Selecting the right material for your home’s flooring is an extremely important decision. The correct flooring will make the biggest difference to your home’s aesthetic appeal, comfortability, and even your property’s value.
Once you start browsing your options you will come to realize it may not be easy to make a decision. While there is no doubt your home or apartment will benefit from hard-surface flooring, the big question of wood or laminate is, of course, up to you.
Hard-Surface Flooring
Wood and laminate flooring are considered hard-surface floors, and they are known to give homes an instantly updated look. The choice of which hard-surface flooring will work best for you and your home can, however, be slightly daunting. While wood and laminate flooring are both really great options, each comes with its own pros and cons.
But before you get ahead of yourself, here’s a quick guide to wood and laminate flooring to make your remodeling decision that much easier.
Wood Flooring
Real estate agents agree. Homes with wooden flooring sell faster, and for higher prices than homes that do not display this very appealing look. Wood flooring is timeless and brings a natural warmth and beauty to any room.
There are 2 main types of wood flooring. Engineered hardwood flooring is made of several different woods or plywood layers glued together. Solid wood flooring is commonly available in narrow strips, wide planks, and parquet squares.
Both are unique in beauty and character while offering homeowners a more authentic finish. If looked after properly, this product can last for many years.
Wood flooring is recommended for those suffering from allergies. Wood tends to trap less pollen, dust, and animal hair, all of which are known triggers for an allergic reaction. This type of flooring can also be eco-friendly ( if you are using recycled materials ) and helps reduce your carbon footprint.
Installation
When it comes to wood flooring, there are three basic installation types:
- Planks
- Wood tile
- Strips
Straight-laid planks will cost you less to install compared to diagonal or more intricate installations. Price will also vary depending on the type of wood you prefer to use.
With a range of finishes and more than 50 species of domestic and imported woods to choose from, you really are spoilt for choice.
Pros
- Great return on investment
- Spoilt for choice
- Environmentally friendly
- Versatile
- Alleviates many allergic reactions
- Can be easily repaired
- Retains heat
- Long-lasting
- Easy maintenance
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Cold
- Tough to install
- Vulnerable to moisture
- Susceptible to rot
- Not very pet-friendly
- Needs occasional refinishing
- Noisy
Laminate Flooring
One of the reasons people don’t invest in laminate flooring is that it is not real. That said, it can look just as great as the real thing, and most people can’t even tell the difference!
Despite the critics, laminate flooring has become increasingly popular, and for good reason. Laminate flooring comes in an array of different colors and designs with the intention to match any style of the room. It is durable, easy to clean, and surprisingly easy to install – you could even do it yourself!
This type of hard-surface flooring can be installed almost anywhere in your home, providing your subfloor is flat, clean, and dry. You can also install laminate over existing floors made of concrete, vinyl sheet, wood, ceramic tile, or even carpet.
Pros
- Resistant to outdoor agents
- Low maintenance and easy to clean
- Stain resistant
- Easy to install
- Durable
- Copes well with moisture
- Resistant to the growth of bacteria
- No defects in the flooring pieces ( like imperfect engineered wood pieces )
Cons
- Joints wear over time
- It can be poorly installed
- Can have a “manufactured” look
- Slippery
- Has an unnatural feel
- Not sandable or re-finishable
- Comes with a limited lifespan
- Hard underfoot
Conclusion
So, what’s the bottom line? If you are looking for a flooring option that is affordable, durable and easy to maintain, laminate may be the best choice for your home. However, if you are looking for an authentic wood look or want a more customized solution, wood flooring may be a better fit. No matter what type of flooring you choose, it’s important to work with professionals who can help you make the best decision for your specific needs and budget. Contact us today to get started!