Integrating Recycled Elements into Furniture Selection

Residential Flooring Options: Laminate vs. Hardwood

13 April 2015

Danny Morris

There are many flooring options to choose from when building or renovating your home. The final decision will depend on factors such as the budget set for the project, personal preference and the functional requirements. Hardwood and laminate are popular choices when flooring with a wooden look is desired but choosing between the two can be challenging. If you are uncertain about the ideal material, consider this brief comparison of the important aspects.

Overall Look

Laminate flooring is an engineered material which consists of the moisture-resistant underlay, the core fibreboard, a photographic layer and the outermost wear surface. The photographic layer is responsible for the flooring aesthetics and it can mimic any material including tile and stone.

Most homeowners favour realistic wood appearances for an almost-natural appeal. The visual impact of laminate remains consistent over time since the wear layer is scratch-resistant and the images are not vulnerable to fading due to UV exposure.

Hardwood is unrivalled in terms of beauty because of the inimitable authenticity delivered into the home. The flooring is solid therefore it does not produce hollow sounds and the surface is naturally warm. Hardwood is susceptible to fading and scratches but you can refinish the surfaces periodically to restore the natural appeal.

Costs

There are different financial factors that must be considered when evaluating the difference between the flooring cumulative costs. Hardwood is very expensive to purchase especially when high quality materials are desired. In addition, professional installation will be required because the project is involving. For instance, preparation of the subfloor is mandatory and the flooring must be protected from moisture. You can choose the engineered hardwood alternative which is cheaper and DIY friendly if you do not have sufficient funds.

Laminate is very cheap to purchase and installation does not require special knowledge or skills. The flooring can be fixed on top of almost all types of existing floors and they do not have to be completely level. Furthermore, many manufacturers have designed laminate planks that lock into each other for easy setup.

Maintenance

Laminate flooring does not have special maintenance requirements because of the material resilience. Regular sweeping with non-abrasive cloths will help in maintaining the appeal of the surface. It is important to avoid excessive exposure to moisture because it will lead to warping of the planks. Hardwood is also very tough but it is a poor choice in homes where there are clawed pets, high-heeled shoes and exuberant children. You will need to refinish the floor periodically which can be time-consuming and costly.

Learn more about your options and get a second opinion from resources like Calco Trusses & Timber.

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