare laminate vs. Let the showdown begin. Composition and Sizes Hardwood Composition and Sizes Hardwood flooring, as the name suggests, comes from wood. Laminate Composition and Sizes Laminate flooring is made up of 3 layers: Wood byproduct: in most cases, the material is plywood Wood-like design: over the first layer, there is a design that mimics wood Clear or photographic layer: this part is transparent and wear-resistant.

It makes the wood-like design visible and protects the material from abrasions and scratches. Laminate flooring boards are thinner than hardwood. Laminate Vs. Hardwood Flooring Installation Hardwood Floor Installation Wood flooring has a tongue and groove joint to hold the planks together.

Laminate Floor Installation Unlike hardwood, laminate flooring is easy to install. Appearance Hardwood Appearance Hardwood floors are arguably the coolest flooring material in appearance. Application Differences Because of the physical and composition variations, wood and laminate floorings have functional differences. Hardwood Application Pros and Cons Hardwood flooring is not resistant to water.

Some of the maintenance practices of wood flooring are: Damp mopping Refinishing Mold removal Sweeping Use furniture pads Laminate Application Pros and Cons The material is superior in resistance to water, abrasions, and scratches. Laminate vs. Hardwood Flooring: Which Takes the Day?

Dallas, TX. Fort Worth, TX. Lewisville, TX. Stemmons Frwy. Additionally, some types of hardwood floors can be discolored if exposed to the sun for long periods of time. The reality of flooring costs and what you can afford may be miles apart. Take into consideration the cost of laminate and hardwood flooring to determine what is best for you. But keep in mind that hardwood flooring is made of harvested trees; pricing depends on the type of wood you choose. In general, hardwood is considerably higher to buy and to install.

PROS — Laminate wood flooring is made from composite wood pressed together at high temperatures. The image of hardwood is then placed over the composite wood, covering it to form the laminate. Not only are the materials themselves cheaper, but laminate wood installation cost is, on average, 50 percent less than hardwood installation. Again, the exact prices will vary depending on the types of materials used and the size of your home.

Assess the traffic load and wear and tear on flooring in your home. A more durable surface is easier to maintain and will look great for years to come. But how durable is laminate flooring compared to hardwood? PROS — Hardwood is the real deal; it is gorgeous and, depending on the type of wood, can add considerable value to your home. CONS — Hardwood is susceptible to scratching, can get damaged from excessive moisture and will show wear, especially in heavily trafficked areas.

PROS — Since laminate is made from pressed wood, it is more durable and resists scratches, moisture and wear and tear. Generally, the harder the hardwood, the more expensive it is, but also the more durable it is. The cost to finish and treat a floor can vary as well. Homeowners should be careful purchasing cheaper brands of laminate flooring, however, as it may be much more prone to damage and require replacement far sooner than more expensive, quality brands.

In general, hardwood flooring and laminate flooring are relatively easy to maintain, but some care is required. Both floors will last longer if they are kept clean and not subjected to harsh treatment that might lead to scratches or otherwise cause damage. Both will last better if rugs are used in a room — especially to protect from moisture — and if felt pads are applied to the feet of furniture.

They should be regularly swept free of dirt and other debris or vacuumed. Wet-mopping hardwood is discouraged, and though laminate flooring is typically more water resistant than most hardwood flooring, water spills should not be allowed to sit on either, but instead should be wiped up promptly. Allowing water to stand on either type of flooring for long periods of time may result in stains or warping.

With hardwood floors, it is particularly important to use the right kinds of cleaners. Cleaners intended for linoleum or vinyl floors should not be used on hardwood, as they might ruin protective finishes. Both types of flooring will likely require sawing in order for the planks to fit the exact dimensions of a room. Moreover, current weather conditions i. Hardwood flooring is more difficult to install than laminate flooring generally, but hiring a professional for a new installation or for repair work of either is highly recommended.

For DIY jobs, how difficult installation will be depends on experience and how the hardwood or laminate flooring is cut for installation.

Today, many hardwood floors, particularly those that are made of engineered wood , are pre-cut into tongue and groove planks that snap into place, but some hardwood flooring is still made in the traditional fashion. With its typical tongue and groove planks, laminate flooring is meant to be easy to install, but a professional will almost certainly install it better than someone less experienced with flooring will, especially when it comes to trickier matters, such as soundproofing laminate flooring can be quite noisy.

Hardwood flooring can be very environmentally friendly, provided it is bought from a supplier with responsible forest management practices and installed with eco-friendly glues if needed. One of the best ways to buy from an environmentally friendly source is to look for hardwoods certified by the Forest Stewardship Council FSC.

It is difficult to determine the environmental impact of laminate floors. While it is common for recycled materials to be used in laminate flooring, it is also made with a resin composed of melamine and formaldehyde. Formaldehyde emissions, particularly in certain temperatures, may be cause for some environmental and health concerns ; however, a South Korean study from showed formaldehyde emissions may be reduced with different manufacturing standards.

At present, no scientific body within this U. Most people can't tell if a floor is real hardwood or laminate just by looking at it casually you can take a test here. Here are some guidelines you can use to tell the difference:.