The Pros and Cons of Hardwood Flooring vs. Laminate Flooring: Which Is Better for You?

When it comes to flooring, there are a lot of options to choose from. You can go with hardwood, laminate, tile, or even carpet. So which is the best option for you?

 

Let's discuss the pros and cons of hardwood flooring vs. laminate flooring. We'll give you plenty of information, so you should have a better idea of what is the best laminate flooring for your home!

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Total Floor Removal Can Install Laminate Flooring

Are you looking for a top-quality laminate flooring installation service? Look no further than Total Floor Removal. We are experts in different styles of laminate flooring installation.

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We only use the highest quality materials and equipment, and our team of highly skilled laminate flooring installation professionals will take care of every aspect of the best wood look laminate flooring installation. 

 

Total Floor Removal is your one-stop-shop for all your flooring removal and laminate flooring installation needs. 

What's the difference between wood and laminate?

Laminate flooring uses a click lock feature many homeowners are able to install themselves as a DIY project. But for a professional and durable finish, it's always best to hire an expert like Total Floor Removal.

 

Engineered wood or wood veneer is beautiful but very expensive. Solid hardwood can be easily scratched or damaged by water. For some, solid hardwood is worth the cost for the classic look real wood provides.  Laminate flooring is much less expensive per square foot and can give you the look of wood without the price tag.

 

If you're considering engineered wood floors or laminate flooring for your living rooms or any other home improvement project, it's important to weigh the pros and cons.

 

Here's a look at the key differences between engineered wood and laminate:

Price:

Hardwood floors are the more expensive per square foot because they're made from real wood, while laminate is a composite material.

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Laminate Flooring is Beautiful, Durable and Affordable. Laminate is much less expensive per square foot, making them a great option for those who are working with a tight budget. However, they will not last as long as solid hardwood floors and may not have the same level of quality.

 

Durability:

Real wood is known for its durability and long-lasting beauty that can last for decades with proper care, but it is not scratch resistant. Laminate flooring is a more affordable option that can still provide many years of use, but it is not as durable as wood.

 

Laminate is made of layers of compressed wood products and covered with a wear layer that can eventually be worn down with repeated use.

 

Appearance:

Real hardwood floors have a natural beauty that is unmatched by any other type of flooring. The grain patterns and colors of the wood add depth and character to a room that is simply not possible with laminate floors.

 

Laminate floors can be made to look like almost any type of wood, including oak, cherry, maple, and even stone. Many brands such as Pergo offer a variety of colors, textures, and patterns.

 

Unlike porcelain or ceramic tile or glued down wood, laminate flooring is a floating floor that is water resistant, stain resistant, and is much less expensive per square foot.

 

Maintenance:

With wood floors, you should sweep, dust, or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris. You can also use a damp mop for cleaning, but be sure to not saturate the floor because it's not waterproof.

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Also, if you want to keep your floor looking its best for a very long time then it is important that once every few months or even years (depending on how often they get walked upon) the floors should be waxed and polished.

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The best laminate flooring is easy to clean and maintain than wood floors. You can use a damp mop for cleaning on waterproof laminate, but be sure to not saturate the floor. Laminate floors do not require waxing or polishing to maintain being water resistant.

 

Geez... This Is A Tough Decision!

Let's review the differences between hardwood flooring vs. laminate flooring

• Hardwood flooring is a classic choice that never goes out of style

• Laminate is a more affordable option and can look very similar to wood

• Hardwood flooring requires more maintenance, such as regular sweeping and waxing

• Laminate is scratch-resistant and can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth

• Hardwood floors may warp or buckle over time, while laminate is more durable

• Ultimately, the choice between hardwood and laminate comes down to personal preference

 

Once you've weighed the pros and cons of installing either hardwood floors or laminate for your home improvement project, it's time to make a decision and choose a flooring material.

 

If you've decided on laminate, the next step is to find a reputable and experienced contractor to install your new floors. And that's where we come in!

 

Complete Removal and Installation Services from Total Floor Removal

At Total Floor Removal, we have over 15 years of experience installing every brand and all types of flooring, including laminate and vinyl planks. 

We understand that not all laminate floors are created equal, which is why we take the time to assess your needs and find the best flooring brands of laminate for your home or commercial property.

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We also offer competitive pricing on our laminate floor installation services, so you can rest assured you're getting the best value for your money. Contact us today to schedule a free installation quote!

 

What is Laminate Floors?

Laminate floors are multi-layer high density fiberboard fused together. Laminate floors are made by taking a thin base layer of wood and bonding it to a thicker core layer of plywood or particle board. The top wear layer is then sealed with a clear, hard resin.

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Fading, staining, and surface damage are common problems that can ruin the look of your flooring. The top layer, (wear layer) is a clear layer that protects against all three of these issues.

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There are many laminate flooring options at a price point that is budget-friendly for residential use in high traffic areas with heavy foot traffic.

