Laminate vs. Hardwood

Flooring can transform spaces, making homes more comfortable, complementing paint and unique features and empowering people to highlight their tastes. When it comes to choosing flooring, one of the most common debates is whether to choose laminate or hardwood. These flooring types can look alike, offering a beautiful style that lasts for years to come. 

Other than the exceptional finishing these flooring types provide, nearly every other aspect of them is different.

What Are Laminate and Hardwood Floors?

Hardwood is pretty self-explanatory. This flooring option uses a range of wood, such as oak or pine, to create luxurious flooring pieces. Customers can opt for pre-finished hardwood flooring or apply protective coatings, paint or stain at home to achieve their desired look. Classic hardwood flooring is durable and provides a timeless beauty that many homeowners love. 

Laminate is a synthetic flooring option that provides a budget-friendly way to create a natural wood or tile look while embracing unique properties. This flooring type comprises fiberboard and printed images to simulate desired looks. The manufacturing process involves fusing multiple layers together with high pressure and heat to create a durable and beautiful product. 

Understand the Differences: Wood vs. Laminate

If you want to embrace the look of wood, opting for laminate or hardwood flooring can be an excellent option. However, these pieces have significant differences in price, resistance properties, cleaning requirements and more. Evaluating these differences is crucial for finding the flooring type that fits your budget and lifestyle. Consider these differences:

1. Appearance 

Although laminate can imitate hardwood styles well, there will be subtle differences between these flooring options. Natural wood has unique patterns and grains throughout the flooring, while laminate uses repeat patterns to create the wood look. It's worth noting that you often have to inspect laminate closely to spot these differences, but if you seek the most natural look possible, hardwood flooring is the way to go. 

2. Durability

These two flooring types utilize different materials. While hardwood flooring can be wood varieties like Brazilian Cherry, White Oak, Hickory, Native Oak and more, laminate utilizes artificial wood. Naturally, these materials have different properties and durability. Most notably, hardwood can last a lifetime with proper care. Natural wood floors can succumb to flooding but can stand against other forms of wear and tear. If you experience any damage to hardwood floors, you can request professional sanding and refinishing services to restore the look without replacing any components.

Laminate floors, although relatively durable, do not last as long as natural wood. Elements like water, dents, scratches and excessive sunlight can cause wear on laminate flooring, and you must replace damaged pieces because you cannot sand or refinish this flooring type. 

3. Price

Your budget will significantly impact your flooring decision. Laminate is generally more cost-friendly upfront than hardwood flooring, but you must consider the value as well. For example, you can find lower price points for laminate, but these options may experience wear sooner, prompting you to spend more on maintenance. 

Choosing high-quality laminate products can be about as expensive as low-quality hardwood options. Depending on the look you want to achieve and the care you can administer to your flooring, you might find you want to spend more or less on your choice. 

It may also benefit you to consider the resale value of both floor types. Hardwood flooring in great condition can increase property value, offering the potential for a great return on investment (ROI). While laminate can be a great addition to low or mid-ranged houses, it likely won't have the same ROI impact that hardwood can. 

4. Comfort

One of the most significant pros of laminate flooring is comfort. Laminate flooring has a foam layer to provide a springy step and warmer feel. This additional foam can also combat noise levels, making for a more comfortable space in more ways than one. 

Hardwood flooring will be much harder on your feet. Although the flooring surface is usually smooth, it is still less comfortable than laminate. You can combat this by using high-quality area rugs in your high-traffic areas, but if you're hoping for an all-around more comfortable experience, laminate is the way to go. 

5. Resistance Properties

Every kind of material is susceptible to some element or wear. Identifying those factors is one of the best ways to care for your flooring and ensure its longevity. Hardwood is susceptible to water, making it a less ideal choice for wet areas or places that could face damage from floods or standing water. Places like the bathroom and basement can face excess moisture, which can cause long-term damage to your wood and force seams to open. 

Laminate surfaces are highly stain- and water-resistant. Tight seals prevent water from trapping into your boards, and cleaning moisture spills quickly can easily protect your laminate flooring from moisture damage. That said, sometimes laminate installation leaves gaps that moisture can get under and loosen or warp the laminate pieces.

6. Cleaning Requirements

Cleaning either flooring type is relatively easy. Caring for hardwood flooring often only requires a broom or vacuum and a damp mop with a wood cleaner. Many modern hardwood floors are pre-finished, meaning homeowners don't need to wax or polish them to keep them clean. You can also clean laminate floors with a broom or vacuum and damp mop. Homeowners should avoid steam cleaning laminate floors. Avoid excessive amounts of water on either flooring type. 

7. Installation Processes

Another element to consider is the installation process. If you want to install your flooring yourself, the easier option will be laminate. Hardwood flooring requires a stapler or floor nailer, and you typically need to sand and finish the planks after installing them. This process can be lengthy, and professionals are more likely to deliver your desired results. Laminate flooring offers simple installation. The planks connect at the edges, eliminating the need for glue or fasteners and making it an excellent DIY project. 

How to Decide Which One Is Right for You

Ultimately, both types of flooring have incredible benefits and deliver beautiful aesthetics. When you need to decide which one is best for your space, it's helpful to consider:

• Climate and location: Knowing what elements can damage each flooring type can help you choose the right one. If you live in a wet area or intend to add new flooring to rooms that experience excess moisture, you'll likely want to stay away from hardwood. 
• Budget: If you're looking for a wallet-friendly improvement project, laminate may be the better option. If you're renovating a small space, you may find that you can opt for more expensive materials, as you'll be covering less area. Be sure to factor installation and labor costs into your budget if you plan to request a professional service. 
• Lifestyle and intended use: Your flooring should support your lifestyle and daily activities. If you have a busy home with kids and pets, opting for a more durable flooring type in high-traffic areas can save you hassle later. You can also swap your flooring types throughout your home rather than relying on one type. For example, consider laminate in your kitchen while placing hardwood in the dining room to have the best of both worlds. 

Purchase Laminate Flooring or Hardwood from Carpet & Tile Mart

At Carpet & Tile Mart, you can find quality flooring options to support your lifestyle and preferences. Our goal is to save you the time, money and hassles so many people spend when looking for flooring. With a massive selection and dedicated customer support, we can help you make the right choice to meet your needs and budget. We buy all of our flooring materials direct from manufacturers and mills, so you can focus on finding the right flooring while avoiding unnecessary markups. 

Use our store locator to find a location near you to find the best options for the best value. We look forward to serving you.