Let’s be real—choosing flooring is overwhelming. Hardwood looks amazing, but it’s expensive. Laminate flooring is budget-friendly, but will it hold up? If you’re stuck between these two, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. You want your floors to be stylish, durable, and not something you regret six months later. So, let’s break down the good, the bad, and what actually makes sense for your home.
Look and feel
Hardwood is a classic beauty. It’s warm, rich, and full of character. Each plank is unique, with grain patterns that can’t be copied. When you walk into a room with real hardwood, it shows. It feels solid, natural, and luxurious.
Laminate flooring, however, is a bit of a chameleon. It’s made from compressed fiberboard with a photo layer on top. That photo can mimic wood, stone, or even tile. Today’s laminate options look surprisingly real. Some people can’t tell the difference unless they touch it. Still, the texture may give it away.
If you want the real deal and that unmistakable wood feel, go hardwood. Laminate wood flooring gets the job done if you’re cool with a convincing look for less.
Cost and value
Hardwood is an investment. It costs more upfront, sometimes a lot more. But it can boost your home’s value and last for decades—like, 50+ years if you take care of it.
Laminate wood flooring is much more affordable. It can cost half as much as hardwood, sometimes even less. It’s a solid option if you’re renovating on a budget or updating a rental. However, laminate usually doesn’t add the same resale value.
So, ask yourself: is this your forever home, or are you flipping and moving soon?
Durability and maintenance
Here’s the kicker: laminate flooring is tougher than it looks. It resists scratches, moisture, and dents way better than hardwood. Do you have kids? Pets? High-traffic zones? Laminate wood flooring can handle it.
Hardwood? Not so much. It scratches. It dents. Water is its enemy. If you drop something heavy or spill and don’t catch it quickly, it can leave a mark. You’ll probably have to refinish it at some point.
Cleaning both is easy. Just avoid soaking either type. Laminate just needs a damp mop, and hardwood prefers special cleaners. Avoid steam mops altogether.
Installation and flexibility
Laminate flooring is DIY-friendly. It clicks together, floats over your subfloor, and goes down fast. You can often install it over existing flooring.
Hardwood is more involved. It needs to be nailed or glued, and the subfloor has to be just right. Most people hire a pro for this one.
Laminate is also more flexible with where it can go—like basements or kitchens. Hardwood doesn’t love moisture, so those areas are a bit risky.
Visit us for beautiful hardwood and laminate floors in Clayton, NC
Still torn? Think about your lifestyle. If you want timeless beauty, go hardwood. If you need something practical and cost-effective, laminate flooring might be your hero.
Whichever you choose, ensure it fits your space, habits, and long-term plans. 12th & Oak Floor Co. offers a wide selection of top-quality hardwood and laminate floors for sale. Our showroom in Clayton, NC, serves Clayton, Raleigh, and Cary, NC.
