The article brings out the fine differences between the hardwood flooring and laminate flooring. Before actually trying to understand the differences, it is good to know what exactly these are. Just so we know that these are something to do with the flooring for the houses, we will now understand them in detail.
Harwood Flooring:
The wood used here is harvested from trees, formed into planks and sandpapered for the smooth finish. They are available in different sizes and shapes that come from a variety of wood species. This flooring is popular with its natural tones that range from beige to a deep bronze.
Laminate Flooring:
This flooring is made of several layers of durable material. The layer that comes at the bottom is stabilizing layer that is specifically designed to resist moisture. This layer is topped up with synthetic fireboard that provides strength. This is topped up with a layer which is photographic layer for the design. All the layers are then topped and finished with melamine resin.
Doesn’t this sound simple?
While you all wonder to make a decision whether to go for a Hardwood flooring or a laminated one, a majority of you would change minds trying to figure out the best that suits your requirement with little information. The information collated here would certainly help you out in understanding the finer differences, pros and cons.
Appearance and Cost:
| Hardwood |
Laminate
|
|
| Pros | They are natural organic grains, timeless appeal, and natural texture. They can also take on different stains, wax coats for shiny look. The lighter species like white, oak can add stains like red, blue and purple. | They look better as synthetic material continue to improve in quality. Therefore, modern laminate floors look better than the hardwood floors unlike earlier versions. As a photographic layer is used, numerous possibilities can be replicated other than the stone, fabric, bamboo. |
| Cons | Some species are prone to discoloration when exposed to the sun for long duration. Also more easily scratched than laminate. The beauty can be affected if there is no proper maintenance. | The glossy texture on the top layer can look different from traditional woods. |
| Cost | The material and installation is definitely expensive, additional costs are also involved such as finish, treat and wax the floor. | The more amount is spent, the better is the quality of laminated floors. However, installation is cheaper. |
Care:
When it comes to care, we talk about which floor is easier to clean the mess?
| Hardwood |
Laminate
|
|
| Pros | These floors are easier to maintain with light vacuuming, sweeping and mopping with of course select cleaners. | Easier maintenance with light vacuuming as they don’t trap allergens like the carpets do. These floors are water-resistant so it is okay to mop them with water. They are less likely to fade unlike the hardwoods floors. |
| Cons | Due to its higher sensitivity to moisture, the mopping can’t be done with only water instead a select products must be used. Extra care needs to be taken while mopping. | They can’t do well with standing water, if they are damaged, there is no possibility of refinishing and they must be replaced. |
Durability:
| Hardwood |
Laminate
|
|
| Pros | They can last up to 20 years with good maintenance. Any damages can be refinished. Harder woods are tough and therefore stay longer, the longevity is definitely higher. | The top layer is resistant to scratches, dents, stains. This is kind of ideal for busy people out there where more traffic and constant mess is expected. |
| Cons | These floors are organic and not resistant to scratches, stains, dents. The durability depends on the species of wood and the strength depends on the expenses like finishing, waxing and good maintenance. The unfinished woods are susceptible to moisture damage and warping. | If there are damages, it can be treated by uprooting the whole plank and restore with a new one. They can’t be refinished. With good care, most of these types of floors can last from 15 to 25 years, but low quality brands may need a replacement sooner than this. |
Repair and Maintenance:
| Hardwood |
Laminate
|
|
| Pros | These floors can be refinished time and again. By doing so, the scratches and other damages can be treated. There is no need of uprooting and reinstalling the floors. | They are easy to clean and maintenance is definitely easier. They can be mopped with water and don’t require any special brand of cleaning solution. Keeping the floors clean increase the longevity of the floor. |
| Cons | Refinishing your floor does not come cheap. The cost depends on the quality and perfection given to it. | The floors get stains easily even if juice or coffee spills on the floor. If they get damaged, they can’t be refinished and can only be replaced. |
These are the most frequently searched queries by the interested parties. By the end of this post, I am sure, you feel content and in a position to make a decision.