If you are remodeling your house or constructing a new home, one of the questions that come to your mind is what flooring should you use. Only a few people do not think about what flooring will they choose and are more worried about the cost. It is not a problem when you worry about the expenses, but considering the quality flooring for your house might be one of the best decisions you will make.
Sometimes, you heavily rely on the flooring contractors when deciding what is best for your house. Some contractors decide on your budget. If you are looking for a reliable contractor who will provide you professional services with hundreds of flooring options, consider Zelta Flooring contractors. They have superior flooring products that can transform your design ideas into reality.
Given that you now have a flooring contractor, it is still good to know which are the best flooring for your house. Two floorings are always in demand – Laminate Flooring and Hardwood flooring. In this article, we will explore the differences between laminated and hardwood.
Laminate Flooring vs. Hardwood Flooring: Pros and Cons
To compare the laminate and hardwood flooring differences, we will check these two based on our three criteria: appearance, cost, and durability. With these criteria, we can easily spot their pros and cons without any bias.
Appearance
When it comes to appearance, hardwood flooring is the best choice because of its elegance. The design of hardwood is hard to copy by laminate flooring because hardwood uses a premium material. With hardwood, you can choose different stains and finishes, depending on your preferences. You can also coat it with wax to make it extra shine. The only downside with hardwood is that it discolors over time when exposed to the sun for extended periods.
Laminate flooring uses synthetic materials to look good, and the latest versions almost look similar to hardwoods. Since it uses synthetic materials, it can also replicate other materials such as stone, fabric, cork, and bamboo. The glossy feature of laminate flooring is different from hardwood flooring, so that you can spot their difference.
Cost
Hardwood flooring is more expensive than laminate flooring. It will be much pricey when you choose the stronger wood and its finish. Installing hardwood needs professional flooring contractors also so that you will spend more on their services.
Laminate flooring is easy to install, to the point that you can do it yourself. If you choose the latest version of laminate flooring, it will cost you more. Even if you choose the high-end laminate flooring, it is way cheaper than hardwood flooring.
Durability
Hardwood can last for at least 20 years with proper maintenance. Harder woods can last for 100 years. Because of its premium material, it will last longer compared to laminate flooring. Hardwood can be refinished when it got damaged. The downside of having hardwood is that it is prone to scratches, stains, and dents. It is also less resistant when it comes to moisture.
Laminate flooring is resistant to scratches, stains, and dents, which is ideal for busy people with busy lifestyles. This flooring can only last for about 15-25 years. Lower quality versions can last for around eight years, so choose mid to high-tier laminate flooring versions.
Which Is Better: Hardwood Flooring or Laminate?
The pros and cons stated above still depend on your budget, preference, lifestyle, and design ideas. Hardwood flooring has the upper hand in quality and elegance. Yet, the latest versions of laminate flooring are also near the quality of hardwood.
If you are looking for an alternative to hardwood and laminate flooring is out of your choices, you can also consider engineered wood flooring or luxury vinyl.