Are you in the process of renovating your home or considering a new flooring option?
One of the most crucial decisions you will make is choosing the type of flooring that will suit your personality and lifestyle. With so many flooring options available in the market, deciding the right one can be overwhelming.
Two of the most popular choices are hardwood and laminate flooring.
Hardwood flooring is the classic choice, adding natural beauty and warmth to any room. Laminate flooring on the other hand, offers affordability and durability.
So, which one is better for your home?
In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of hardwood and laminate flooring, so you can make an informed decision that will enhance the aesthetic and functionality of your home.
There are some significant differences between hardwood and laminate flooring. Laminate works well in multiple areas, such as basements, kid’s areas, and rooms that are prone to moisture. However, hardwood flooring has a higher resale value than laminate since it is more expensive, has exceptional quality, and lasts longer, especially when treated well.
How Does Hardwood Flooring Work?
Hardwood solid flooring is a type of flooring made from solid hardwood planks or engineered wood planks that are designed to resemble hardwood. It is a popular choice for both residential and commercial spaces due to its durability, timeless aesthetic appeal, and easy maintenance.
Hardwood flooring is available in a wide range of wood species, colours, and finishes, making it easy to find a style that fits any design preference. Some popular types of hardwood used for flooring includes oak, maple, cherry, walnut, and hickory. Hardwood flooring can be installed using a variety of methods, including nail-down, glue-down, and floating installations.
How Does Laminate Flooring Work?
Laminate solid flooring is a type of synthetic flooring product that is designed to look like hardwood, tile, or stone flooring. It is made up of multiple layers that are fused together using a lamination process.
- The top layer of laminate flooring is a durable, clear protective layer that is designed to resist scratches, stains, and fading.
- Under the protective layer is a printed layer that can be designed to look like almost any type of flooring material. This layer can be made to look like hardwood, tile, or stone, with a wide range of colours and patterns available.
- The core layer of laminate flooring is usually made of high-density fiberboard, which provides stability and durability.
- Finally, the bottom layer of laminate flooring is a backing layer that provides moisture resistance and stability.
Laminate flooring is popular because it is less expensive than hardwood flooring, easy to install, and requires less maintenance. It is also very durable and can resist scratches, stains, and fading. However, it cannot be refinished like hardwood flooring and may need to be replaced if it becomes damaged.
What’s the Difference Between Hardwood & Laminate Flooring?
Feature |
Hardwood |
Laminate |
|---|---|---|
Look |
Hardwood floor is adored for its cosy, organic texture and distinctive grain patterns that make each hardwood floor unique. However, hardwood is more prone to scratches than laminate, and overexposure to sunlight can cause it to fade or lose its colour. | Depending on the photographic layer, laminate can resemble hardwood flooring, although it doesn’t necessarily appear to be extremely realistic. Moreover, laminate lacks the distinctive touch and appearance that come with hardwood. It can, however, be found in a wide range of styles that go beyond wood. |
Repairs & Maintenance |
A vacuum or broom may be used to clean hardwood reasonably easily. However, hardwood flooring should not be mopped with a lot of water since it can distort. Also, even though scratches on hardwood can happen, you can polish the wood to get rid of the scratches rather than replacing the entire floor. Furniture pads are another option for preventing scuffs. | With a vacuum, broom, and mop, laminate is simple to clean. Unlike hardwood, it normally won’t distort when mopped with too much water. The best course of action is to mop up any spills as soon as they occur because standing water might stain them. |
Toughnes |
Depending on the wood type and how well it is cared for, hardwood flooring can last a lifetime. And unlike laminate flooring, which must be replaced when damaged, hardwood flooring can frequently be refinished to bring back its original appearance if it does begin to fade. Also, wooden flooring is more prone to solar damage. | Although it doesn’t last as long as hardwood, laminated floor is more resistant to dents, scratches, and stains. Nonetheless, replacing broken boards is a better option than refinishing them. It’s advisable to clean up spills as quickly as possible because laminate can change appearance if there is lingering water, and it stains more easily than hardwood. |
Installation |
