Hardwood Floors Versus Laminate Floors


Torn between choosing hardwood floors or laminate floors? While this site is geared moreHardwood vs Laminate floors for hardwood flooring related information, laminate floors do have their place but really depends on what you are trying to achieve.

Benefits Of Laminate Floors. Summary

Laminate floors are extremely durable but do have their limitations. Even though they are very tolerant of scratching they can still be damaged given the right conditions. Examples include dropping large irregular objects, unprotected chair legs, and dragging furniture across the floor. These floor types are also stain resistant and do not fade or change color as hardwood floors do.

Disadvantages Of Laminate Floors

Unlike traditional hardwood floors they cannot be refinished or resurfaced because they are composed of a thin artificial surface mimicking hardwood grain or tile patterns. Patterns are repetitious. Each box will contain the same appearance. Repairs are quite difficult for any do it yourselfer but experienced professionals armed with the proper tools can handle them in a snap. All laminate floors are floating type only. This is not much of a disadvantage in most respects. Common complaints from laminate owners are often hollow sounding floors, common with many floating floors. Upgraded underlayment installed under the floor can dramatically cut down on not only the hollow sound but click, clap feel underfoot.

Comparison

Laminate Floors Hardwood Floors
   
Photographed image/repeating patterns Natural/no one piece is alike
Lifespan is limited. Less than 20 years Will last 20-100 years plus¹
Easier to maintain² Improved maintenance
Cannot be refinished Can be refinished
Difficult to repair Can be repaired easier
Brand lines discontinued often³ Easier to find replacement solution
Fade resistant Will darken/amber
Scratch resistant Will scratch easier
Will not help resale value of home Improves home resale value & selling duration

Benefits Of Hardwood Floors. Summary

More natural looking. There are no repeat patterns as each and every piece of hardwood flooring will be different due to the product being natural. Has a better longevity factor depending on what type is chosen. Solid hardwood floors can last well into one hundred years. Hardwood floors can be refinished or color changes can be made.

Disadvantages Of Hardwood Floors

Can scratch and dent easily. More prone to water damage but may be temporary, opposed to laminate floors where water damage may be permanent and require replacement.

Free Samples of Laminate Flooring No credit card required.

Resale Value Of Homes

Laminate floors have not been known to provide better resale value compared to hardwood floors.

¹ Will depend largely on maintenance, care, and type of style chosen (engineered/solid)
² Some clean obsessed people complain about the presence of foot prints after cleaning.
³ Finding discontinued flooring more difficult than that of hardwoods. Plan on extras when buying.

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Related Pages:
 
• Laminate Flooring Looks Like Hardwood - 2011 Update
• Hardwood Floors Sell Homes
• How To Remove Laminate Flooring - the easy way

Updated August 2010

Refinishing Laminate Floors? Story has it becoming a viable reality. We hope to have the story soon.