If you’re debating whether to choose hardwood or laminate flooring for your home then you need to read this article. We’re going to look at how the two compare, the relative cost of each and when you should use one over the other.
First of all, laminate flooring shouldn’t be confused with laminated hardwood flooring. Laminated hardwood is an engineered floor made from several layers of solid wood laminated together. Laminate flooring on the other hand is made from a fiber core with two layers on top of it – the pattern and a layer of melamine to protect it.
Laminate flooring is available in many different styles and designs, but hardwood is one of the most common. It can be found with various wood patterns, both domestic and exotic species. But because it isn’t made from real wood, the cost is generally quite a bit lower, particularly if you’re comparing it to an exotic wood.
Laminate floors are much easier to install than hardwood. They typically use glueless joints that connect with a tongue and groove system, where hardwood needs to be nailed down. This means most do-it-yourselfers can install laminate but you generally need to hire a professional installer for hardwood floors.
The main advantage of hardwood over laminate is a bit subjective. Because it is made from natural wood, the grain and patterns tend to have little imperfections in them. Laminate, on the other hand, tends to be much more uniform in its design.
Some people actually prefer the less-than-perfect look of real hardwood, so this is something to consider when comparing the two.
In most cases, a laminate floor makes more sense than a comparable hardwood floor. But it will depend on where you are wanting to install it and how much wear and tear that area gets. Make sure you do your research and really compare the two fully before you make your decision.
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