In choosing to put down a new floor, homeowners have to take several different factors into account before making their decision. This is because the variety of floors that can be put into any room varies widely and some are better suited to certain rooms rather than others. Laminate-vs-hardwood flooring is a question that hinges upon a few of these factors.
The very first thing to consider is the room that a new floor is going to be laid. Hardwood works best in living areas of the home like family rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. Laminate is much better than hardwood in bathrooms and kitchens because, unlike wood, laminate floors do not warp due to temperature change and moisture in the air.
Budget is another thing to consider before laying any kind of floor, let alone hardwoods and laminates. People who have the extra money to spend can consider hardwood floors because they tend to be one of the more expensive types of floor installation projects. This is because each cut of wood must be matched perfectly. Laminate floors are installed much faster and at a lower cost of material and labor.
However, this is not to suggest that hardwood floors are inferior to laminates. They are just better suited to different areas of the home. One of the key aspects of hardwood floors over laminate ones is the fact that they last much longer. A laminate floor will have to be replaced about every twenty years. On the other hand, hardwood floors can last up to 80 years if maintained properly.
Finally, the last thing a person must consider is style and elegance of the room. Laminate floors can look like wood but because they are tiled, the same pattern repeats itself. Hardwood floors are exotic because each floor board has its own character to it that is unlike any other piece of wood. When it comes to style points, the scales must be tipped in favor of hardwoods.
Laminate-vs-hardwood flooring should hinge upon what room needs a new floor, how much is in the budget, longevity, and style. People should try to maintain the idea that it is really up to the homeowner’s wishes and desires, but remember that hardwoods are better suited to temperate rooms with little to no moisture. Either one of these choices can be a good decision but all in all, hardwoods are more traditional and have a more elegant look.
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