Hardwood vs. Laminate Flooring: Everything You Need to Know!

Out of all the flooring options out there, hardwood and laminate are two of the best on the market. Both materials have their own advantages and disadvantages, which makes choosing between the two all that more difficult. This post is intended to help you decide which flooring is right for you by pointing out the differences and similarities between hardwood vs. laminate wood flooring in Santa Cruz, CA.

Appearance

The beauty of hardwood floors is tough to match. However, high-end laminate comes pretty close! Laminate floors are made of composite wood pieces that are pressed together. The image of hardwood is then placed on top of the composite piece, giving it a nearly identical appearance to the real thing.

Cost

Hardwood is without a doubt one of the most expensive flooring options on the market, especially if you opt for an exotic wood. Though it is costly, opting for hardwood adds a ton of value to your home compared to other flooring options. Choosing laminate over hardwood could save you a ton of money initially, but you won’t be able to get as much for your house if you ever decide to sell it.

Self-installation

Speaking of cost, you can save a bundle on your flooring by installing it yourself. Though it’s possible to install both hardwood and laminate floors by yourself, DIY installation is much easier with laminate than with hardwood. Laminate flooring snaps in place and is a lot like putting a big jigsaw puzzle together. Hardwood floor installation, on the other hand, requires a lot of measuring and nailing that might be unappealing to some homeowners. Be sure to factor in installation when choosing between hardwood vs. laminate wood flooring in Santa Cruz, CA.

Durability

Both hardwood and laminate are durable options for your flooring and can last for years without showing many signs of damage. However, laminate does have the advantage when we’re talking about durability. Hardwood is susceptible to scratching—particularly in families with kids and pets—and can be ruined by excessive moisture. Even though laminate is made of pressed wood, it’s harder to scratch up and is more resistant to moisture and general wear and tear.

Repair options

You may need to repair your floors at some point down the road. If that’s the case, you’re better off with hardwood than laminate. Professional sanding can take care of most damage done to hardwood, but with laminate, repairs are often hard or impossible. You may be able to replace individual boards, but it may be tough to match the original color or design.

Best locations

Since hardwood can get scratched up, we don’t recommend installing it in high-traffic areas, like entryways or living rooms. Additionally, you never want to lay hardwood in areas like kitchens, bathrooms or basements where there’s a lot of moisture. Laminate, on the other hand, can go pretty much anywhere in the house. It’s also terrific in rooms with large windows because the sunlight won’t fade the flooring over time.

Whether you’re shopping for hardwood flooring, vinyl, laminate or carpeting, be sure to buy from The Wholesale House. Stop by today to check out our vast inventory to learn more about hardwood vs. laminate wood flooring in Santa Cruz, CA.

Categorised in: Hardwood Flooring, Laminate Flooring

This post was written by Writer