Your flooring is oftentimes one of the first things both you and guests notice when you walk into your home. Nowadays, there are so many different options for wood flooring, including solid hardwood as well as laminate flooring that has the appearance of hardwood. What are the pros and cons of each, and how do you choose which type of flooring is best for your home?
More About Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood floors are a beautiful flooring option. Depending on the color of stain and the type of wood chosen, the natural grain of the wood makes the flooring look very authentic.
One benefit to hardwood floors is that they can be refinished. If they start to look old after a few years, or you’d like to change the stain color, simply hire a flooring company (like us here at Elite Floors) to sand down the existing finish and re-stain to the color of your choosing.
Wood flooring is definitely the most expensive flooring option of the two. Not only are the materials more expensive, but wood flooring must be carefully installed by a professional flooring company, so you have the added cost of labor as well.
Hardwood floors are easy to clean. The best way to clean hardwood floors is to use a slightly damp rag or a mop. Never steam mop a hardwood floor, or use harsh chemicals, as this can harm the flooring over time, as well as void any warranties you might have.
Hardwood floors are durable, but not as durable as many other types of flooring. Dropping heavy, pointed, sharp objects will leave marks and dents on the flooring.
More About Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a type of manufactured flooring that essentially has a picture of wood on the top surface of the product. Laminate floors can be very beautiful, but might not look quite as beautiful as real hardwood. Some of the cheapest laminate options can look fake, but generally a quality laminate can give you a look that is almost as beautiful as the real hardwood, but with a significantly lower cost.
Laminate is a great, lower-cost alternative to hardwood flooring. It’s traditionally about one fourth of the price of hardwood, which is great if you’re working with a budget. It can also be even cheaper because it can be a DIY project for a moderately experienced home owner. However, we don’t recommend installing laminate flooring on your own – hiring a flooring company to do it right the first time will end up saving you many headaches. Laminate is quicker to install that hardwood, which also saves money on labor.
One down side to this type of flooring is that it cannot be refinished. Because the top surface is only a picture of wood, there is no wood to sand. If styles change or you want a new color scheme in your living room, the entire floor must be replaced.
Laminate flooring can be easily cleaned with a slightly damp rag. Again, you shouldn’t steam mop your laminate floors, as it can damage the adhesive used during installation. Laminate is typically a more durable, forgiving option than hardwood. It doesn’t dent or ding nearly as easily.
Other Considerations
Something else to keep in mind when choosing a flooring option is the real estate market in your area, even if you’re not planning on moving soon. If you’re wanting to increase the value of your home, install a product that is found in other similar homes in the region. If most homes in your area have hardwood, buyers might have a tendency to look down on laminate when they come to look at your home. But if laminate is the standard in the area and most local buyers either prefer it or don’t mind it, choose laminate.
Updating your flooring is a great way to add value and beauty to your home. Use these pros and cons to make sure you’re installing the best flooring for your home. To compare the two flooring options side-by-side, visit Elite Floors today! Have questions? Give us a call.
