Hardwood Flooring vs. Laminate Flooring
This is an ongoing conversation between one of the top competing flooring materials: hardwood flooring vs. laminate flooring.
For instance, hardwood flooring has been around for hundreds of years. It is a classic look that creates a warm, natural feeling that has timeless beauty. Hardwood floors are featured in many real estate listing and considered a desirable amenity to buyers. Similarly, laminate flooring can provide a solid solution that can be just as beautiful and functional for a fraction of the cost.
However, laminate flooring is relatively new to the flooring game. In other words, it has become the biggest competitor to hardwood flooring, and recent advancements have made it increasingly popular. Therefore, the deffrences between the two are so small that many cannot tell the difference. Above all, budget is usually the deciding factor between these two options. Above all, they both provide a viable flooring remodeling option.
So Which Is Better?
Timeless, traditional hardwood flooring or the ever evolving laminate flooring?
This is not such an easy question to answer anymore. In other words, It is much more than just a price comparison. We have compared the two side by side for your convenience and understanding. They both have their benefits; however, they both have a place in the decision table
| Laminate | Hardwood | |
| Make-up/Construction | Composite made of layers of fibers in melamine, photographic layer, and coatings | Solid wood |
| Installed Cost | $ less than hardwood ($2-8) | $$$ more than laminate ($12-20) |
| Typical locations/use | High traffic areas and rooms like offices, bedrooms, dens, living rooms, sometimes kitchens. Hoever, not great choice in wet areas like bathrooms, but better than hardwood, and requires increased maintenance, can be used in kitchen with precautions. | Most residential rooms(not a great choice in bathrooms, engineered wood is better choice), not recommended below grade. |
| Durability | “Good scratch and abrasion resistance, cannot be refinished rated AC1 to AC6 some say will only last ten years” | Is susceptible to scratches from things like pets, but can be refinished a number of times, wear patterns may show in high traffic areas |
| Cleaning | Easy to clean, soap and water, should clean spills immediately and do not let water stand for extended periods | Need to minimize water and treat with oil? |
| Limitations | Standing or extended periods of exposure to liquid water | Slabs-on-ground w/ no vapor retarder, wet areas |
| Finish | Prefinished at factory, photo in clear resin based coating | Stain, clear coat (can be applied on site or at the factory) |
| Installation | Floating floor, adhered – easier and is often labled as DIY friendly | Nailed, floating, glued – considered on the hard side to install |
| Thickness | 1/4 in. (6 mm) to 1/2 in. (12 mm) | 3/4 in. (5/16 in. is also available) |
| Edge connection | Locking tongue and groove that “snap” together | Butt, spline, shiplap, tongue in groove |
| Dimensional Stability | Is more dimensionally stable with changes in humidity than hardwood and less requirements for expansion joints | Swells with high humidity and can cup, shrinks with low humidity, flutes often cut into back of plank (absorption strips) to help with cupping |
| Expansion joints | 40 ft. run max., and need 5/16 to 3/8 in. perimeter joints, t strips at doors and on large floors | Need 3/4 perimeter joints, about 10 x 12 is max, and on larger floor “dime” or “washer” gaps in center of large floors, can also use splines in center to reverse direction of grain, on maple gym floors 3, 6 or 10 ft. exp. Joints |
| On Site Conditioning | Acclimate 1 to 3 days onsite, some products not as senstive to humidty as hardwood | “Acclimate three days minimum MUST DO MOISTURE TEST TO COMFIRM MOISTURE CONTENT OF SUBSTRATE TOO” |
| Sunlight | UV inhibitor in top coat | Can fade at different rates (e.g carpet covered section vs. bare floor) |
| Resale | Surprised to find some realtors stating that quality laminate is desirable and helps to sell homes | Considered to add value by some, also seen as higher end floor material |
| Radiant heat | Yes | No |
So What Is The Outcome: Hardwood Flooring vs. Laminate Flooring
To answer the question, it truly depends on the use and personal preference. For instance, for those who want hardwood’s longevity and natural, warm feeling, the increased cost of materials and labor may be worth it. Also, for custom designs, the freedom to stain and finish the hardwood on site allows for a unique, precise color and gloss complementing the interior design. In other words, the color and look can be customized.
Advantange of Laminate Flooring
Hoever, those who have pets or are worried about scratching and wear may benefit from installing a high AC rated laminated floor. Or, for those who are working with limited funds but want the look of hardwood, laminate flooring provides an economical choice that meets both their aesthetic and budgetary requirements.
To conclude, we are expert in not only helping you make the right choice, but we can install any type of flooring you might be considering. Please contact us if you have any addtional questions about this or any other medoleing project. In addition to florring, AIS remodeling can tackle any remodeling project you might have in mind.