Hardwood flooring3/4-inch-thick boards of solid hardwood cut from a treeis undoubtedly a quality material.
But this does not mean that you should automatically discount laminate flooring.
Even that similarity comes with its own difference: Both materials look like wood when viewed from a distance.
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Solid hardwood looks like wood at any distance, far or near.
But laminate flooring’s wood-like appearance degrades the closer you view it.
But solid hardwood and laminate flooring are more different than they are alike.
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However,prefinished solid hardwood flooringis a more common option.
Laminate flooring is manufactured by starting with a core layer of fiberboard made of wood byproducts.
Over this is a design layer that is printed to resemble wood or other material.
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The design layer is protected by a clear wear layer that offers good resistance to scratching and stains.
This is a floating floor that requires no nailing or glue.
Laminate
From a distance, quality laminate flooring can look much like real wood.
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But at close inspection, it is easy to see that laminate flooring is not real hardwood.
Also, laminate boards repeat patterns, so care must be taken to mix up the boards on installation.
Still, the wood look is less than perfect.
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Not only that but solid hardwood does not have boards that repeat patterns.
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Solid hardwood flooring can be damaged by standing water and floods.
Laminate surfaces are highly water- and stain-resistant.
But water infiltrating the joints between planks can cause the edges and the fiberboard core to swell and chip.
It is not recommended in wet areas, such as bathrooms.
Laminate flooring has enough heat resistance that it can be installed over radiant heating systems.
Laminate flooring is marginally better for humid locations, such as installation against concrete slabs.
Laminate flooring also has some advantages over hardwood when it comes to heat resistance.
Today’s wood floors mostly come pre-finished, so they never need to be polished or waxed.
Laminate floors are easily cleanedwith a vacuum or broom.
Mopping should be done with a damp mop moistened with a laminate floor cleaner.
No waxing is ever necessary.
Avoid excessive water and never clean with a steam cleaner.
Durability and Maintenance
Hardwood flooring can last a lifetimeor even longer.
Hardwood likely will need to be recoated or refinished periodically, depending on wear and care.
Most floors wear down after three or four sandings, so use discretion when choosing this method.
Laminate flooring has moderately good resistance to damage from impact.
Expect 10 to 15 years of use, maximum.
Laminate flooring cannot be refinished or sanded.
When laminate flooring is ruined, boards can be replaced individually.
Hardwood and laminate are roughly equal when it comes to maintenance.
Installation
Solid hardwood is difficult for non-professionals to install.
Rental of special tools such as a floor nailer or stapler is required.
Prefinished hardwood flooring does not need to be finished after it is installed.
Laminate flooring is very easy to install, making it a favorite for DIYers.
While laminate flooring can be installed below grade, it is still not the best flooring for basements.
Best for Installation: Laminate
Laminate flooring has a clear advantage over solid hardwood with installation.
Laminate is far easier for do-it-yourselfers to install than solid hardwood flooring.
Laminate installation is within the realm of possibility for even inexperienced DIYers.
Solid hardwood requires more tools and experience to install.
Solid hardwood flooring costs $14 to $32 per square foot, materials plus installation.
Laminate flooringtypically costs $1 to $3 per square foot.
Designer laminate flooring selling for as much as $10 to $12 per square foot is also available.
Thicker wear layers are what distinguish the better, more expensive products.
The savings become even greater if you drop in the flooring yourself.
Lifespan
Solid hardwood floors can can last 50 or even 100 years with proper care and refinishing.
Laminate floors average about 15 to 25 years of life.
Best for Lifespan: Solid Hardwood
Laminate floors have a considerably shorter life than solid hardwood flooring.
Solid hardwood floors can be refinished several times before needing to be replaced.
Hardwood floors can last from four to six times longer than laminate floors.
The boards are almost always 3/4 inch thick.
Laminate flooring generally comes in planks 4 inches wide or more and about 48 inches long.
The thickness of the planks ranges from 6 to 12 mm, depending on the quality of the product.
Resale Value
Hardwood flooring tends to have good resale valueif it is in decent shape.
Solid hardwood ranks with high-quality porcelain or natural stone tile as a premium flooring material.
Laminate flooring adds less real estate value to a home than solid hardwood.
Laminate flooring is considered to be a good addition to a low- or mid-range priced house, though.
Comfort and Sound
Hardwood floors tend to hold true to their name: they are hard underfoot.
Radiant heating systems can be installed under solid hardwood flooring.
But the need for auxiliary heat is less than with laminate flooring because it naturally feels warmer.
Laminate flooring is generally somewhat soft underfoot since it is installed over a foam underlayment.
But as a floating floor, it can sometimes flex underfoot unless the subfloor is perfectly flat.
The hard plastic wear layer can transmit the clicks of shoe heels and pet toenails.
Laminate flooring can be installed over radiant heating systems to create a warmer, cozier floor.
Best for Comfort and Sound: Laminate
Both flooring materials have roughly the same surface characteristics.
Laminate flooring is somewhat more comfortable due to the softening characteristics of its underlayment.
If your goal is to add long-term value to your home, solid hardwood flooring is the best investment.
Hardwood flooring almost always costs more to install than laminate.
Laminate flooring has a repeating pattern whereas hardwood boards are unique.
Thus, it is possible to spot a laminate floor due to its pattern.
1, 2013, pp.
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Hardwood Flooring Costs and How to Save.U.S.
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The Best Flooring for Resale Value: Wood, Tile, Carpet, and Beyond.Realtor.com
