Hardwood Versus Laminate

The question of laminate flooring versus wood flooring may come up when you are looking to buy new hard-surface floors for your home. This question is difficult to answer. Laminate and wood have distinct qualities, so it is up to the individual to choose which one works best in their home. This information might help you make a decision between laminate or real wood flooring.

Laminate is typically made of a high density fiberboard core, which is pressed between a laminate backing with melamine and a high-quality photograph showing natural floors. The laminate top also has a melamine laminate topping. Laminate planks can be made with thin slices of real wood veneer to replace the photographic paper. Laminate flooring is very easy to maintain. It doesn’t require waxing or polishing. Both laminate and hardwood have their advantages and disadvantages.

Laminate floors are more susceptible to scratches than hardwood floors, but scratches can be much more easily fixed with real hardwood flooring. It takes longer to fix a scratch or tear in laminate flooring than it does with hardwood. Laminate flooring can’t be sanded. Hardwood floors can. You can purchase laminate flooring companies’ touch-up and repair kits. Hardwoods can be sanded easily with a light hand. Hardwood may be better for you if you have pets and think scratches and scuffs could be a possibility.

Laminate flooring is a better choice than hardwoods because it does not fade or change color over time. Many stained wood floors can fade or change in color over time. Wood can be refinished to restore its original beauty, unlike laminate. While both laminates and hardwood can be affected by excess moisture, laminate will last longer if placed in a bathroom or kitchen. Hardwood is not well-suited to rooms that are subjected to a lot moisture.

It is ultimately up to you to decide whether you want hardwood or laminate flooring. This decision is easier when you assess your needs and weigh the pros and cons.