The Pros and Cons of Hardwood Vs Laminate Flooring

If you like wooden floors, you have two choices. You can either lay a natural wood floor or opt for laminate flooring. Both look lovely, but they each have pros and cons. With our help, you’ll easily decide which is right for your next reno project!

Photo: Candelaria Design Assosiates

How Your Floor Looks and Feels

When it comes to the way they feel underfoot, they are virtually the same. Both are warm to stand on, and can have underfloor heating laid under them. In the past, hardwood would have been our choice looks wise, but laminate flooring has come a long way. The availability of new materials and manufacturing techniques means that laminate floors look just as good as natural wood.

Laminate is Easy to Install

Most people find it far easier to lay a laminate floor than a real wood floor. If you are planning to hire someone to do the work for you this is not a big consideration. On the other hand, if you are planning to do it yourself it is extremely important.

Harwood Floors Need More Maintenance

Photo: Steward Brannen Millwork

Long-term maintenance is something that you also need to consider. Again, in most cases, laminate flooring is far easier to look after than hardwood is.

Day to day it takes roughly the same amount of time to look after both types of floor. However, every few years you will need to wax, stain, or varnish your hardwood floors. Laminate flooring does not require this type of maintenance, which saves you time, hassle and money.

Take Cost into Consideration

Over the years, the price of hardwood has fallen. However, it is usually still far more expensive than laminate flooring.

Both Types of Floors are Durable

Photo: Kit Republic

In the past, if you wanted durability you would have definitely has been better off laying a hardwood floors. Today, you can also consider laminate flooring. The emergence of new production techniques and materials has allowed manufacturers to make laminate flooring that is far more durable. As a result, both kinds of floor have good wear and tear properties.

Regardless, of what type of flooring you opt for it is important to buy the right grade for the job. You can read more about doing that here.

Buying Your Flooring

When purchasing your floors, make sure to find a good dealer that offers a warranty and support to help you make the best decision. You can buy good quality laminate flooring from Discount Flooring Depot that offers a guarantee and can send out a sample before you buy.