A home’s flooring is one primary feature that defines the space inside. Choosing the right floor is essential, yet it confuses many people. Wood is one of the most popular options today, because it gives a naturally inviting and beautiful impression. Wood has also served as a flooring material for decades. Older and more traditional homes still use hardwood flooring in Alpharetta. But because of its cost and changing trends, many newer homes now use laminate. This blog discusses various factors to help you decide which of the two floors is better.
Appearance of Hardwood or Laminate Floors
Most homeowners find hardwood appealing because of its beautiful texture. It does have a drawback: it scratches easily without proper maintenance. Long sun exposure can also discolor some hardwood floors. You can choose from many types of wood, finishes, and stains, which gives you a wide range of options.
Now consider laminate flooring in Alpharetta, GA. Compared to hardwood, laminate does not scratch easily. Its appearance lasts, because it does not change much over time. On the other hand, laminate is synthetic. Even when it copies the look of wood, it is easy to tell that it is not genuine.
Wondering whether most homeowners choose hardwood or laminate for looks? The answer is usually hardwood. Still, depending on your needs and budget, you can pick the floor that suits you.
Cost of Hardwood or Laminate Floors
The floor you like often does not match your budget. Consider the cost of both options before you decide. Solid hardwood costs range from $5 to $25 per square foot. The price depends on the type of wood you choose, because the wood comes from harvested trees. Generally, hardwood costs considerably more to buy and install.
Laminate works differently. Manufacturers press composite wood together at high temperatures. They then lay an image of hardwood over the composite wood and cover it with a laminate layer.
The materials for laminate are cheaper, and installation costs less too. Compared with hardwood installation, laminate costs 50% less. Without installation, laminate’s price can range from $3 to $11 per square foot. Prices still vary with the materials you choose and the size of your home.
If you ask which one is often preferred considering the cost, then usually it is laminate flooring.
Durability
It is essential to know which floor is more durable and easier to maintain for many years after installation.
Hardwood adds value to your home’s flooring. Homeowners often prefer hardwood when durability is a concern. Still, hardwood scratches easily, and excessive moisture damages it. Rough use wears it out before its time. This happens more often in busy houses, where traffic doubles. The National Wood Flooring Association shares guidance on caring for wood floors.
Laminate is not as attractive or eye-pleasing as hardwood. Still, buyers choose it when durability matters. Manufacturers build it from pressed wood, which makes it more durable. It resists wear and tear, moisture, and scratches. Laminate is also relatively easy to clean.
The fact that laminate flooring doesn’t appear to be visually appealing is one of its cons. Lower-quality laminate might also have artificial wood grain textures. Of course, you decide whether hardwood or laminate suits your household.
Repair
At some point, every floor needs repair. Which one handles repairs better? You can fix hardwood by sanding and refinishing imperfections, which extends its life and lets it last for years. That makes it better than laminate for repairs.
Repairing laminate is harder. If you buy laminate that comes in snap-together pieces, you might replace individual boards. The new piece might not match, though, because of the floor’s age and sun exposure. So for repairs, the answer is hardwood, which homeowners often make their preferred choice. Laminate still works if it meets your needs.
Both hardwood and laminate have advantages and disadvantages. Even though hardwood costs more, you can repair it more easily, and it lasts longer than laminate. One advantage of laminate 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 pros and cons of each choice. Having pets, young children, or living in a busy neighborhood may affect your choice.