Which Floor is Better, Hardwood or Laminate?

A home’s flooring is one primary feature that defines the space inside. Choosing the right flooring for your interior is essential yet confusing for many. Talking about trends, one of the most popular options today is wood flooring, as it gives a naturally inviting and beautiful impression. Not only that, but wood is also a timeless material used for flooring for decades. The use of hardwood flooring in Alpharetta is still in place in older and more traditional homes, but because of its cost and changing trends, many newer homes are gradually opting for laminate flooring. This blog discusses various factors to help you decide which one of the two floorings is better.

Appearance

The appearance of hardwood flooring is appealing to most homeowners as it has a beautiful texture. On the other hand, one disadvantage of hardwood flooring is that it can be easily scratched if it doesn’t undergo proper maintenance. While if it experiences sun exposure for an extended period, some of the hardwood floors can also be discolored. You can choose from different types of finishes, wood, and stains that create a wide range of options from which you can choose.

 

Coming to laminate flooring in Alpharetta, GA, compared to hardwood floors, laminate flooring can not be scratched easily. Hence, its appearance has long durability, as it will not change much over time. On the other hand, laminate flooring happens to be synthetic, and even when it has a copied design with the appearance of wood, it is easy to tell that it is not genuine. 

On the whole, if you are wondering which flooring homeowners often opt for, then the answer is hardwood flooring. Still, depending on your needs and budget, you can choose what fancies you and suits your needs.

Cost

The flooring you like for your home often does not match your budget. It is advisable to consider the cost of hardwood flooring and laminate flooring before deciding which is the most suitable choice for you. If we consider hardwood flooring, solid wood flooring costs range from $5 to $25 per square foot. It is also essential to remember that hardwood flooring pricing depends on the type of wood you are choosing, as they are made up of harvested trees. Generally, hardwood flooring is considerably higher to buy and install.

 

On the other hand, when composite wood is pressed together at high temperatures, it results in laminate wood flooring. Later the hardwood’s image is placed over composite wood that covers it from the laminate. So, for the laminate flooring, besides materials being cheaper, the wood installation cost of lamination flooring is also less. If we compare the cost of laminate flooring with hardwood installation, then laminate flooring costs 50% less. Exclusive of installation, laminate flooring’s price can range from $3 to $11 per square foot. Yet again, prices vary depending on the types of materials you choose and the size of your home. The costs of both floorings usually help people decide which one of the two flooring options is better for their house, but if you ask which one is often preferred considering the cost, then usually it is laminate flooring. 

Durability 

It is essential to know which one of the two floorings is more durable and easier to maintain for many years after installation.

 

Hardwood flooring adds value to your home’s flooring. Homeowners often prefer hardwood flooring when they are concerned about durability. On the contrary, it is essential to know that hardwood flooring is scratched easily and is easily damaged if exposed to excessive moisture. If used roughly, hardwood flooring will wear out before its time. This happens more often in houses with more people as the traffic doubles.

 

While laminate flooring is not as attractive and eye-pleasing as hardwood flooring, buyers choose laminate flooring when considering the factor of durability. Using manufactured laminate flooring from pressed wood adds an advantage, making it more durable as it resists wear and tear, moisture, and scratches. In contrast, laminate flooring is also relatively easy to clean. The fact that laminate flooring doesn’t appear to be visually appealing is one of its cons. Lower qualities of laminate flooring might also have artificial wood grain textures. Of course, you are open to making your choice when deciding for yourself. 

Repair

At some point, every flooring needs repairing, but which flooring is a better choice for repairs? If we consider hardwood flooring, it can be fixed by refinishing and sanding imperfections, making it better than laminate flooring as it elongates its life and lasts for years. On the other hand, repairing laminate flooring is hard. If you buy flooring that comes in different snaps and pieces, you might be able to replace individual boards even though the new piece might not match as it is, considering the factors of its age and sunlight exposure. So, if you ask which option is a better option for this case, the answer will be hardwood flooring, as homeowners often make it their preferred choice, but yet again, you can also use laminate flooring if it satisfies your needs.

Both hardwood and laminate flooring have advantages and disadvantages. Even though hardwood costs more, it can be repaired more easily and lasts longer than laminate. One advantage of laminate flooring over hardwood is that it doesn’t fade or scratch as quickly, but repairs may require replacing the entire floor. Consider your lifestyle and the advantages and disadvantages of each choice as you decide which is ideal for your home. Having pets, young children, or living in a busy neighborhood may affect your choice.

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