 

How do I choose the best laminate flooring?

Do a little research and look online for brands like Rev Wood, Shaw, Mohawk, Pergo, Dupont, and Mannington. The best laminate flooring has a thicker laminate layer and resists bends as well as reduces noise. 

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When you buy laminate flooring, make sure that the locking system is of good quality. This ensures that the planks fit together tightly and are durable. 

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Also, check for underlayment options. Some flooring brands offer this along with laminate flooring. Underlayment adds cushioning and makes the plank layers feel softer underfoot.

 

Two Types of Laminate Flooring

We'll Break It Down For You...

Laminate floors are often called laminated wood flooring, though they have two very different uses. First of all is the original type that has chipped pieces of real lumber glued together to form its base; this creates an appearance similar but not quite like actual solid oak or other wood species.

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The second kind consists entirely out synthetic material with hints from natural sources-the top looks like real wood because there is an exact image layer -a perfect example would be fauxgress which closely resembles sapele in texture yet doesn't have any Essential oil components whatsoever.

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Laminate flooring is a great choice for many types of homes, but there are two main options you have to make when deciding on it. 

The first option would be engineered wood and the other one being plastic laminate floors which offer their own unique benefits depending upon what look or feel best suits your personal style preferences.

 

Engineered Wood Veneer

Engineered wood is a great option for those looking to save money and have their floors restored. The bottom layers consist of three to 12 heavy-duty fiberboard, plywood or unfinished hardwood which can be found in most home improvement stores near you!

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With such an affordable price point this product will not only last, but it's also easy on your wallet because each time that layer gets older they just need refinishing, so there isn't much maintenance involved with maintaining them at all since the wear from shoes/traffic areas etc., doesn’t really accumulate over long periods either.

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Plastic Laminate Flooring

Plastic laminate flooring is a great alternative to real hardwood floors. Unlike the latter, it consists of multiple layers and has durability as well because plastic doesn't scratch or fade easily like other materials do over time due its high-definition image layer which can be scratched without damage being done unlike softer woods.

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The bottom layer acts like a moisture barrier, so your feet will never get wet while walking on these types if wood surfaces where water tends enough pressure build up quickly causing mold growths especially near windowsills.

 

Laminate Plank Thickness

Laminate flooring can be as thin or thick, depending on what you're looking for. For example 7 mm is the standard thickness when it comes to protecting your subfloor from being damaged by heavy foot traffic.

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However, if noise levels are also important then 12 millimeters might better suit them because this type of laminate has been designed with an additional layer that helps absorb sound waves before they reach their destination- which would otherwise result in louder footsteps walking across any other surface.

 

Laminate Flooring Plank Length & Widths

When you go to your local flooring store to shop for laminate flooring options you'll find styles come in many widths and lengths, but the average plank is about 4 feet long. Wider planks can be up to 7 inches thick while narrower ones will only measure 3 inches at their widest point.

 

Because of this difference between installed widths versus length—narrower boards are easier for installers because end joints resist staying flush with each other — you might want to think twice before purchasing a very wide sort if you're looking solely into aesthetics rather than practicality.

 

What Size Is Right for your Room?

If you have an uneven subfloor or concrete pad, it's best to use wider planks in order for the boards not only span across but also open up smaller spaces. Narrower pieces will work well when spanning larger areas like a living room with little variation from one side of an area being consistent compared against another.

 

Now, How Does It Look?

Hardwood floors are a classic, timeless look that will never go out of style. The goal for the texture and finish on laminate should be to have it as close possible, so you can still enjoy all those beautiful details like wood grain or finely tuned knots in your surface without being distracted by anything else about them.

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The engineered variety does this best because its topmost wear layer contains actual hardwoods which gives off an attractive appearance with powerful visual cues from nature itself.

 

It Looks Real!

Laminate flooring has a layer that give the appearance of real wood, but it's not made from actual materials. 

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Thanks to modern technology and high-definition printing techniques designers can create an artificial look for their floors that is virtually impossible with carpets or other fabrics.

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In addition, they don't hold dirt as easily and bacteria isn’t attracted either. Laminate's also resist mold growth.

 

Do a Little Research

See what Total Floor Removal can do for you. We have the experience and knowledge to get the job done right, the first time.

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Get ideas on Pinterest, Houzz, Home Depot or the local flooring store for flooring brands including RevWood, Shaw, Mohawk, Pergo, Dupont, and Mannington.

 

Laminate Floor Installation

Call Today for a Free Quote!

Laminate flooring planks are a great option because it's less expensive, faster, and easier to install for those who don't want to spend too much time or money. This product can be installed in just one day with the snap-and lock process, eliminating nails and glue required by other types of installation methods.

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Total Floor Removal is the premier company for all your flooring removal and installation needs. We specialize in different styles of laminate floors, including high-quality wood looks that are sure to please!