How They Compare: Hardwood Flooring vs. Laminate Flooring

Whether one is buying a new home or renovating the current residence, choosing flooring material is a big decision. Flooring is a defining feature of a house. Hardwood and laminate are among the most popular choices. Older homes have traditionally used hardwood flooring. However, newer homes have seen an increase in laminate flooring. Nonetheless, it can be helpful to do some research before making a decision. Let’s compare the two types of flooring to see how they measure up!

Affordability and Aesthetic

It is no secret that hardwood flooring is the more expensive of the two choices. Pricing varies heavily on the type of wood used and can run a homeowner up to $10 per square foot. On the other hand, laminate can cost under $10 per square foot. Laminate flooring consists of multiple layers of materials. These layers are pressed together under heat and pressure and then combined with decals to create the laminate flooring you would see in a showroom or house.

When it comes to design and aesthetics, no one can argue with the beautiful look and feel of genuine hardwood floors. Whether it is an old fashioned brown color or a sleek and modern black finish, hardwood flooring can add a noticeable bump in the value of a home. Contrary to popular opinion, laminate also can be quite the aesthetically pleasing choice. More designs have come out over the years bringing great appeal; some even can resemble hardwood flooring!

Durability and Repair

It is always essential to think about foot traffic, the expected wear on laminate or hardwood flooring, as well as things that can be destructive to flooring. Most hardwood flooring is prone to scratches and marks. This is especially true if you have pets; pet claws and nails can scratch up a hardwood’s surface very fast and cause it to lose some appeal. Moisture is also a big thing to watch out for with hardwood flooring. Typically hardwood flooring is not treated with a strong protective coat, so water or other liquids can stain or tarnish the wood. Always consider the location when choosing hardwood flooring.

Laminate, however, is often treated with a strong protective coat of materials as one of the layers it is composed of. This protective layer makes water or liquid spillage a minor concern. Unfortunately, laminate flooring does not repair easily. Sometimes the entire installation can be a single piece or a few larger pieces of laminate. So if a spot required repair, a homeowner might be forced to rip up more laminate than desired to repair the flooring effectively. In contrast, hardwood flooring typically comes in grooved planks and pieces that fit together and makes repairing a single piece very cost-effective.

RPS Flooring is Here to Help

Is your home or commercial building in need of new floors? RPS Carpet and Flooring Wholesalers has over two decades of experience providing residential and commercial flooring throughout Maryland. Give us a call, or come and visit our showroom to check out our expansive selection. For tips, tricks, and to see what we have been working on, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.