When it comes to choosing a flooring solution for your home, you may be faced with a dilemma as to whether you should go with hardwood flooring or laminate flooring.
So, which one should you choose — hardwood or laminate?
Well, there is no right or wrong answer here. Your ultimate choice comes down to your own personal preference and specific situation. Nevertheless, we are going to take a look at both of these flooring types to help you make a more informed decision as to which flooring option is more suitable for your unique needs.
Let’s talk about the looks.
Hardwood floors are undeniably beautiful. They are warm, they are inviting, and they have got an irresistible charm that no other flooring option seems to be able to recreate. Hardwood floors tend to be quite versatile too. For example, if you want a more elegant look, you can use mahogany wood planks, and if you are looking for something more rustic, pine or oak planks will be perfect.
Laminate floors come very close to mirroring the classic look and texture of hardwood boards. They are lovely to look at, they look just as warm and inviting, and they have their own charm depending on the finish you opt for. But they are not the real thing, and so they simply cannot beat the unique rich look of real hardwood flooring where no two boards look exactly the same.
This one goes to hardwood floors.
What about the costs?
True hardwood flooring is made from a variety of wood species, including cedar, ash, elm, oak and cherry. These floors are a fair amount more expensive than laminate floors.
Laminate floors, on the other hand, are engineered planks that are meticulously designed to look like natural hardwood flooring. Many of the laminate planks come pretty close to being indistinguishable from the hardwood boards they are replicating. That is why laminate floors are, for the most part, about 50 percent cheaper than hardwood flooring.
If you are on a budget, laminate flooring may be the better choice for you.
Which flooring option requires more care?
Laminate flooring does not ask for much in the care and maintenance department. Just sweep the floors from time to time to do away with dirt and debris and use a damp mop to remove grime off the floor. No special products are needed.
Hardwood flooring require the same sweeping and mopping to remove dirt, debris and grime, but they may also stand in need of periodic refinishing to help them retain their shine. Maintenance can be quite costly if the floor needs a new finish.
Laminate seems to be the superior choice if you do not want to beat yourself up over the care and maintenance of your floor.
Which flooring option is more durable?
Hardwood flooring are very durable, but they are susceptible to cracking and need some extra attention to keep them in good shape. If the floor is not adequately treated, a damp environment can cause the wood to swell, resulting in uneven areas on the floor, buckling, and even cracking.
Laminate planks, on the other hand, are remarkably durable. They are hard to damage or dent, and have fade, water, and stain resistance properties as well.
Laminate floors win this category.
Which flooring option has a longer lifespan?
Durability is not the same thing as longevity. So, while hardwood flooring are relatively less durable than laminate floors, any damage to the hardwood floor can be repaired without having to replace the entire floor. If the floor is gouged or cut, you can simply sand the visible marks to create a floor that looks as if it had been installed recently… even after it has really been installed for fifty years.
One of the biggest drawbacks to a laminate floor is that it cannot be easily repaired if damage occurs. In most cases, if your laminate floor is damaged, the entire board has to be replaced.
Which one is easier to install?
Installation is easier with the tongue and groove system of laminate flooring. Just about anyone can install laminate boards even if they have no flooring skills at all. Hardwood flooring, on the other hand, is much more challenging to install and necessitates a highly precise cutting and a wealth of experience. Laminate wins this comparison because it is way easier to install.
Whichever way you decide to go, either a hardwood floor or laminate wood floor will give your home a beautiful classic look. Solid wood flooring can add significant value to your home but come with a hefty cost to purchase and install. A laminate wood flooring gives you the look of authentic wood flooring without the price but will not necessarily increase the value of your home in the same way a real wood floor does.
Spend some time looking at and evaluating both types of flooring and then choose the one that is right for you.
Professional wood flooring solutions in McKinney, TX
At Floors Touch of McKinney, we offer the convenience of reliable, expert advice on home flooring solutions. Our experienced, knowledgeable and helpful staff will help you navigate the floor selection process, addressing all of your concerns along the way, so you can be confident in your final choice.
If you want a superior flooring solution for your home in McKinney, TX, contact us today. You can also visit our social media for more details.
Do you want to know more about our home flooring solutions? Call Floors Touch of McKinney at (214) 326-0100 for more information.