Laminate vs hardwood flooring are very popular choices with today’s homeowners. Whether you’re in the process of purchasing a home, or you’re in the midst of renovating your current one, choosing between laminate vs. hardwood flooring is a crucial decision.
At Rees Powell Custom Floors, we can help you get a better sense of these common flooring options with what they offer, how they differ, and which one may be best suited for your home.
Aspects of Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is made to look like wood. It’s a high-density fiberboard core that’s styled with a photographic image of wood but can be made to look like tile or stone. It also includes a clear layer on top that keep its aesthetic protected against scratches.
However, while laminate flooring is cheaper and easy to install, it’s not without a few drawbacks. Since it’s made from synthetic material, it’s not environmentally friendly. It also only lasts for about 10 years. Because of the material it’s made from, and its thinness, it can’t be sanded or refinished, so any scratches will be permanent.
Hardwood Flooring Benefits
Hardwood flooring is the gold standard when it comes to wanting the look and feel of wood floors in your home. While it’s more expensive than laminate, and requires professional installers, it’s highly durable. Wood floors may require routine maintenance every once in a while, but that maintenance is to help it last and continue looking its best.
Another key factor on the differences between laminate vs. hardwood flooring is that authentic wood floor can last a lifetime if it’s properly maintained whereas laminate needs to be replaced after a decade.
Maintaining Your Floors
Maintenance in your home is always important in order to fix any issues and to make sure everything is running smoothly. Your floors may require some major or minor maintenance over the years to help keep them lasting and looking good.
Wood and laminate flooring can be easily cleaned to remove any scuffs. However, scratches aren’t as simple. Scratches on hardwood floors can be sanded down and refinished, giving it the original smooth appearance prior to the incident. Laminate floors, on the other hand, can’t be refinished, so the scratch will appear as long as the laminate floors last.
Laminate vs Hardwood Floors: Making the Right Choice for Your Home
When you’re faced with a decision of which option to go with when it comes to your flooring, there’s a few underlying factors to consider. Hardwood floors look great and can actually add value to your home, which is favorable if you plan on selling. Laminate floors, while they look nice, don’t boost your property value.
If you decide to go the route of hardwood floors, you’ll want to consult professional installers. At Rees Powell Custom Floors, we have three generations of experience. We can assess the rooms in which you want flooring, take measurements, and help you review your wood type options.
When you’re ready to take the next step, contact us!