Installing hardwood flooring is typically more difficult than installing laminate flooring, especially for do-it-yourselfers. But using hardwood planks can make installation simpler. If you want to speed up installation, you can substitute prefinished hardwood flooring for unprocessed. | The installation of laminate flooring is the simpler of the two flooring types, and it can be done above or below the surface. Moreover, laminate flooring is prefinished, so sanding and sealing will not make an issue. Furthermore, laminate may release volatile chemical compounds that could be harmful to your health. |
Expected life span |
Based on the wood type and how well it is managed, hardwood flooring can last anywhere from 30 to 100 years or longer. Also, you can frequently polish it rather than replacing it to increase its lifespan. | When handled appropriately, laminate flooring typically lasts 15 to 25 years. However, poor maintenance, such as leaving spills to sit for a long time, can significantly shorten its lifespan. In addition, laminate flooring cannot be refinished like hardwood, so if it starts to look worn, you will need to install new flooring. |
Effect on the Environment |
If it is supplied sustainably, hardwood is one of the few environmentally favourable flooring options. This is partly due to the material’s ability to be recycled and totally metabolised, which means it won’t add to the overload of landfills. | Laminate is noticeably less environmentally friendly than hardwood flooring because it is made of plastic fibres that won’t biodegrade. Nonetheless, laminate flooring has a low environmental impact because it can be recycled to a degree of about 85%. |
Value at Resale |
Hardwood floors often have a considerably better resale value than laminate floors because of their longer lifespan. In fact, 54% of buyers are prepared to make a larger financial commitment to a home if it has hardwood floors. | Laminate flooring often won’t boost your home’s resale value as much as hardwood flooring because of its shorter lifespan and less attractive appearance than hardwood. Yet installing it also costs a lot less. |
Sensitivity to Moisture |
Regular waterproofing is necessary to maintain the moisture resistance of hardwood floors. You shouldn’t mop this flooring with a lot of water because it is generally more susceptible to moisture damage than laminate, even when protected. You will have superior moisture resistance if you use a dense wood species. | Compared to hardwood, laminate flooring’s top layer is more moisture resistant. In comparison to hardwood flooring, laminate flooring is also less susceptible to developing moisture. Nevertheless, laminate flooring can bubble and distort in the presence of standing water. Also, if the top layer of the floor is damaged, water may seep in and harm the floorboards. |
Heat Absorption |
Since hardwood flooring distributes heat more evenly than laminate flooring, it is generally preferable for radiant heating. Meanwhile, make sure that the wood species you pick can adjust to variations in humidity. In addition, thinner oak planks disperse radiant heat more effectively than thicker ones. | For radiant heating, you often require specialist laminate flooring. Yet, even laminate flooring designed for radiant heating won’t perform as effectively as hardwood floors. As laminate doesn’t carry heat well, fluctuations in temperature might cause it to expand and contract, leaving gaps in the floor. |
Pets |
Laminate flooring is less likely than hardwood to be scratched by your pet’s toenails. Yet, you can fix scratches on the floor without having to replace it by refinishing it. Also, pets have higher traction on hardwood surfaces, making it simpler for them to run and walk. But on hardwood, as opposed to laminate, small pet steps usually sound louder. | Although laminate flooring won’t be scratched as quickly by little toenails as hardwood does, you can’t restore it once it is. Considering how slippery laminate is, your pets might also have a tougher time running and walking on it. Moreover, water can warp the floor if your pet spills their water bowl and you can’t get to it fast enough; however, hardwood floors are also susceptible to this. |
Hire the Best Flooring Experts in Manchester
Both hardwood and laminate flooring have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, so the choice between the two ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you prioritise a natural and timeless look, durability, and the ability to refinish the floor over time, hardwood flooring may be the better option. However, if you are looking for a more affordable and moisture-resistant option that requires less maintenance, laminate flooring may be a better choice for you.
For more queries or any professional’s point of view, you can reach out to us at Floor Express. Our experts deal with all types of flooring, carpets, tiles and much more. Call us at 0161 22 66 880 to speak with an expert for possible solutions.