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So, you’re looking to install new floors in your house. With a house full of pets and kids, you don’t want carpet. Far too difficult to keep up with.
So now the choice is between hardwood flooring and laminate flooring. Each has its pros and cons, but you can only pick one.
So, hardwood vs laminate: which one is better?
In This Post:
Hardwood vs Laminate: What’s the Difference?
I’m sure we all know what hardwood flooring is, but if you’re new to the flooring scene, you might not know what laminate is. So… what is laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is actually a relatively new addition to the home decor catalog. Invented by a Swedish company in 1977, laminate is a multi-layer flooring product that is made to look like wood.
Although there are wood particles in the base layer, laminate flooring is considered synthetic.
So now we know the difference between the two, but how do you know which one to pick? Don’t worry, we’ll be covering all of that.
Hardwood vs Laminate: Durability and Longevity
Flooring is quite obviously a big essential for your home. So, when picking out a new type of flooring you want one that can last you and your family ages. So which is better: hardwood or laminate?
Hardwood
As far as longevity goes, hardwood flooring is the clear winner. Most hardwood floors can last a lifetime. Some households still have wood flooring from lifetimes ago.
Just so long as there isn’t any consecutive damage like water damage or floor breakage, your hardwood floors should last you as long as you need.
In terms of wear and tear, hardwood flooring is the more susceptible option. Hardwood flooring is more prone to scratches and scuffs from household residents. As time goes on, the floors will naturally start to wear down, especially in commonly used travel paths throughout the house.
Laminate
Laminate flooring may not last you a lifetime, but it will last you about 10 years. Because of the plastic wear-layer, this type of flooring is really durable and can easily resist the common scratches and scuffs from your pets and family. This makes upkeep on your floors a lot easier.
Hardwood vs Laminate: Cleaning and Aesthetic
As far as cleaning goes, both floors are fairly easy to clean however if one had to emerge victoriously, it would be laminate flooring.
Laminate flooring only really requires soap and water. It’s that simple. Hardwood flooring, on the other hand, should be cleaned with vinegar.
But the obvious option here is to just pop out your Swiffer and clean the floors that way! But if you’d like to clean your hardwood floors the classic way, you can always learn more on hardwood flooring.
If your decision is more based on looks than practical, hardwood flooring is your go-to. Laminate flooring can often look fake and not as visually pleasing as hardwood so if you go with laminate, be sure to pick the right kind.
Hardwood vs Laminate: Cost and Installation
As a general rule of thumb, hardwood flooring will be more expensive than laminate flooring. This is really because hardwood flooring is the actual wood. The cost depends on the wood, but there’s a good table here.
Laminate flooring will run you about $3-$7 per square foot. Installation is included in this because you have to pay $0 to install laminate flooring. You just set them down and click them together like a big puzzle.
Hardwood flooring, however, will require a professional to install, unless you’re familiar with hardwood installation.
Which One is Right for You?
In the hardwood vs laminate debate, the right answer is specific to you. Which flooring fits your needs more? Whatever your choice is, we hope you enjoyed this article.
If you would like to see more articles like this and others regarding home life, feel free to check out our blog.
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