Hardwood Flooring vs Laminate Flooring, which is better?

There are many options when deciding on your flooring style. Between the colours, installation processes, and design, it can be overwhelming. Most people entertain the idea of laminate floors, as they are a DIY option and can be more cost efficient; however, in the end hardwood floors are the best value. Read our blog on the differences between hardwood flooring vs. laminate flooring.

Durability
Having genuine wooden flooring can last a lifetime. Laminate floors, however, must be replaced every ten to fifteen years. The other problem is that if one piece of laminate is ruined, the whole floor will need to be replaced. On top of that, if you have to replace your floor every ten years, it is much more cost effective to install better quality floors in the first place. While hardwood floors can become scratched, they can easily be sanded or refinished instead of replacing the entire floor.

Style
There are so many options when it comes to the style and look of hardwood floors. From wood colours to wood cuts to installation patterns, each floor is unique. In addition, there are numerous types of wood, including many exotic species or solid oak flooring, that can make your space look different from any other. Laminate flooring does not offer the same amount of variety, and can really just look like a photo of wood, not close to the real thing.

Health
Some laminate floors are made of melamine resin, which is a compound made with formaldehyde. More and more concerns have arisen about indoor air quality because of bad organic compounds that stem from materials made with formaldehyde. While some laminate floors use a chemical process to reduce the formaldehyde emissions, not all do. Hardwood floors are the clear winner in the case of which is better for overall health.

Value
Hardwood floors, especially solid hardwood floors, add a lot of value to your home. Homes that have hardwood flooring typically stay on the market for less time than those without hardwood floors. When purchasing a home with hardwood floors, you can be sure that you will not have to invest extra resources in that area for some time.

So if you are still considering laminate, make sure you are aware of the pros and cons of having that material in your home.