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If you are in the process of choosing which type of wood floors you want to have installed, you might have considered laminate flooring in addition to traditional hardwood floors. What are the pros and cons of each? Read on to find out.
Pricing
While costs vary, hardwood floors cost more, sometimes substantially more, than laminate flooring. The reason is that hardwood floors are made from harvested trees; the material is more expensive than pressboard covered by a paper-like laminate. If you are on a tight budget and just want the look of wood, then laminate flooring might be your best option.
Visual Appeal
Hardwood flooring looks like wood. There is a real grain and if you look closely, you will be able to see that it’s actually made from natural materials. Laminate floors, however, vary in how they look. Often, it’s the same wood-grain pattern stamped on each piece; also, the pieces might not match up perfectly when put together. If your primary concern is visual appeal, real wood floors will be your top choice.
Scratch-Resistance
You might be surprised to learn that laminate flooring actually resists scratches and wear marks better than hardwood floors. In addition, it’s easier to clean and won’t usually show wear and tear due to mild moisture. Hardwood can swell and show scratches more than laminate.
Repairs
If you need to repair laminate flooring, there’s not much you can do other than replace individual boards. Unfortunately, if the sun is shining on the floor and people and pets have been walking on it, boards from the same lot might not match perfectly. Hardwood flooring, however, can be sanded and refinished. Hardwood will usually last longer than laminate.
Value
While either type of flooring can attract homebuyers if you currently have carpeting and are putting the house on the market, hardwood floors will raise the value of your home; laminate generally will not.
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of hardwood floors, please contact us today!